Some examples are listed below. They can be detected quickly and inexpensively as a class. Mercury in compounds produced by industrial processes can be assayed in the same way. Radium has been determined in naturally occuring gypsum and in by-product phosphate fertilizer used for plaster board, and as a soil conditioner. Radioactive fallout in a variety of materials and in the environment from global incidents such as the disaster at Chernobyl can be monitored by the sophisticated instrumentation at the Facility.
Products measured recently include spicy seasoning, mushrooms, canola and peas.
This information may be used in soil-erosion studies.