Title: 210Pb geochronology of sediments from the Guama River and Guajara Bay in the Amazon region, Belem, Brazil

Authors: Fabiana F. Dias, Maria Helena T. Taddei, Suziane M. Nascimento, Jean-Michel Lafon

Addresses: Pocos de Caldas Laboratory (LAPOC), Radioprotection Division, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), Rodovia Pocos de Caldas/Andradas, km 13, 37701–970, Pocos de Caldas, MG, Brazil. ' Pocos de Caldas Laboratory (LAPOC), Radioprotection Division, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), Rodovia Pocos de Caldas/Andradas, km 13, 37701–970, Pocos de Caldas, MG, Brazil. ' Centro de Geociencias, Universidade Federal do Para, Campus do Guama, Avenida Augusto Correia, 1, Caixa Postal 8608, Guama, 66075–110, Belem, PA, Brazil. ' Centro de Geociencias, Universidade Federal do Para, Campus do Guama, Avenida Augusto Correia, 1, Caixa Postal 8608, Guama, 66075–110, Belem, PA, Brazil

Abstract: This study chronologically dated three sediment profiles collected at the mouth of the Amazon River using the 210Pb geochronology method. All profiles were sliced into 5 cm layers and analysed for radionuclides through gamma spectrometry. The results obtained dated the sediments as far back as 65 years. The sedimentation rate was also determined. A subsequent interpretation of the results provides information on pollutants present in sediment layers and infer possible contamination patterns by operating industries and anthropogenic activities in the area of the Amazon Hydrographic Basin.

Keywords: geochronology; sediment; radionuclides; gamma spectrometry; lead-210; radium-226; sedimentation rate; Amazon region; Brazil; contamination patterns; environmental pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/AFP.2010.031018

Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, 2010 Vol.3 No.1, pp.26 - 32

Published online: 18 Jan 2010 *

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