Radiation exposure related to the shipment of fertilisers to and from commercial ports: the case study of the seaport of Ravenna (Italy)

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of radiological impacts related to the shipment of fertilisers to and from the commercial port of Ravenna (NE Italy). In particular, the effective doses to the port workers and members of the population surrounding the port area have been estimated. The study has included different types of measurement and assessment. First, the natural radioactivity of different fertilisers moving through the port has been determined: 40K, 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra and 228Th concentrations have been analysed using γ-ray spectrometry, while 238U and 232Th concentrations have been determined by ICP-MS. At the same time, a dose rate meter and electret ion chambers were used to measure the external irradiation and the radon concentrations, respectively. Then, air pollutant dispersion models have been applied in order to assess particulate matter concentration in the port site and the surrounding residential areas, and consequently the inhalation doses. Finally, the annual effective doses to workers and local residents have been estimated. The effective doses to workers and the population have been estimated to be 0.9 mSv yr−1 and 0.07 μSv yr−1, respectively.