Annual Gonadal Dose Research Articles

Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Analysis of Sediments of Coastal Areas in Ennore, Tamil Nadu

Objectives: This research focuses on the determination of the natural radionuclides radium, thorium, and potassium in the twenty-six sediment samples collected at the sea, beach, and creek regions of Ennore Port. Methods: The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined using gamma ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Findings: The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were in the descending order of 40K (397.58 Bq kg-1) > 232Th (65.83 Bq kg-1) > 226Ra (18.28 Bq kg-1). The estimated average values of radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity (143.04 Bq kg-1), absorbed dose rate (64.91 nGy h-1), annual effective dose equivalent (0.32 mSv y-1), and external hazard index (0.39) were lower than the respective world average values, reported by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR, 2000). Moreover, the representative level index and annual gonadal dose equivalent were slightly higher than the world average value. Hence, this research proved that the study area is radiologically safe for humans and the environment. Novelty: A location and sample collection-based novelty is approached to carried out the work. Sea sediments were also collected along with samples from creek and beach regions in order to examine the dispersion of natural radionuclides from land to marine environments. The samples from the beach and creek regions were collected using a Peterson grab sampler. Especially in the sea region, the samples were collected using a Van Veen grab sampler at a depth of 4 m and a distance of 10 m parallel to the shoreline. Keywords: Natural radioactivity, Sediment, Ennore, Gamma ray spectrometry, HPGe detector, Radiological parameters

Assessing radioactive contaminants in Kathmandu soils: measurement and risk analysis.

Soil samples from vegetable farmland in densely populated wards of Nepal were analyzed for natural radionuclide levels, employing a NaI(Tl) 3" [Formula: see text] 3" gamma detector. The study aimed to evaluate the causes of radiation risk, attributing it to soil contamination resulting from the rapid urbanization and concretization that followed the earthquake in 2015. The activity concentration of radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and the ranges observed are 2.080±0.084-33.675±1.356 Bq kg[Formula: see text], 17.222±0.198-119.949±1.379 Bq kg[Formula: see text], and 11.203 ± 0.325-748.828±21.716 Bq kg[Formula: see text], respectively. The average values obtained for hazard indices are as follows: radium equivalent activity (82.779 Bq kg[Formula: see text]), absorbed dose rate (36.394 nGy h[Formula: see text]), annual effective dose equivalent (0.045 mSv yearr[Formula: see text]), gamma index (0.291), external hazard index (0.224), internal hazard index (0.253), excess lifetime cancer risk (0.159), annual gonadal dose equivalent (243.278 mSv year[Formula: see text]), alpha index (0.054), and activity utilization index (0.716). However, in most places, thorium-232 concentration is greater than those of the world average and recommended values. In specific locations such as Ward 4 in Baluwatar, the soil was found to have concentrations of Ra[Formula: see text] and K[Formula: see text] exceeding recommended limits. Despite this localized concern, the overall analysis of hazard indices across the studied areas revealed that most values were within permissible limits. This suggests that, on a broader scale, radiation exposure may not be a significant concern in the investigated regions. Nonetheless, the study recommends regular monitoring in additional locations to ensure a comprehensive and ongoing assessment of radiation levels.

Geochemical Distribution and Environmental Risks of Radionuclides in Soils and Sediments Runoff of a Uranium Mining Area in South China.

