Bi-214

Bismuth-214 (Bi-214) is a radioactive isotope of bismuth with a half-life of approximately 19.9 minutes. It is part of the uranium-238 decay series, formed as a decay product of radon-222 through polonium-218 and lead-214. Bi-214 decays primarily via beta emission to polonium-214, accompanied by strong gamma radiation at characteristic energies, making it highly detectable using gamma spectrometry.

This isotope is almost always present in a mixture with other isotopes characteristic of the decay chain of uranium, radium or radon.

Bi-214 is widely used in environmental monitoring and radiation detection calibration due to its strong gamma emissions. Its presence is an important marker in gamma spectrometry for identifying uranium decay series isotopes in soil, water, and air. In research, Bi-214 is studied to understand decay chains and natural radiation distribution. It also plays a role in validating radiation models and monitoring radon progeny in indoor air quality studies.

Bi-214 is naturally found as part of the uranium-238 decay chain and is present in trace amounts in environments with uranium-bearing minerals, such as uraninite and pitchblende. It is commonly encountered in soils, rocks, and groundwater in areas with high uranium content. Bi-214 is also found in the atmosphere as a decay product of radon-222, contributing to natural background radiation. Its strong gamma emissions make it a critical component in environmental radiation monitoring and uranium exploration.