Abstract
Current research paper intends to estimate the natural radioactivity levels in sediments samples collected from Beni Haroun Dam in the northeast Algeria, using high resolution HPGe detector. The mean activity concentrations values measured for the radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra and 40K are 18.9 ± 1.9, 37.3 ± 2.7 and 149.9 ± 5.5 Bq/kg, respectively. The 137Cs anthropogenic radionuclide has been observed with maximum activity concentration value of 0.8 ± 0.4 Bq/kg, which is considered an insignificant amount. In order to assess the radiological threat of gamma radiations emitted by these radionuclides on the health of the population, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent and radiation hazard indices were had been calculated. The obtained values are compared with the world wide average ones.
Highlights
Every living creature in the environment is exposed to ionizing radiation comes from natural and anthropogenic radionuclides
The 137Cs anthropogenic radionuclide has been observed with maximum activity concentration value of 0.8 ± 0.4 Bq/kg, which is considered an insignificant amount
Natural radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been measured in sediment samples collected from different locations around Beni haroun Dam in the northeast Algeria, using high resolution HPGe detector
Summary
Every living creature in the environment is exposed to ionizing radiation comes from natural and anthropogenic radionuclides. Most of natural radioactivity present in environment arises from radioactive isotopes of 40K, 238U and 232Th decay series [1,2]. The specific levels of natural environmental radiation are related to the composition of each lithologically area, and to the contents of the rocks from which the sediments or soils originate [3]. Natural sources make up approximately 80% of the total radiation dose which a person is exposed to in a year, while 20% come from anthropogenic sources [5]. The aim of this study is to evaluate the 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs radionuclide concentrations to provide background data on natural and artificial radioactive isotopes for the studied region, using gamma-ray spectrometry in low background configuration
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