Uranium mining activities have contributed to the distribution and uptake of radionuclides, which have increased the active concentrations of natural radionuclides in environmental media, causing elevated human health risks. The present study aims to assess the spatial distribution characteristics of natural radionuclides in the surface soils and river sediments of the typical granite uranium mining area in South China, as well as investigate the geochemical features of natural radionuclides in the soil and sediments to understand their migration processes. The activity concentrations for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 17-3925 Bq/kg, 50-1180 Bq/kg, 29-459 Bq/kg, and 240-1890 Bq/kg, respectively. The open-pit mining areas and tailings pond locations exhibited the highest concentrations of activity for all these radionuclides. This distribution points to an elevated potential health risk due to radiological exposure in these specific areas. Additionally, the values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) in those areas were higher than the limits recommended by ICRP (2021). 238U and 226Ra have a significant correlation (0.724), and the cluster analysis was showing a statistically meaningful cluster below 5 indicated that they have similar behavior during parent rock weathering and watershed erosion, and the distribution of 232Th and 40K were influenced by the addition of rock types. The activity ratios of 226Ra/238U, 226Ra/232Th, 238U/40K, and 226Ra/40K variation indicated that 40K more mobile than 226Ra and 238U, U(VI) was reduced to U(IV) by organic matter in the downstream area and re-entered into the sediment during the sediment surface runoff in the small watershed of the uranium ore open-pit mining area. Therefore, it is necessary to further seal up and repair the tailings landfill area.

Investigation of natural radioactivity in soil of selected hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria

We measured the terrestrial activity contents, radiation doses; hazard indices and excessive lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) from primordial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in 50 soil samples collected from the five selected hospitals within Imo State, Nigeria. Radioactivity measurements were carried out by the method of gamma-ray spectrometry with thallium doped sodium iodide [NaI(Tl)] detector. The mean activity values obtained for the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K (respectively) in Federal Medical Centre, Owerri (FMC); General Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri West, (GHW); Neuroscience Hospital, Ohaji Egbema (NHO); St. Joseph Hospital, Okigwe (SJH); Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu (IMSUTH) are: 20.56±4.73, 14.96±3.42 and 105.65±31.40 Bqkg-1; 11.77±3.03, 17.45±4.20 and 63.67±18.44 Bqkg-1; 17.97±4.65,10.02±2.18 and 190.43±42.83 Bqkg-1; 11.36±3.71, 17.39±4.46 and 76.29±25.08 Bqkg-1; and 11.84±3.64, 4.89±2.25 and 165.18±58.41 Bqkg-1 respectively. These values were below the worldwide average values: 32 Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, 45 Bqkg-1 for 232Th, and 412 Bqkg-1 for 40K as documented by UNSCEAR (2000). 40K recorded the highest mean activity compared to 226Ra and 232Th in the studied soil samples. Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rate (Dr), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), external hazard index (Hex), gamma representative index (Ιϒr) and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), were calculated to quantify the radiation risk to the public from exposure to 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the studied samples. In addition, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was also accessed. The mean computed values of the excess lifetime cancer risk for FMC, GHW, NHO, SJH and IMSUTH are 0.08±0.03, 0.09±0.15, 0.10±0.2, 0.10±0.03 and 0.07±0.02 respectively. The mean values of these hazard parameters were within the acceptable safety limits provided for human safety and environmental protection.

Radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil in Northwest part of Turkey: assessment of radiological impacts

Abstract The surface soil samples were collected from Northwest Turkey. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured using an HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soils were found to be in the range of 11.78 ± 1.12–43.89 ± 14.94, 3.19 ± 2.01–88.22 ± 0.92, 362.81 ± 5.94–829.27 ± 12.38 Bq kg−1 d.w., respectively. The Surfer program was used to obtain 3-dimensional maps of the specific activities. Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed Gamma Dose Rate (D), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), The Excess Life Time Cancer Risk (ELCR), External (H ex) and Internal (H in) Hazard Indexes, Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE), and Activity Utilization Index (AUI) were calculated and compared with the recommended values. Pearson’s correlation analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA) were utilized to analyze the data and indicate between the radiological parameters. The analysis showed that the total radiation was mainly caused by 226Ra and 232Th.

