ABSTRACT
T o obtain a comprehensive and reliable understanding of the radiation situation and to verify the actual presence of radionuclides in various environments samples must
be collected and prepared for radionuclide assessment. Modelling and computer simulations can never fully replace the need for environmental sampling due to inherent uncertainties in the analytical dispersion models of radionuclides. Sampling for radiological assessments can be made for various purposes, as will be described in this chapter. Great care must be taken when carrying out sample collections, and several procedures must be considered before radiometry can be carried out. This is especially the case when assessing the presence of alpha-and beta-emitting particles as the short range of the emitted radiation requires laborious procedures to enable the detection, either by radiometry or by mass spectrometry. The following chapter will also briefly describe the theoretical concept of sampling, some common types of environmental sampling performed within the field of environmental radioactivity and emergency preparedness, and the procedures connected with preparing these samples for radionuclide assessment.
