The importance of the radioactive minerals occurring at the Poços de Caldas plateau for the establishment of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Program has been recognised world-wide. The interest in uranium in the present days as a consequence of its use as a nuclear fuel coupled to its price in the international market has lead to intense debate, mainly due to questions related to global warming. Thus, all initiatives/studies directed to a better knowledge/management of this element in the environment are welcome and needed. This book describes many results obtained on the analysis of natural radionuclides in different compartments, considering their distribution in (un)disturbed environments, as well as consequences of the anthropogenic actions and possible lessons that can be learned from the past uranium exploration activities held at the Poços de Caldas caldera.

Zusammenfassung
The importance of the radioactive minerals occurring at the Pocos de Caldas plateau for the establishment of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Program has been recognised world-wide. This book describes many results obtained on the analysis of natural radionuclides in different compartments, considering their distribution in (un)disturbed environments.

Inhalt

Some Highlights of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Program; The Phenomenon of Radioactivity & the Natural Decay Series; Radioactivity Occurrence at the Pocos de Caldas Alkaline Massif; General Climatic & Hydrological Aspects of the Pocos de Caldas Plateau; Selected Hydrogeological Information of Morro do Ferro Area; Selected Analytical Methods for Measuring Natural Radionuclides in the Pocos de Caldas Plateau; Experimental Miscellaneous Involving the Alpha Spectrometry by Semiconductor Detector; Natural Radionuclides in a Superficial Weathered Cover at Morro do Ferro; Natural Radionuclides in Ground & Surface Waters from Morro do Ferro; Enrichment of Daughter Radionuclides in Ground & Surface Waters from Morro do Ferro; Hydrochemistry & Soluble Uranium at Morro do Ferro; Weathering Processes at Morro Do Ferro; Uranium Isotopes in Aquifers at the Pocos de Caldas Spa; The Future Challenges for the Use of Nuclear Energy in Brazil; Index.