Evaluation of Chemical and Impacts of Radionuclides in Borehole Waters in Igbajo Town, Osun State, Nigeria

Water is a universal solvent on earth and sources such as wells, rivers, springs, boreholes, and other freshwater bodies typically serve as a pathway for contaminants to enter the ecosystem while also supplying water for domestic and drinking purposes. The activity concentrations of radionuclides in borehole water in Igbajo town were assessed using gamma-ray spectroscopy, so as to effectively determine the degree of radiological risk to the environment and its inhabitants, the outcomes were used to calculate all the radiological impact parameters. The activity concentrations obtained for 40K, 238U and 232Thranged from 7.25±0.60 to 62.15±4.48Bq.L–1; 3.08±0.45 to 15.24±3.07 Bq.L–1and 1.08±1.10 to 17.75±1.59 Bq.L–1 and with average values of 23.12±1.59 Bq.L–1, 6.27±2.01 Bq.L–1 and 7.01±0.89 Bq.L–1 respectively. The Annual Effective Dose (AED) for ingested radionuclide in drinking water for an adult was1.4872 μSv.yr–1. The Radium Equivalent Activity Index, Raeq obtained was 34.9186 Bq.L–1. The estimated hazard indices Hint and Hext were 0.04876 and 0.06574 respectively. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk, ELCR (x10–6) was 5205.15. With a lifetime expectancy of 70 years, this high value suggests that there is a high chance of developing cancer.The value of the Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose, AGED in the water was 55.9175μSv.yr–1. The estimated Gamma Index, Iγ was0.1273 mSv.yr–1. There is a significant health hazard to the environment and people living in the area owing to the radioactivity contents and radiological impact parameters. Hence, the need for urgent attention and means to prevent hazards which the overdose could cause.

Effects of Natural Radioactivity of Some Chemical and Organic Fertilizers on Gonads in Iraqi Kufa Markets

This study assessed the hazard indicators of common chemical and organic fertilizers widely available in the markets of Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The concentrations of natural radionuclides were measured in thirteen types of fertilizers by Gamma spectrum using NaI(Tl) (3*3) detector. The average radioactivity of the nuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was (48.91, 37.04, and 702.4675) Bq.kg-1, respectively, for (Di-Aluminum Phosphate) the chemical fertilizers of the type (DAP) and the (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) chemical fertilizers of the type (NPK) the average radioactivity of the nuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were (35.78, 42.356 and 1519.653) Bq.kg-1, respectively, while the average radioactivity of the organic fertilizers (Orga.) were 55.153, 23.148 and 1451.258 for the three studied nuclei. As for the average values for radium equivalent were 155.967, 213.363, and 200.0023 (Bq.kg-1) for (DAP), (NPK) and organic fertilizers, respectively. The values of the external severity index (Hex), gamma radiation hazard index (Iγ), and representative alpha index (Iα) were within the permissible limits determined by the UNCEAR 2000. The highest value of total annual effective dose equivalent(TAED) was 1.468 mSv.y-1, the lowest value was 0.302 mSv.y-1, and the mean values were 0.722 mSv.y-1. In contrast, the highest value for annual gonadal dose equivalent(AGED) was 1392.527 μSv.y-1, the lowest value was 275.361 μSv.y-1, and the average values for all models were 672.135 μSv.y-1. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), the highest value was 4.039 × 10-3, the lowest value was 0.833× 10-3, and the average value was 1.988× 10-3 for all fertilizers. The Pearson correlation between radioactive variables and cluster analysis was recognized for the three types of fertilizer samples despite it not being widely accepted. The study can be considered preliminary data for subsequent studies.

Determination of radiation hazard indices (Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent) in water samples in the vicinity of mining site in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

The gross alpha and beta radionuclide activity of source of water from mining site in Minna, Niger state has been carried out. Eleven water samples were collected from the farming, residential/commercial, and industrial zones in the community and were analyzed using the protean instrument corporation (PIC) MPC 2000DP, single channel proportional counters. Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE) was determined. AGDE α and β 20.254399/3.088977mSv/y. This shows that the calculated values of alpha in BHL3 are above the accepted value for ICRP. Moreover, the calculated values of beta in BHL1 are above the accepted value for ICRP. It can be observed that all the remaining values for alpha and beta are below the ICRP values of 0.5Bq/L for alpha and 1Bq/L for beta.

