Activity Concentrations Of Uranium Research Articles

Radiation protection for Gabes phosphate area residents: Assessing natural radioactivity in soil and potable water samples

Phosphate mining activities are recognized to be one of various industrial processes generating enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) by introducing natural radionuclides into the surrounding soils and water bodies, posing a risk to human health.This study was carried out to assess the level of natural radionuclides in soils and potable waters collected from the phosphate area of Gabes city, located in southeastern Tunisia, and to evaluate radiation protection measures by estimating radiological health hazard parameters. Gamma spectrometry system employing an HPGe detector was used in this study to assess 40K, 232Th and 226Ra activity concentration in soils. The average values were found to be 163.7, 14.5, and 7.7 Bq kg−1, respectively, which were lower than worldwide average values. The radiological hazard parameters assessed in this study were radium equivalent activity (Ra-eq), external hazard index (Hex), external gamma absorbed rate (GDR), external annual effective dose (Deff) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The calculated average values of the above-mentioned parameters were of 41 Bq kg−1, 0.1, 20.2 nGy h−1, 24.8 μSv y−1 and 8.7 × 10−5 all of which were found to be below their permissible standards.For potable water samples, the activity concentrations of radium were analyzed using an HPGe detector and those of uranium were determined by alpha spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of uranium and radium isotopes in underground water samples were found to be higher than those obtained in tap water samples. For both types of water, the average values for all radionuclides were found to be below their respective reference limits.The annual ingestion effective doses were also estimated in this study. The estimated average values for infant and children for underground water samples were higher than the permissible limit of 100 μSv y−1 set by WHO. The 226Ra was the main contributor to the effective doses for different age categories, followed by 228Ra.

Environmental impact assessment due to the intake of uranium contained in surface waters in a semi-arid region in Brazil.

In Santa Quitéria City, part of the population uses surface water for potation. These waters do not undergo any treatment before consumption. As the region has a deposit of uranium, assessing water quality becomes important. In the present study, the uranium activity concentration (AC) in becquerels per liter was determined in water samples from six points. Univariate statistics showed differences between the soluble and the particulate fraction (soluble AC > particulate AC). The particulate fraction showed no variation in AC among the six points. On the other hand, the soluble fraction and the total fraction presented different ACs between them. The multivariate statistics allowed to separate the soluble from the particulate fraction of the points. The same tools applied to the total fraction made it possible to differentiate the sampling points, grouping them ((#1, #2); (#3, #4), and (#5, #6)). The maximum mean value of AC found was 0.177Bq∙L-1, corresponding to 25% of the chemical toxicity limit (0.72Bq∙L-1). The maximum mean dose rate, 2.25 µSv∙year-1, is lower than the considered negligible dose rate (> 10 µSv∙year-1). The excess lifetime cancer risk was 10-6, two orders of magnitude smaller than the threshold considered for taking action. The assessment parameters used in this work indicate that the risk due to the uranium intake by the local population is negligible.

Estimation of Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent in Some Livestock Food in Libyan Markets

In the present study, the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, and 40K in 10 different samples of foodstuff are investigated using a gamma spectrometer with a Sodium iodide detector NaI(TI). The results indicated that the concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, and 40K in the samples ranged from (19.14 to 99.79) Bq/kg for radium, the activity concentration of Thorium ranged from (31.09 to 124.93) Bq/kg, the activity concentration of uranium ranged from (24.86 to 103.01) Bq/kg and the activity concentration of potassium ranged from (101.83 to 480.92) Bq/Kg. The results indicated that the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the samples were higher than the permissible level (0.3mSv/y), except samples (S3, S5, S8).

Determination of Uranium Concentrations and 234U/238U Isotopic Ratios in Plants and the Groundwater Used in Their Cultivation in an Area with High Background Radiation

The weathering of rocks and soil causes uranium to collect in groundwater. In this article, we attempted to assess the activity concentrations of uranium and 234U/238U isotopic ratios in various groundwater samples and plants obtained from the Ha’il region, Saudi Arabia. The results showed that the concentrations of 238U ranged between 0.08 ± 0.04 and 1.11 ± 0.06 Bq L−1, with an average of 0.67 ± 0.05 Bq L−1. Activity concentrations of 234U ranged between 0.12 ± 0.01 and 2.2 ± 0.8 Bq L−1, with an average of 1.26 ± 0.11 Bq L−1. The international permissible limit of uranium in groundwater is 0.372 Bq L−1. The 234U/238U activity ratios in the collected groundwater samples ranged between 1.5 ± 0.09 and 2.49 ± 1.27 Bq L−1, with an average of 1.95 ± 0.52 Bq L−1. In fruit-bearing trees, the 234U/238U activity ratios were 1.57 ± 0.84, 2.58 ± 1.01, and 2.69 ± 0.95 Bq L−1 for lemon, fig, and narenj. In fruit-bearing shrubs, the 234U/238U activity ratios were 2.37± 0.69 and 2.68 ± 0.69 Bq L−1 for green pepper and eggplant. Our goal is to increase the understanding of the factors that govern uranium’s activity and isotopic composition to better understand its prospective utilization as a tracer in groundwater chemistry and hydrology, as well as the possibility of exploiting this area for irrigation. In this investigation area, the groundwater and plants were unfit for human consumption.

