Investigation on the enrichment of radionuclides in an endosulfan-affected area, Enmakaje Panchayath, Kasargod

Abstract

In the present study, systematic analysis of radionuclides concentration and radiological parameters of sediment samples collected from the banks of Kodankari stream situated in Enmakaje Panchayath, Kasargod, has been carried out. A total of twenty sediment samples were collected and analyzed for activity concentration of radionuclides, namely,40K,226Ra, and232Th using high-purity germanium detector. The activity concentration of226Ra ranges from 30.5 to 56 Bq/kg with a mean value of 41.6 Bq/kg, activity concentration of232Th ranges from 100.5 to 220 Bq/kg with a mean value of 144.4 Bq/kg, and activity concentration of40K ranges from 19.1 to 98.6 Bq/kg with a mean value of 64.7 Bq/kg. The radiological parameters such as absorbed dose, annual effective dose (indoor and outdoor), radium equivalent activity, and internal and external exposure indices were calculated and compared with the recommended safety limits prescribed by various agencies. The results of the systematic analysis are presented and discussed in detail in the manuscript.