Assessment of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity levels and their radiological hazards in surface soil samples around oil refinery, Little Aden City, Yemen

The activity concentration of global fallout of 137Cs and naturally- occurring radioactive materials (NORM), which primarily due to the geological and geographical condition of soil. and maybe occur from oil and gas burring processes and consequently accumulate on surface soil around the oil refinery in Aden Assoghra city, Yemen were studied by use the gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector and specially designed shield. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K expressed in (Bq kg−1) of the studied samples were (13 ± 0.44) Bq kg−1, (22.1 ± 0.64) Bq kg−1 and (509 ± 9) Bq kg−1, respectively. Low concentrations of 137Cs were noted from some sample in the study area, where ranged from (0.3 ± 0.2) to (1.7 ± 0.2) Bq kg-1. The average values of calculated radiological hazard indices were 40.6 nGy h−1 (absorbed dose rate outdoors), 0.05 mSv y−1 (annual effective dose outdoors), 0.279 mSv y−1 (annual effective dose indoors), 83.7 Bq kg−1 (radium equivalent), 0.23 (external hazard index), 0.26 (internal hazard index), 0.65 (representative level index), 0.174×10-3 (the excess lifetime cancer risk ELCR) and 0.292mSv y−1 (annual gonadal equivalent dose, AGED).

Analysis of the radiological dose and hazards assessment around swampy agricultural soil in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The present study analyzes radiological dose and hazard around the swampy agricultural soil in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, using determined activity concentration (AC) of 238U, 232Th and 40K obtained from swampy agricultural soil samples, systematically collected from Ten (10) sampled points. Samples collected were further analyzed using a sodium iodide detector for activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K. The average AC of 238U, 232Th and 40K were 26.73±4.64, 9.77±2.57 and 1115.52 ±67.43 Bq/kg, respectively. The gamma absorbed dose rate (Dabs) ranges from 6.37E-01 to 2.33E+01 nGy/hr with a mean value of 6.10E+00 nGy/hr. The annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) ranges from 8.12E-03 to 2.97E-01 mSv/yr with an estimated mean value of 7.77E-02 mSv/yr. The annual gonadal dose equivalent ranges from 4.48E-02 to 1.72E+01 mSv/yr with a mean value of 4.49E-01 mSv/yr. The calculated radium equivalent activity ranges from 1.44E+01 to 4.49E+02 Bq/kg with a mean value of 1.18E+02 Bq/kg, which falls below the recommended standard value of 3.7E+02 Bq/kg. The external and internal hazard index ranges from 3.89E-02 to 1.21E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 3.20E-01 mSv/yr, and 3.90E-02 to 1.41E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 3.70E-01 mSv/yr. The gamma hazard index ranges from 5.24E-02 to 1.84E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 4.83E-01 mSv/yr. The activity utilization index ranges from 8.65E-02 to 1.34E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 3.82E-01 mSv/yr, excess life cancer risk (ELCR) for both adult and child was found to be 1.94E-01 and 2.72E-01, respectively, higher than the recommended world average value of 0.29E-03. The high value of ELCR implies that residents around the study area have a high chance of developing cancer over a lifetime. Hence periodic radiological dose and hazard analysis is recommended to keep the exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

Measurements of natural radionuclide levels and hazards in the Lega Dembi gold mine, Oromia, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate natural radioactivity levels and hazards of radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in soil samples taken from 15 locations in the Lega Dembi gold mining, Oromia, Ethiopia, using gamma-ray spectroscopy coupled with an HPGe detector. It was observed that the respective mean specific activities for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K determined in the mining site were 23.87 ± 0.7, 52.5 ± 1.8 and 391.62 ± 11.35 Bq/kg, and 8.89 ± 0.4, 13.83 ± 0.6 and 423.68 ± 9.5 Bq/kg in the living areas. The specific activity of 232Th was above the permissive limit in the mining site, while for 226Ra and 40K were within the limit. The specific activity of 40K in the living area was observed to be above the permissive limit. The calculated value of radiation hazards parameters; radium equivalent activity (Raeq), internal and external hazards indices (Hin) and (Hex), the mean annual effective dose (AED), and gamma representative indices (Iγ) were within permissively limit. The mean absorbed dose rate in the mining site was above the recommended safety limit. The total annual gonadal dose equivalent value was found to be 494.8 ± 8.7 µSv/a in the mining site. This value was also above the permissively.