Evaluation of Radionuclide Levels in Drinking Water from Communities near Active and Abandoned Gold Mines and Tailings in the West Rand Region, Gauteng, South Africa

The history of gold mining in the Witwatersrand Basin has led to exponential growth in the economy, residential development, and the abundance of radionuclides in the environment, including the water system. This study aimed to evaluate the radionuclide levels in drinking water (municipal water and groundwater) and the health risks associated with the ingestion of the water in the communities of the West Rand region of Gauteng Province. The activity concentrations of uranium, radium, and thorium radioisotopes were established through alpha spectrometry and the activities were subsequently used to assess the health impacts. The results indicated that the groundwaters contain elevated activities of most radionuclides owing to prolonged periods of water–rock interactions. Similarly, the highest annual effective doses were recorded in groundwaters with a range of 0.0237–0.3106 mSv/yr, with most samples exceeding the WHO- and EU-prescribed limits of 0.1 mSv/yr. Cancer morbidity and mortality risks were higher in females than in males due to the higher life expectancy of females. Nonetheless, all morbidity and mortality risks were well below the USEPA radiological risk limit of 0.001. Based on the findings of this study, continuous monitoring is paramount to ensure that the activities remain below recommended regulatory limits.

Radiological and Toxicity Impact of Uranium (U-238) in Ground Water to Different Age Groups at Wurno, Sokoto State, Nigeria

One of the primary goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) is for every society to have an adequate supply of safe drinking water. This work aimed to assess the radiological and toxicity impact of ground water of Wurno Local Government Area. Uranium activity concentration from 45 water samples collected from different locations in the study area were determined using HpGe detector, the result from the analysis was used to evaluate the annual effective dose due to ingestion of groundwater from the study area by the inhabitants. Radiological and chemical toxicity risks were also calculated. High level activity was reported in Diggim while low activity level was reported in Nassarawa-Daje. The annual effective doses for adult, children and infants were estimated to be from 0.008 mSvy-1 to 0.32 mSvy-1. The highest risk cancer mortality value was found at Diggim with a value of 4.34 × 10-4 while the lowest value was observed at Nassarawa Daje with a value of 1.17 × 10-5. Chemical toxicity value ranged from 0.59 – 21. 79 µg.kg-1.day-1 with an average dose value of 5.12 µg.kg-1.day-1. The lifetime average daily dose (LADD) values were reported to be higher at Diggim and lower at Nassarawa-Daje with the values 21.79 µg.kg-1.day-1 and 0.59 µg.kg-1.day-1 respectively compared with 0.6 µg.kg-1.day-1 WHO limit standard. Significantly, the high activity level, and chemical toxicity risk reported from this study is an indication that the area may have developed some fractures of granitic strata in the subsurface geology that contributed to the wide distribution of radiation dose.

Radiochemical Procedure for Measurement Specific Activities of Uranium Isotopes in Asphaltite Bioleaching Liquor by Alpha-Particle Spectrometry

An analytical procedure for the alpha-source preparation is investigated in the study to determine uranium radioisotopes specific activities in the bioleaching liquor leach from asphaltite samples taken from the Silopi region in Türkiye. The purpose is to develop a new radiochemical method that can provide the alpha-particle spectrometry requirements. The proposed analytical procedure includes sample preparation, radiochemical purification of uranium from bioleaching liquor, alpha-source preparation on a substrate and alpha-particle spectrometric analysis of isolated uranium. The method is valid for availability using the z-test, relative bias, and relative uncertainty outlier tests. The results show that the proposed analytical procedure is successfully implemented for measuring the activity concentration of uranium with high accuracy and precision in the bioleaching liquor.

