Abstract
In this work, gamma-ray spectroscopy based on semiconductor hyper pure germanium (HPGe) detector was used to evaluate the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (U-238 (Ra-226), Th-232 and K-40) and the fallout nuclide (Cs-137) for thirty samples of igneous and sedimentary rocks of Al-Atawilah (Al-Baha). The mean values of the activity concentrations of U-238 (Ra-226), Th-232, K-40 and Cs-137 in the igneous samples are found as (11.0, 11.50, 1172.71, 1.47) Bq/Kg respectively. In the sedimentary rocks, the mean values of the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (U-238 (Ra-226), Th-232 and K-40) and the fallout nuclide (Cs-137) equal to (12.04, 13.18, 1131.36, 1.60) Bq/Kg respectively. The averages of radiological hazards (Raeq, Hex and Iγ) were calculated and found to be within the UNSCEAR permissible limit values (370 Bq/kg for Raeq, and 1 for Hex and Iγ), except for a slight increase of average value of Iγ in the igneous rock samples (1.36). The results indicate that the dose rate values depend on the kind of rocks (high in some igneous rock samples, and most of sedimentary rock samples have low dose rate). The activities of naturalnuclides were predicted and simulated in T time using a written MATLAB R2020a script based on the average activity concentrations and respective half-lives of U-238 and Th-232 series, and K-40, this is to evaluate the future effects of natural radionuclides on the population and estimate the human inputs in the future.
Highlights
Radiation activity exists everywhere on the surface of Earth and its interior
The activities of naturalnuclides were predicted and simulated in T time using a written MATLAB R2020a script based on the average activity concentrations and respective half-lives of U-238 and Th-232 series, and K-40, this is to evaluate the future effects of natural radionuclides on the population and estimate the human inputs in the future
The aim of this study is to determine the radionuclides activity concentration of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 for igneous and sedimentary rock samples collected from Al-Atawilah, and to estimate the doses and hazard indices originate from the existence of the natural radionuclides in the surrounding area
Summary
Uranium-238, thorium-232 (and their progenies) and potassium-40 are most important sources of radiation These nuclei are found in any type of rocks, especially in igneous and sedimentary rocks. Th-232 disintegrates to produce Rn-228 and followed by other radionuclides [1] These radionuclides constitute risks by the external exposure to gamma radiation emissions and internally by radon and its progenies. The aim of this study is to determine the radionuclides activity concentration of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 for igneous and sedimentary rock samples collected from Al-Atawilah (north of Al-Baha region), and to estimate the doses and hazard indices originate from the existence of the natural radionuclides in the surrounding area. The results are used to assess the future effect of these radionuclides and evaluate the future of radiation hazards
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