Determination of the self-attenuation based on the sample composition in gamma-ray spectrometry of 210Pb: requirements for the scope of chemical analyses

In the presented paper analysis of sensitivity of self-attenuation correction Cs to the accuracy of chemical composition analysis is presented. The analyses were done by means of Monte Carlo simulation for cylindrical samples and for four sample materials: peat, water, ash and soil. For each of these materials the major elements were selected whose determination in the analysed material is necessary. For the remaining elements threshold levels of their concentration were determined—if expected element concentration in a sample exceeds this value, its determination is indispensable, assuming the accuracy of Cs determination at 3 %.