Integration of a Shallow Soda Lake into the Groundwater Flow System by Using Hydraulic Evaluation and Environmental Tracers

Lake Velence is a shallow soda lake whose water level and water quality show a severely deteriorating tendency in recent years. Until recently, the groundwater component in the lake’s water budget has not been taken into consideration. To integrate the lake into the groundwater flow system at the regional scale, methods of “basin hydraulics” were applied. In addition, 17 water samples were collected for δ2H and δ18O, and for ΣU, 226Ra and 222Rn activity measurements to use these parameters as environmental tracers of groundwater contribution. Groundwater mapping revealed that groundwater recharges in Velence Hills and the local elevations south of the lake, whereas discharge occurs by the lake’s shoreline and along surface watercourses. The results indicated that Lake Velence is the discharge point of local groundwater flow systems known to be more sensitive to climate changes and anthropogenic activities (e.g., contamination, overexploitation). Groundwater and lake water have similar uranium activity concentrations serving as another sign of groundwater inflow into the lake. Therefore, it is necessary to consider both the groundwater component in the lake’s water management and its vulnerability regarding local and short-term changes in the catchment area.

Investigation of natural radioactivity levels in some fertilizer samples used for agriculture purposes in Tiruvannamalai locality, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT In this work, radioactivity levels and distributions of natural radionuclides in selected fertilizer samples from Tiruvannamalai locality, Tamil Nadu, India were investigated. Various types of chemical fertilizer samples such as calcium nitrate (CN), Urea (U), Sulphur (S), Complex Fertilizer (CF) and Spic Surabi (SS) were collected from the manufacturers and suppliers of Tiruvannamalai locality, Tamil Nadu, India. Activity concentration of natural radionuclides in different fertilizer samples were measured by gamma counting system. Hazard parameters have been calculated for different studied samples. The following parameters were studied: Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed dose rate (DR), Annual Effective Dose Rate (AEDR), Gamma Index (Iγ), External Hazard Index (Hex), Activity utilisation index (AUI), and Cancer risk (CR). The mean activity concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium were 188.56, 27.06 and 579.0 Bq.kg−1 respectively. Obtained activity concentrations as well as hazard parameters were compared with world recommended values. Results shown that hazard parameters for studied samples were less than the international recommended values except AUI and CR.

Determination of trace uranium in waste using a gamma-ray measurement system

Much metal waste of various shapes is generated during decommissioning of uranium processing facilities. If these uranium concentrations are confirmed to be below the clearance level, the generation of radioactive waste can be reduced. In this paper, measurement tests were performed on a mock-up of typical metal waste generated by the decommissioning using the clearance measurement device equipped with NaI detectors, and the results were compared with the simulation results by the MCNP code. Investigation results showed the proper placement of dismantled materials in a drum can be estimated by evaluating the detection efficiency of each waste placement by simulation in advance. Moreover, it was confirmed that the discrepancy ratios between simulation and measurement results were within 35% at a total uranium activity concentration of 0.1 Bq g−1. From the above, it was found that the uranium concentration below the clearance level can be confirmed even if the error is included, and the clearance level can be safely verified by considering the discrepancy ratios between the simulation result and the experimental result.

Sample matrix influence on the efficiency function modeling for uranium isotopes determination by gamma spectrometry

The aim of the presented study was to explore the influence of precise determination of sample matrix in order to obtain reliable gamma spectrometry results. The test was done using two different approaches which have the same goal: quantifying the activity concentration of uranium isotopes in different samples found in the former uranium ore deposit Mazdreja. The first approach is based on iterative methodology, which utilizes the characteristic of a sample that can be quantified before gamma spectrometric measurement. Density of the sample and calculated mass fractions of its constituents (which vary in each iteration) can help to obtain the efficiency function from which activity concentrations of 235U and 238U can be derived and corresponding masses of uranium for the next iteration. In this approach LabSOCS software is used in order to obtain appropriate efficiency. The second approach that was tested represents semiempirical method which applies Monte-Carlo simulations through Geant4 and EFFTRAN software codes for the purposes of generating the detection efficiency functions needed for further calculations.The idea was to compare different methods for uranium activity concentration determination in sample matrices with high uranium mass content and also establish the need for precise calculation (described within the iterative method) by quantifying the relative deviation in activities, calculated by using different methods.From the obtained results, it can be seen that it is very important to adjust the sample matrix to correct composition if we need a precise gamma spectrometry result. But if there is a need to get results in a short period of time, then for the estimation of the activity concentration of the analyzed sample an approximate sample composition can be used. All three tested analyzed methods gave comparable results inside 15% of difference. The major difference was obtained by EFFTRAN software, but on the other side this software is user-friendly and the results can be obtained faster than by using other analysis methods presented in this study.

