Concentrations Of Th Research Articles

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Associated Radiological Indicators in Water and Surface Soils Around Beta Glass Plc and Its Environs, Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria

A radiometric assessment was conducted around Beta Glass plc using sodium iodide detector (3×3-inch NaI (TI)). The study collected 14 soil and 13 water samples from June to July 2022, analyzing radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th. The mean specific activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th were 184.00±29.73 Bqkg-1, 14.55±2.50 Bqkg-1, and 8.60±1.04 Bqkg-1, respectively, in soil samples, but these elements' concentrations in water were 27.429±5.633 BqL-1, 6.661±1.421 BqL-1, and 2.518±0.361 BqL-1, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th were lower than the safe limit, and the corresponding radiation hazard indices for soil samples were all below the UNSCEAR-recommended acceptable limits. The mean activity concentrations of radionuclides in water samples were higher than the UNSCEAR's recommended international limits for 40K, 238U, and 232Th. Nonetheless, elevated radiological health hazards imply that cumulative dosages may cause cancer, even though these values might not pose an immediate health concern to the local community's people or the workforce.

Determination of 40K, 238U and 232Th Activity Levels in Fishes from River Kubanni in Nigeria

Radionuclides exist naturally in the water, soil and air and human activities can increase the concentration of background radiation and redistribution of radioactive isotopes in the environment. In this study, the radioactivity concentration of three radionuclides (40K, 232Th and 238U) was measured in three fish species, Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia), Brycinus leuciscus (Kawara), Brienomyrus longianails and Clarias anguilaris (catfish) in river Zaria (Kubanni). The results showed that 40K and 232Th concentrations were high in Brienomyrus longianails with mean activities of 357.26 and 92.282 Bq/Kg, respectively. While the concentration of 226Ra was found high in Clarias anguilaris (56.129 Bq/Kg). The mean committed dose for both adults and children were 0.00214 and 0.00342 µSv/Yr, respectively. The values of three radionuclides obtained in this study are lower than the maximum permissible level of 1.0 mSv/yr recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) as the total annual effective dose for the public. The obtained results show that the radiation dose acquired from the consumption of fresh fish from the river Kubanni will have no significant health effect on the populace.

An approach for the indirect determination of 238U and 232Th content in ceramic products based on gross alpha and gross beta measurement

The aim of this work was the development of a procedure for the indirect characterization of 238U and 232Th in ceramic products using the quantification of gross alpha and gross beta activities in a low background proportional counter, which is less time consuming and cheaper than the direct radiochemical methods and gamma spectrometry. The procedure was applied, first, to a reference material used to fine-tune the procedure and statistical techniques, and then, for two types of ceramic products: micronized zircon and zircon flour samples, and spray-dried ceramic powders (atomized).This procedure requires obtaining linear regression models for estimating the activity of 238U and 232Th as a function of specific gross alpha and gross beta measurements. Regression models must be obtained for each type of ceramic material together with the range of application of the model, which depend primarily on the ratio between 238U and 232Th activities. The applications to micronized zircon and zircon flours, and spray-dried ceramic powders demonstrated that the models obtained for the indirect characterization of 238U and 232Th activities explain more than 95% of the variability in the data.In addition, those models were used for predicting the results of new validation samples. Regarding the micronized zircon and zircon flours, predictions were good for the 238U activity with a relative bias of less than 10%, while they were not so accurate for the 232Th activity, with a relative bias of less than 15% for most of the samples. For spray-dried ceramic powders, the predictions were quite good for the 238U activity with a relative bias of less than 20% irrespective of the cluster to which the validation sample belongs, and similarly for the 232Th activity.

