A Cost-Effective Near Real-Time Detection System for Continuous Monitoring Environmental Radioactivity

This study presents a monitoring system designed as an integrated surveillance and decision support tool for the terrestrial and the ocean environments. The developed system integrates in situ ocean sensor for monitoring purposes as well as a real-time communication tool for data transfer combined with a power generating module to sustain power for all modules. The system is applied for a period of around six months in different seasons to detect, identify gradients of radioactivity in the atmosphere. The gross gamma-ray intensity as detected by the system was interpreted in qualitative manner according to the rainfall events. The background gamma-ray spectra during dry periods for different seasons are also discussed in terms of seasonality. The results of the analysis offer actionable insights through existing mechanisms to support authorities in rapid response and policy planning related to marine radioactivity issues.