[ Étude de la variabilité spatiale et analytique de la concentration en uranium résiduel dans les hydroxydes de cobalt d’exportation: Application pour la radioprotection à Kolwezi ]
Kayembe Kitenge Sylva1, Faila Lutina Inès2, Nawezi Kasongo Raymond3, Malala Kitenge Pascal4, Mpiana Kasela Olivier5, Mutomb Kapend Habacuc6, and Katubilwa Katele Christian7
1 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
2 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
3 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
4 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
5 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
6 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
7 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
Original language: French
Copyright © 2026 ISSR Journals. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
In accordance with the international safety requirements, particularly those established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the General Safety Requirements (GSR part 3), materials containing naturally occurring radionuclides from the uranium and thorium decay series with an activity concentration of 1 Bq/g are generally considered to fall within the scope of regulatory control. This work was devoted to the analysis of variability of specific activity of cobalt hydroxides from four companies in the city of Kolwezi, particulary those reputed to have deposits slightly enriched in radioactive materials. Nearly 150 samples were collected to carry out this study, and the specific activities were calculated after analysis using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The activity concentration determined in the present study remains below this reference level. Nevertheless, the findings warrant a documented radiological assessment conducted under a graded approach to radiation protection. Consistent with the fundamental principles of radiation protection recommended by the IAEA namely justification, optimization and dose limitation- the measured radiological levels indicate that handling, storage, and transport operation may be performed under normal operating conditions. This conclusion is contigent upon the implementation of good industrial practices and the establishment of periodic radiological monitoring to ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.
Author Keywords: Variability, mass activity, standards, dose rate, Kolwezi, radioprotection.
Kayembe Kitenge Sylva1, Faila Lutina Inès2, Nawezi Kasongo Raymond3, Malala Kitenge Pascal4, Mpiana Kasela Olivier5, Mutomb Kapend Habacuc6, and Katubilwa Katele Christian7
1 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
2 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
3 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
4 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
5 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
6 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
7 Université de Lubumbashi, RD Congo
Original language: French
Copyright © 2026 ISSR Journals. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
In accordance with the international safety requirements, particularly those established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the General Safety Requirements (GSR part 3), materials containing naturally occurring radionuclides from the uranium and thorium decay series with an activity concentration of 1 Bq/g are generally considered to fall within the scope of regulatory control. This work was devoted to the analysis of variability of specific activity of cobalt hydroxides from four companies in the city of Kolwezi, particulary those reputed to have deposits slightly enriched in radioactive materials. Nearly 150 samples were collected to carry out this study, and the specific activities were calculated after analysis using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The activity concentration determined in the present study remains below this reference level. Nevertheless, the findings warrant a documented radiological assessment conducted under a graded approach to radiation protection. Consistent with the fundamental principles of radiation protection recommended by the IAEA namely justification, optimization and dose limitation- the measured radiological levels indicate that handling, storage, and transport operation may be performed under normal operating conditions. This conclusion is contigent upon the implementation of good industrial practices and the establishment of periodic radiological monitoring to ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.
Author Keywords: Variability, mass activity, standards, dose rate, Kolwezi, radioprotection.
Abstract: (french)
Au regard des exigences internationales de sureté, notamment celles établies par l’agence Internationale à l’Energie atomique (AIEA) dans les normes fondamentales de sureté (GSR part 3), les matériaux présentant une activité de 1Bq/g pour les radionucléides naturels des chaines de l’uranium et du Thorium sont généralement considérés comme relevant du régime de contrôle réglementaire. Ce travail a été consacré sur l’analyse de la variabilité de l’activité massique de l’uranium dans les hydroxydes de cobalt des quelques entreprises de la ville de Kolwezi, notamment celles réputées avoir des gisements légèrement riches en matériaux radioactifs. Près de 150 échantillons ont été collectés pour réaliser cette étude et les activités massiques ont été calculées après analyse au spectromètre de fluorescence X. La valeur mesurée de cette étude demeure inférieure au seuil de référence, mais justifie néanmoins une évaluation radiologique documentée dans le cadre d’une approche graduée de la radioprotection. Conforment aux principes fondamentaux de radioprotection recommandés par l’AIEA justification-optimisation-limitation des doses, les niveaux observés suggèrent que les opérations de manipulation, de stockage et de transport peuvent être réalisées en conditions normales d’exploitation, sous réserve du maintien de bonnes pratiques industrielles et d’une bonne surveillance radiologique périodique.
Author Keywords: Variabilité, activité massique, Norms, débit de dose, Kolwezi, radioprotection.