Long Term Application of Fertilizers in Eastern Amazon and Effect on Uranium and Thorium Levels in Soils

In recent years, the use of fertilizers has increased in the Amazon. Phosphate fertilizers, which are commonly used, can present high concentrations of radioelements. In the present study, the activity concentrations of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) in Oxisols and Ultisols cultivated with citrus (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), with 26, 10 and 5 years of implantation, respectively, were evaluated. The potential risk of contamination was estimated by the enrichment (EF) and bioaccumulation (BAF) factors. Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated a significant relationship between the concentrations of U and Th in soil and plant and the soil properties pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and P. The enrichment (EF < 2) and bioaccumulation (0.01 < BAF < 0.05) factors were low. In plant tissues, the concentrations of 238U followed the order: citrus > black pepper > oil palm, and the concentrations of 232Th followed the sequence: black pepper >> citrus > oil palm. The activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th in the soil cultivated with black pepper, as well as in the soil of the reference area close to the citrus plantation, were higher than the world average values of 35 and 30 Bq kg−1, respectively, established by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiation. Perennial crops that are fertilized annually must be monitored by environmental agencies due the accumulation of elements that can promote potential risks to human health.

Distribution and uptake of uranium in rice and wheat from soil samples collected from Al- Diwaniyah, Iraq

Wheat and rice are among the main ingredients on which the Iraqi populations depend. The important part of this is detected knowledge the uptake radionuclide in this cereal, no less in admiration of any personal health harmful. In this study, we measured the concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive nuclides in cereals and the corresponding soil collected from agricultural fields in Al Shamiyah, Al- Diwaniyah governorate in Iraq using nuclear detector of tracks (CR-39). The mean activity concentration of uranium (ppm) in soil, wheat and rice samples were found to be 1.18 ± 0.19, 0.02 ± 0.001 and 0.88 × 10-2 ± 0.00085, respectively. Factors of transfer from soil-to- cereals were limited to be 0.012 and 0.017 for wheat and rice. The results of TFs of 238U were found to be in agreement with previous studies values, these results refer to radionuclides movement were very low in these soils. Results have been shown the uranium concentration to be less than permissible limit (11.7 ppm) proposed by UNSCEAR. On the other side, results noticed there are no pose significant threats to health of human, the edible cereals being safe to consume.

Determination of Water Quality in Springs of Ekaterinburg and Sverdlovsk Oblast

This article reported a study of water quality in 31 springs of the city of Ekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk Oblast. We determined that water in only 7 springs (22%) fully met the requirements of sanitary norms from the point of view of content of chemical and radioactive pollutants. In 17 cases, water did not meet the requirements of the norms for the chemical factor, in 4 cases – for the radiation factor, and in 3 cases – for both the chemical and radiation factors. Among the natural radionuclides, only 222Rn showed levels higher than intervention level (60 Bq/L); the maximum activity concentration of radon was found to be 161 Bq / l (Pavlovsky spring). At the same time, activity concentrations of uranium and thorium did not exceed the level of intervention. A detailed analysis of the content of natural radionuclides showed the absence of correlations between the activity concentrations of radon, uranium and thorium in spring waters. Inconsistency of spring waters with sanitary standards for chemical factors in the vast majority of cases was associated with excess MPC for iron. Also, in a number of samples, an excess of the MPC for manganese and barium was found, while in the spring Europe-Asia (Yekaterinburg) an almost 9-fold excess of the MPC for barium was found.

Radioactivity concentrations in barley and wheat crops in Nineveh plain region in Iraq

Wheat and barley crops are used as food by humans and animals, their health effects on human life must be under the control, so it is important to measure their radiation concentrations. This work aimed to determine radon, radium, and uranium in barley and wheat crops planted in the Nineveh plains region. The technique of alpha track registration by CR-39 detector is used in measurements of the samples from ten planted locations. Radon, radium, and uranium mean concentrations found are 92.58 Bq.m−3, 0.4212 Bq kg−1 and 0.368 ppm, respectively. The uranium activity concentration and the total annual effective dose equivalent mean values are 4.546 Bq.kg−1 and 67.73 μSv/y. The results showed that the activity in locations depends on the agriculture soil of the area, and the amount of fertiliser applied in soil. All results are below the world permissible limits so the wheat and barley in the studied area are safe for consumption.