Trace Elements Distribution in the k7 Seam of the Karaganda Coal Basin, Kazakhstan

We investigated the distribution patterns and evaluated the average contents of trace elements in the k7 seam of the Karaganda coal basin in Central Kazakhstan. This paper presents the results of studying the geochemistry of 34 elements in 85 samples of the k7 seam. The study employed a suite of advanced high-resolution analytical methods, including atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP–OES) and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP–MS), along with their processing and interpretation. It was determined that the concentrations of trace elements in the k7 seam are primarily associated with lithophile elements, revealing high concentrations of Li, V, Sc, Zr, Hf, and Ba. Additionally, increased concentrations of Nb, Ta, Se, Te, Ag, and Th were observed compared to the coal Clarke. Specific Nb(Ta)–Zr(Hf)–Li mineralization accompanied by a group of associated metals (Ba, V, Sc, etc.) was identified. The study revealed lateral and vertical heterogeneity of the rare elements’ distributions in coals, attributed to the formation dynamics of the coal basin. A correlation between Li and Al2O3 with a less positive relationship with K2O suggests the affinity of certain elements (Li, Ta, Nb, and Ba) to kaolinite. Clay layers showed increased radioactivity, with Th—13.2 ppm and U—2.6 ppm, indicating the possible presence of volcanogenic pyroclastic rocks characterized by radioactivity. Taken together, these data reveal the features of the rock composition of the source area, which is considered a mineralization source. According to geochemical data, it was found that the source area mainly consists of igneous felsic rocks, indicating that the formation occurred under conditions of a volcanic arc. This study’s novelty lies in estimating the average trace elements in the k7 seam, with elevated concentrations of certain elements that suggest promising prospects for industrial extraction from coals and coal wastes. These findings offer insights into considering coal as a potential source of raw material for rare metal production, guiding the industrial processing of key elements within coal. The potential extraction of metals from coal deposits, including from dumps, holds significance for industrial and commercial technologies, as processing critical coal elements can reduce disposal costs and mitigate their environmental impact.

Risk assessment due to natural radioactivity of stone dust and crushed stone Commercialized in construction stores in the state of Rio de Janeiro

A systematic study of the distribution of the Naturally Occurring Radioactivity in stone dust and crushed stone, has been carried out with an objective of establishing reliable baseline data on the radiation level and hence to evaluate hazard indices approach and the production of radioactive heat (RHP) due to radiation exposure to the workers and to the inhabitants of the studied area. Twenty-six samples have been collected from different locations in the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). To calculate the specific activity, gamma ray spectrometry and a detector of High Purity Germanium (HPGe; Canberra, 30% relative efficiency) was used. The activity concentration of 238U, 226Ra 232Th and 40K ranged from 29.3 ± 18.6 to 206.8 ± 21.5 Bq kg−1, 30.3 ± 1.0 to 134.3 ± 1.8, 27.9 ± 0.7 to 86.2 ± 0.9 Bq kg−1, and 734.9 ± 35.1 to 1204.8 ± 53.5 Bq kg−1, respectively. The mean values of the Iex, Iin, Iγ, Iα, AUI, IRP112Rn, IPA, IPI and IYu indices were 0.68 ± 0.09, 0.92 ± 0.12, 0.93 ± 0.12, 0.43 ± 0.07, 0.88 ± 0.20, 1.25 ± 0.21, 0.34 ± 0.05, 0.75 ± 0.10, 0.63 ± 0.08 and 34. ± 6.31, respectively. The average radioactive heat production (RHP) of 2.01 ± 0.28 μ Wm−3 was above the values found in the literature, which may contribute to the heat flow in the study area because the raw materials that make up the samples showed a high value of environmental radioactivity. The Brazilian Hazard Index to assess the radiological risk of crushed stone and stone dust was created and the average value was 0.74 ± 0.10, a value below 1, which means only moderate control over the use of these materials, with no indication of restriction to the its use.