Assessment of Radionuclide Concentrations in Oil Producing Communities in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

An assessment of radionuclide concentration in oil producing areas in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Bayelsa State have been evaluated. In this study, a total of twenty five (25) soil, samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The survey was achieved using a factory calibrated Gamma Scout radiation meter and a Gamma Spectroscopy with Sodium Iodide (NA(TI) Detector used for counting and detection of radionuclide contentration of all samples. The results obtained in the study showed that the average concentrations for 40 K, 238 U and 232 Th in soil samples are valued at 520.888 ± 134.119 ???? ?1 , 18.495 ± 4.983 ???? ?1 and 11.463 ± 2.472 ???? ?1 respectively. The ?? ?? has an average value of 74.675 ± 16.934 ???? ?1 . The ? ?? has an average value of 0.21 ± 0.049 while the average value of ? ?? is 0.26 ± 0.064 which falls below the permissible level. The absorbed dose rate (D) due to 40 K, 238 U and 232 Th in soil samples has an average of 37.23 ± 8.692 ???? ?1 . This was also below the world average of 60???? ?1 . Annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) has an average value of 45.66 ± 10.654 µ??? ?1 . This was also below the world average value. Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose (AGED) and Representative Gamma Index (? ? ) were valued at 269.13 ± 63.095 ???? ?1 and 0.59 ± 0.117 respectively. Generally, the obtained value of 40 K was higher than the permissible level while 238 U and 232 Th where lower than the recommended standard value of 400 ???? ?1 , 33 ???? ?1 and 35 ???? ?1 (UNSCEAR, 2000). Therefore, the use of the soil for industrial and domestic poses no radiological threat to human health.

Radionuclide concentrations in agricultural soil and lifetime cancer risk due to gamma radioactivity in district Swabi, KPK, Pakistan

This study focuses on measuring the levels of naturally occurring radioactivity in the soil of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, as well as the associated health hazard. Thirty (30) soil samples were collected from various locations and analyzed for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radioactivity levels using a High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer with a photo-peak efficiency of approximately 52.3%. The average values obtained for these radionuclides are 35.6 ± 5.7 Bqkg−1, 47 ± 12.5 Bqkg−1, and 877 ± 153 Bqkg−1, respectively. The level of 232Th is slightly higher and 40K is 2.2 times higher than the internationally recommended limit of 30 Bqkg−1 and 400 Bqkg−1, respectively. Various parameters were calculated based on the results obtained, including Radium Equivalent (Raeq), External Hazard (Hex), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose (AGDE), Annual Effective Dose Rate, and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), which are 170.3 ± 24 Bqkg−1, 0.46 ± 0.06 Bqkg−1, 81.4 ± 2.04 nGy h−1, 582 ± 78.08 μSvy−1, 99.8 ± 13.5 μSv Gy−1, and 0.349 ± 0.04, respectively. These values are below the limits recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) in 2002. This study highlights the potential radiation threats associated with natural radioactivity levels in the soil of Swabi and provides valuable information for public health and safety.

Gamma Spectrometry Analysis of Natural and Man-Made Radioactivity and Assessment of Radiological Risk in Soils Around Steel Industry

"In this paper low background high-resolution gamma spectrometry was used for the determination of the activity concentrations of the natural and man-made radionuclides in topsoil samples collected in the vicinity of a large steel plant in Galati, Romania. Their values (mean ± standard deviation) for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 235U, 210Pb, 40K and 137Cs were: 38.1 ± 6.2; 35.9 ± 5.4; 35.5 ± 3.0; 1.8 ± 0.4; 47.3 ± 8.6; 504.5 ± 38.9 and 7.2 ± 4.7 Bq·kg–1, respectively. 60Co and 241Am had activities below the detection limit: 0.6–1.3 and 2.2–4.7 Bq·kg–1, respectively. The results indicate inputs of natural radionuclides in the sites close to the slag dump, raw materials transportation facility, ore and coal processing factories, blast furnaces, and iron scrap deposit. The evaluation of the associated radiological impact was performed based on selected hazard parameters: absorbed gamma dose rate, total external gamma dose rate, radium equivalent activity index, external hazard index, representative level index, annual effective dose, excess lifetime cancer risk, and annual gonadal dose."

