Radium content and radon exhalation rates in Egyptian soil samples using active and passive techniques

Abstract

In this study, we look at radium content in soil samples collected from different locations in Egypt which have been measured using active gamma ray spectrometry with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector and the passive sealed cup technique with LR-115 nuclear track detectors. Furthermore, the radon exhalation rates (mass and area) were measured using passive technique with LR-115 detectors. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the possible health risks posed by the elements in question. Radium content values were found to vary from 20.83 to 47.57 Bq/kg with an average value of 32.46 ± 7.75 Bq/kg and 17.30 to 42.70 Bq/kg with an average 29.15 ± 6.75 Bq/kg using HPGe and LR-115 detectors, respectively. Area (surface) exhalation rate values were found to vary from 2.88 × 10-6 to 8.53 × 10-6 Bq/m2/h with an average value of 5.75 × 10-6 Bq /m2/h. Mass exhalation rate values were found to vary from 42.9 × 10-9 to 128 × 10-9 Bq/kg/h with an average value of 78.7 × 10-9 Bq/kg/h. All the results obtained in this particular study were found to be less than their corresponding world limits. Overall, the present results have revealed that radium content and both area and mass exhalation rates in the studied area do not pose a risk to human health. The results were compared nationally and with various other countries.