Concentration level of radionuclides in road dust in the urban atmosphere of two cities of Pakistan

This research focused on measuring the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) aerosols and radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in road dust collected using glass fiber filters from busy roads and populated areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The measured concentrations ranged between 551.0 and 2025.7 µgm−3 for PM2.5 aerosols, 32.4 and 54.7 mBqm−3 for 226Ra, 15.8 and 26.8 mBqm−3 for 232Th, and 239.0 and 316.4 mBqm−3 for 40K. The study found that PM2.5 levels surpassed the WHO’s recommended limit of 25 µgm−3. Additionally, concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th were considerably higher than the global average values of 1 and 0.5 µBqm−3, respectively, in dust. The total inhalation effective dose in all samples exceeded the ICRP’s acceptable limit of 2 mSvy-1, except in the infant and 1-year-old age groups (considering F, M, and S-type modes). Notably, 232Th was identified as the primary contributor, accounting for 36.5 % to 99.4 % of the total inhalation effective dose.

37 years after the chernobyl: the current radiation status in Kocaeli, Turkey

This study aims to assess the artificial and natural radiation dose levels in certain districts of Kocaeli province within the Marmara region, 37 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and evaluate the current status prior to potential nuclear leakage events from Zaporijya or other nuclear power plants. Radioactive concentrations of 232Th, 238U, 40K and 137Cs were determined using HPGe gamma spectrometry in 26 soil samples collected from the region of interest. The average concentrations were found to be 22.35 Bqkg−1 for 238U, 26.36 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, 368.34 Bqkg−1 for 40K, and 2.44 Bqkg−1 for 137Cs. Furthermore, the study revealed an absorbed dose rate of 41.73 nGyh−1, an annual effective dose equivalent of 51.18 µSvy−1, and an excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.00018.

Geochemistry and origin of the Late Carboniferous ultramafic, mafic, and felsic plutonic rocks (NW Iran)

The Late Carboniferous Gharabagh-Mamkan-Mingol plutonic complex (GMMP) consists of a variety of ultramafic, mafic, felsic intrusive rocks, including the 325–315 Ma Gharabagh gabbroic, granitic, and monzonitic rocks and Mamkan-Mingol 320–315 Ma massive appinites (hornblende-rich gabbros) and 300–295 Ma layered mafic-ultramafic (gabbro, appinitic gabbro, and appinite) rocks in the northwestern Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, Iran. The relationships between various rock types in the plutonic complex are unknown. To address these issues, we conducted a detailed petrologic and geochemical study of the complex, and its country rocks.The abundance of major and trace elements and isotopic ratios of 87/86Sr (0.70379–0.70428) and 143/144Nd (0.51228–0.51245) systems showed that the Gharabagh gabbros formed from a metasomatized amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite from an ancient subduction-modified mantle source with OIB characteristics including high contents of light rare earth elements (LREEs), Ti, Nb, Ta, and Ba, as well as low concentrations of Sr, Hf, and Zr. The geochemical data show that monzonites had high concentrations of LREEs, Ba, U, K, Hand Zr, and the low contents of Th, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and HREEs and Eu-positive anomalies and originated from the melting of the continental crustal base in the subducted mantle wedge. The granites are similar to monzonites, with their difference being in the high concentrations of Th and Eu-negative anomalies. Combining petrographic, petrological, geochemical, and isotopic data suggests that Gharabagh plutonic rocks were formed as a result of Paleo-Tethys slab break-off, and slab sinking, during trans-tensional collision between the Central Iranian microplate and Gondwanaland during the Late Carboniferous. As a result of this event, decompression melting began in the upwelling mantle, coeval with the formation of the pull-apart basin, during major strike-slip faulting, leading to a hydrous mafic melt with about 10–12% partial melting.The Mamkan-Mingol massive and layered masses have a tholeiitic affinity. The Mamkan-Mingol rocks are characterized by different trace element patterns, especially in the concentrations of REEs and high field strength elements (HFSEs) such as Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, and P and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Th, U, Sr, K, Rb, and Ba. The massive and layered rocks mostly show a variably developed negative anomaly in HFSEs, and widely varying ratios of (La/Yb)n (1.0–5.2). Massive appinites and layered gabbros of GMMP originated due to different partial melting in the upwelling zone of metasomatized OIB-like amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite and a less hydrous- to dry upwelling mantle zone, respectively, in an environment associated with the initiation of rifting, where the remnants of the Paleo-Tethys subducted slab plunges deep into the mantle. Contrasting Nd isotopic ranges are present between the massive appinites (ɛNd = +0.39) and different types of mafic-ultramafic rocks in layered outcrops (ɛNd = +1.12 to +2.07) of the complex. Based on the geochemical and isotopic (ratios of Sr, Nd, and Pb) data, we suggest that variations in of contribution of slab-derived fluids or crustal components in the primary melt caused the generation of massive appinites and different types of layered gabbros.