Geochemical distributions of natural radionuclides in surface soils and sediments impacted by lead-zinc mining activity

This study investigated the distribution features of uranium-238 (238U), radium-226 (226Ra), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K) and evaluated the associated environmental radiological hazards of the topsoil and river sediments in the Jinding lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) mine catchment from Southwest China. The activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 24.0 ± 2.29–60.3 ± 5.26 Bq.kg-1, from 32.5 ± 3.95–69.8 ± 3.39 Bq.kg-1, from 15.3 ± 2.24–58.3 ± 4.92 Bq.kg-1, and from 203 ± 10.2–1140 ± 27.4 Bq.kg-1, respectively. The highest activity concentrations for all these radionuclides were primarily found in the mining areas and decreased with increasing distance from the mining sites. The radiological hazard indices, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed gamma dose rate in the air, outdoor annual effective dose equivalent, annual gonadal dose equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer, revealed that the highest values were observed in the mining area and downstream, specifically in the vicinity of the ore body. These elevated values exceeded the global mean value but remained below the threshold value, suggesting that routine protection measures for Pb-Zn miners during production activities are sufficient. The correlation analysis and cluster analysis revealed strong associations between radionuclides such as 238U, 226Ra, and 232Th, indicating a common source of these radionuclides. The activity ratios of 226Ra/238U, 226Ra/232Th, and 238U/40K varied with distance, suggesting the influence of geological processes and lithological composition on their transport and accumulation. In the mining catchment areas, the variations in these activity ratios increased indicated the impact of limestone material dilution on the levels of 232Th, 40K, and 238U in the upstream region. Moreover, the presence of sulfide minerals in the mining soils contributed to the enrichment of 226Ra and the removal of 238U caused those activity ratios decreased in the mining areas. Therefore, in the Jinding PbZn deposit, the patterns of mining activities and surface runoff processes in the catchment area favored the accumulation of 232Th and 226Ra over 40K and 238U. This study provides the first case study on the geochemical distributions of natural radionuclides in a typical Mississippi Valley-type PbZn mining area and offers fundamental information on radionuclide migration and baseline radiometric data for PbZn deposits worldwide.

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).

Effect of Grain Size on Radionuclide Content in Sediment Samples from Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The effect of grain sizes on radionuclide concentration in soil and sediment samples from Kolo creek, Bayelsa State was investigated using gamma spectroscopy. Eight (8) samples of sediment were collected around the oil spill site of the creek. All the samples were separated into four different grain sizes, A (0.5mm), B (1mm), C (1.5mm) and D (2mm), making a total of 32 sediment. The activity concentration in sediment samples of grain sizes 0.5 mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm and 2mm were determined. In sediment samples of grain sizes 0.5mm(A), the activity concentration of 226Ra , 232Th and 40K ranges from 2.24 to 20.032.43Bq/kg, 3.21 to 5.591.32 Bq/kg and 24.46 4.06 to 795.99 6.20 Bq/kg respectively. For grain size of 1.0mm (B) the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varies from 2.661.30 to 26.64Bq/kg, 2.19 0.95 to 33.47 Bq/kg and 43.38 to 739.21Bq/kg respectively. For grain size of 1.5mm (C) the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varies from 4.401.09 to 33.93± 3.65 Bq/kg, 2.14±1.72 to 26.15±5.3 Bq/kg and 39.90±3.54 to 471.36±6.12 Bq/kg respectively. For grain size of 2.0 mm (D) the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varies from 4.81±1.84 to 40.29±2.50 Bq/kg, 2.19±1.40 to 83.20±3.90 Bq/kg and 39.01 ±4.00 to 497.56±5.87Bq/kg respectively. The result obtained shows there was no clear trend in variation of activity concentration with grain sizes. The mean values obtained are below the world average of 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg for 226 Ra, 232Th and 40K for grain sizes of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm respectively in all the communities except samples from Kolo that recorded 471.36±6.12 to 795.99±6.44 Bq/kg in all the grain sizes. Radiological risk parameters such as Absorbed Dose Rate, Annual Effective Dose Equivalent, Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent, Annual Utility Index, Radioactivity Level Index, Hazard Indices and Excess Life Cancer Risk were estimated and values were found to be within the word average. From this study, the sediment of the given grain sizes will pose no radiological health risk if used in farming and in building construction.

