The Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences Vol 11 No 1 (2007): 177 – 180

 

 

HORIZONTAL TRANSPORT OF 228RA/226RA IN THE SURFACE WATER OF SOUTHERN SOUTH CHINA SEA AND MALACCA STRAITS

 

Che Abd Rahim Mohamed*1, Phuah Chai Shia1, Nioo Siew Yew1  and Zaharuddin Ahmad2

 

1Marine Ecosystem Research Center (EKOMAR), Faculty of Science & Technology

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor

2Malaysian Institute Nuclear for Research (MINT), 43600 Bangi, Selangor

 

*Corresponding author: carmohd@ukm.my

 

Abstract

Activity concentrations of 228Ra and 226Ra in the suspended particles from year 2002 to 2003 at the east coast and west coast Peninsular of Malaysia were determined using the Alpha and Beta Spectrometry, for estimating the horizontal transport of radium during the southwest and northeast monsoons. The suspended part icles were acting as a vector for transport radium nuclides from the mainland to the ocean during monsoon seasons. At the same time, the radium nuclides in dissolved form were desorbed from the suspended particles. High distribution coefficient  value (Kd) of radium isotopes were found in the southern South China Sea, indicate that radium nuclides were strongly absorbed onto the particulate phase. The Kd  values of 226Ra and 228Ra were ranged from 0.78 × 105 Lg-1  to 5.56 x 105 Lg-1  and from 0.21 x 105 Lg-1  to  1.86 x 105 Lg-1, respectively.

 

Keywords : 228Ra and 226Ra; monsoon; suspended particles; southern South China Sea; Malacca Straits

 

References

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