Evaluation of environmental hazards resulted from natural radioactivity in rocks from catchment area in Delta Tuban in Yemen

Abstract

The knowledge of environmental hazards resulted from natural radioactivity and human activities are very important for monitoring environmental contamination. In this study the environmental hazards due to the natural radioactivity in rocks from catchment area of Tuban delta in Yemen were discussed and evaluated. Eight rocks samples were collected from the study area. The results showed that the mean activity concentrations of 238U series (226Ra), 232Th, and 40K were 29.52  1.5, 32.29  2.3, and 817.5  30.1 Bq kg-1, respectively. Also, the physical and chemical properties of some rock samples were examined and evaluated. Radiological parameter, such as absorbed dose rate in air, annually effective dose, the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), gamma index (Iɤ), external hazard index (Hex), and internal hazard index (Hin), were calculated and evaluated. The results were compared with those of literatures.