Assessment of radiation hazard indices due to naturally occurring long-life radionuclides in the coastal area of Barra de Valizas, Uruguay.

The Uruguayan east coast has several mineral resources, which include black sand ores in the Barra de Valizas-Aguas Dulces area. Cancer in Uruguay shows non-homogeneous geographical distribution, with the highest standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in the northeast and east region, which includes the aforementioned area and the town of Barra de Valizas. The activity concentration of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in Barra de Valizas´soil was determined by gamma spectrometry in order to evaluate the radiological hazard for inhabitants and tourists. The outdoor annual effective dose (AEDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) were evaluated for inhabitants with a life expectancy of 77.7years, a 0.2 and 0.5 occupancy factor, and using the conversion coefficients recommended by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The annual effective dose was also evaluated for both summer and fortnight tourists. The radiological hazard indices for Barra de Valizas inhabitants are higher than the worldwide mean and recommended values. This may contribute to Rocha's higher SRM value, although a direct correlation cannot be assured with the epidemiological information currently available. Social, medical and anthropological studies will be carried out in future to provide data and verify this correlation.

Determination of Radionuclides Concentrations in Surface Soil Samples in the District of Bandirma, Balıkesir

Determination of the environmental radioactivity concentration value is very important as it directly effects human health. Natural and artificial radionuclide concentration levels have been determined by looking 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides. In this study, natural and artificial continental radionuclide concentrations were measured in the Bandirma district of Balikesir. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radioactivity concentrations were detected with the aid of a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Soil samples used in the study were selected from 30 different locations sampling points located in Bandirma. The radiological hazard indices such as absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), exposure dose (ER), total annual effective dose (AED), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), internal hazard index (Hin), external hazard index (Hex) and gamma representative level (GRL) were determined. The mean values of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs concentrations in this study were 15.81 ± 1.35 Bq kg−1, 28.86 ± 1.07 Bq kg−1, 276.86 ± 11.69 Bq kg−1, and 1.98 ± 0.31 Bq kg−1 respectively. The calculated radiological hazard parameters were compared with the world averages. The obtained radioactivity concentration values were measured to be below the world average.

Assessment of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards of soil collected from rabia town in nineveh governorate (North Iraq)

The effects of the environment on human exposure to radiation from naturally occurring radioactive elements have been investigated around the world. In the group of natural radionuclides under examination, the study’s objective is to ascertain the distribution, potential anthropogenic origins, and activity of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and their radiological risk parameters in twelve soil samples taken from Rabia town in Nineveh Governorate, North Iraq using NaI (Tl) detector. For the examined region, the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 4.79 ± 0.211 to 21.77 ± 0.675 Bq kg−1, 11.21 ± 0.942 to 33.57 ± 2.185 Bq kg−1, and 112.8 ± 32.074 to 312.2 ± 95.463 Bq kg−1, respectively. The estimated radiological hazard parameters for the examined samples included the absorbed dose rate (Dair), annual effective dose equivalent (AED), gamma-ray hazard index (I), and annual gonadal dose equivalent. Furthermore, the current work revealed the distribution of radionuclides and their relationships with the mineralogical composition. Based on obtained results, this soil is safe for the population living in the study area and can be used as a building material or for other human activities without posing any radiological danger.