Radioactivity concentrations in barley and wheat crops in Nineveh plain region in Iraq

Wheat and barley crops are used as food by humans and animals, their health effects on human life must be under the control, so it is important to measure their radiation concentrations. This work aimed to determine radon, radium, and uranium in barley and wheat crops planted in the Nineveh plains region. The technique of alpha track registration by CR-39 detector is used in measurements of the samples from ten planted locations. Radon, radium, and uranium mean concentrations found are 92.58 Bq.m−3, 0.4212 Bq kg−1 and 0.368 ppm, respectively. The uranium activity concentration and the total annual effective dose equivalent mean values are 4.546 Bq.kg−1 and 67.73 μSv/y. The results showed that the activity in locations depends on the agriculture soil of the area, and the amount of fertiliser applied in soil. All results are below the world permissible limits so the wheat and barley in the studied area are safe for consumption.

Natural radioactivity measurement of gold mine tailings in Vatukoula, Fiji Islands

Gold mining is one of the primary industry in Fiji, and it could expose the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) that may produce health risk to the people working in mining. The present study focuses on the assessment of soil samples in the vicinity of gold mining to assess the concentration of these nuclides. The average activity concentrations of Uranium (238U), Thorium (232Th) and Potassium (40K) in the soil samples from the gold mining area in Vatukoula, Fiji were computed using NaI(Tl) detector. The activity concentrations varied from 30.7 Bq kg−⁡1 and 175.73 Bq kg−⁡1 for 238U and 40K with the absence of 232Th in the decommissioned site. 19.49 Bq kg−⁡1, 123.06 Bq kg−⁡1 and 86.86 Bq kg−⁡1 was determined for 238U, 232Th and 40K of the commissioned sites respectively which is less than the world averages according to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation report [1], except for 232Th which is expected to be higher due to the mineral composition of monazite derivatives. Our preliminary results on the activity of these radioactive nuclides demonstrate that the mining activities at Vatukoula poses no significant radionuclide hazard to the miners and the general public.

Assessment of Chemical Toxicity and Radiological Toxicity of Uranium Associated with Drinking Water in Kuye, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

The activity concentration of uranium in bottled and well water samples in Kuye area, Ogbomoso, Nigeria were measured using gamma ray spectroscopy method. The mass concentration values of both the bottled water samples and the well water samples exceeded the recommended safe limit of uranium in drinking water of 30 μg.l-1 by WHO. All the water samples investigated had their excess cancer mortality risk lower than the permissible limit of 10-3.The excess cancer morbidity risk associated with the intake of uranium in the drinking water samples investigated shows that only 80% of the bottled water sample and 22% of the well water samples were safe for drinking. All the water samples investigated were found to be unsafe for consumption in terms of their chemical risk as they all exceeded the hazard quotient of unity ranging from 12.55 to 34.14. The risk associated with drinking bottled water and well water in Iluju, Ogbomoso is due to cancer morbidity risk and chemical toxicity risk. Therefore, the study suggest that the consumption of bottled water and well water by the local people of Kuye may pose serious threat to their health.

DETERMINATION OF THE URANIUM CONTENT IN SOME SOIL SAMPLES FROM AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE: NIGERIA

This work present the Uranium (238U) content in soil samples collected in Ajaokuta from some villages was been determined. The measurement of the soil Uranium activity concentration were made using a multi–channel pulse height analyzer (Camberra series 10 plus) coupled to a 76.2mm x 76.2mm NaI (TI) scintillation detector. 2.93)The mean Uranium content in the analyzed samples was found to be (44.26 Bq/kg which is higher than the world mean value of 35Bq/kg. The results were in good agreement with others for soils from region which is considered as normal or slightly high in radioactivity level.

Radon and uranium concentration in ground water of nineveh plain region in iraq

The track registration technique with a CR-39 detector was used to measure radon concentrations, and uranium contents in ground water samples from the Nineveh plain region wells. Samples were selected from 20 locations for measurements. This research aimed to assess radiological risks from uranium ingestion, and measure annual effective dose AED resulting from the intake of radon in the ingested water. Radon concentrations in these water samples were found to vary from 0.362 to 1.485 BqL−1, which were below the safety recommended limits 4 to 40 BqL−1 based on the Scientific Committee of United Nations on Atomic Radiation Effects. AED was found to vary from 1.32 to 5.42 µSv/y. Uranium activity concentrations ranged from 0.356 to 1.488 BqL−1, and the corresponding uranium concentrations in water samples were found to vary from 28.76 to 120 μgL−1. Uranium concentrations were over the safety recommended limits when, compared with recommended limits of of 30 μgL−1 for drinking water based on the US environmental protection agency. The excess cancer risk varied from 0.398 to 1.666 x10-4 with a mean value of 0.9 x10-4, indicating that 9/100,000 people in these areas haves a cancer risk from the water.