Investigation of the surface soil and the environmental radioactivity in Huhhot city

Abstract

Objective To determine activity concentrations of natural and artificial radionuclides in the surface soils in Huhhot city, measure environmental radiation level, and evaluate risks to residents health. Methods Radionuclides in 48 surface soil samples were determined by means of the high purity germanium γ spectrometer; environmental radiation level was measured using an environment γ dose rate meter; comparison was made of average activity concentrations in soils between domestically and globally; and the radiation dose to the local residents was estimated by using the methods recommended by UNSCEAR and reported in the related literatures. Results The average values for specific activity of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and137Cs in the surface soil samples in Huhhot city were (29.29±12.95), (39.33±4.34), (29.77±3.21), (650.49±62.21) and (1.62±1.53) Bq/kg, respectively; the measured air absorbed dose rate was (86.32±11.92) nGy/h; the annual effective dose to local residents from outdoor γ radiation was 79.27 μSv/year. Conclusions The specific activities of radionulcides in soils and the environmental radiation in surface soil in Huhhot city were at a normal background level, with low risks to health of the local residents. Key words: Soil; Radionuclide; Dose rate; Risk assessment; Huhhot city