VARIANTE DA ESPECTROMETRIA GAMA PARA AVALIAÇÃO DE Cs-137 EM MATRIZES ANÁLOGAS AO AÇÚCAR COMO REQUISITO DE SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR

GAMMA SPECTROMETRY VARIANT FOR EVALUATION OF Cs-137 IN SUGAR-ANALOG MATRICES AS A FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENT. Nuclear safety necessitates rigorous monitoring of environmental radioactivity, which in turn requires the development of efficient and high-resolution radioanalytical methodologies. Regulatory standards restrict the marketing of food products containing cesium-137 (137Cs) activity levels exceeding 1.0 kBq kg–1, making radiometric analysis of sugar essential for export compliance. This analysis enables the detection of gamma signatures from radionuclides, facilitating the identification of environmental contamination. In this study, we developed a calibration model for gamma spectrometers, utilizing 3D printing technology to fabricate a specialized container. Soil samples weighing 300 g were treated with cesium solutions, yielding specific activities of 695 and 1,042 Bq kg–1. The relative dispersion of these activities was measured at 2.96%, with a remarkably low relative error of 0.04% in the characterization of gamma transitions. The achieved energy resolution of 0.64% reflects significant enhancements in the interaction parameters between the material and the detector. Additionally, strategies to minimize gamma auto absorption were implemented, thereby improving the safety and accuracy of radionuclide qualification and quantification. These practices not only ensure compliance with safety regulations but also contribute to the protection of public health and the environment.