Radiological and elemental analysis of soils from Hunza in Central Karakoram using gamma-ray spectrometry and k 0-instrumental neutron activation analysis

Abstract

This study is aimed at establishing the current contents of elements and radionuclides in soil of eight towns of Hunza, Central Karakoram at an average altitude of 2300 m above sea level. Gamma-ray spectrometry measured three natural and one anthropogenic radionuclides and k 0-INAA determined 31 elements. The air absorbed dose rate in air varied from 90 to 105 nGy h−1 with an average of 95 ± 7 nGy h−1.The measured data was compared with similar data of the world. A comparison of 226Ra and 238U showed that uranium series radionuclides were in equilibrium in Hunza soil.