The current status of natural and artificial radiation in İstanbul 36 years after chernobyl, preceding a potential nuclear threat

In this study, the current status of natural and artificial radioactivity levels in soil samples from the Büyükçekmece and Silivri districts of Istanbul, as well as the Marmara Ereğlisi district in Tekirdağ, has been determined in anticipation of a potential nuclear leakage (e.g. the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant). Twenty soil samples were collected from the study area, and the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were measured using an HPGe detector. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 26 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 540 ± 29, 0.55 ± 0.07 Bq kg−1, respectively.

Natural Radionuclides Concentrations and Associated Radiation Hazard of Some Building Rocks Used in Taiz City, Yemen

Building materials comprise a diverse range of natural rocks that contain varying mineral components including radionuclides. Gamma spectrometry-based high-purity Germanium detectors were utilized to measure the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides: Radium-226 (226Ra), Thorium-232 (232Th), and Potassium-40 (40K) in various building rock samples found within and surrounding Taiz city. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K vary from 27.79 ± 0.77 to 234.49 ± 3.13 Bq.kg-1, 25.82 ± 0.40 to 415.31 ± 2.47 Bq.kg-1, and 457.91±2.61 to 1139.56 ± 5.43 Bq.kg-1 with overall average value of 71.55 Bq.kg-1, 93.87 Bq.kg-1, 966.88 Bq.kg-1 respectively, these values were higher than the permissible thresholds. Furthermore, several radiation hazard indices were estimated including the radium equivalent (Raeq), the external hazard index (Hex), the internal hazard index (Hin), the gamma level index (Iɤ), the dose rate(Dɤ), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE). The findings illustrated that Basalt rocks have the minimum values of radiation hazard indices while the Himatite rocks have the maximum values of radiation hazard. The average values of radiation risks for most of building rocks fall below the recommended limits for safety. Based on the Radiation hazard indices of building rock samples, it can be concluded that with the exception of hematite rocks, all the examined rocks are considered safe for use in construction materials and pose non-significant radiation risks. The awareness about natural radioactivity levels of building rocks is critical for planning and performing strategies in radiation safety of buildings.

Gross alpha/beta and radionuclide activity concentrations in soil, plant and some fruits around the Tehran Research Reactor

Human activities usually have some contamination as effluents from chemical industries and radionuclides from nuclear reactors. For assessing the probable radioactive contamination in vicinity of Tehran Research Reactor, The gross alpha and beta radioactivity concentrations in soil, pine and cedar leaves and some selected fruits (fig, apple, berry and pomegranate) were investigated using an alpha/beta spectrometer during 2021–2022. Also, the concentrations of artificial and natural radionuclides in samples were investigated by the method of gamma spectroscopy. The gross alpha activity concentrations in soil, pine and cedar leaves and some selected fruits samples are from 0.05 to 0.35 Bq/gr and 0.07–0.31 Bq/gr and 0.04–0.18 Bq/gr, respectively. The gross beta activity concentrations in soil, pine and cedar leaves and some selected fruit samples are from 0.73 to 4.25 Bq/gr and 0.21–3.97 Bq/gr and 1.01–2.71 Bq/gr, respectively. Average activities concentration of natural radionuclide 232Th, 238U and 40K in soil, pine and cedar leaves and some selected fruits are 31.89–16.23–582.73 Bq/kg and 1.84–0.99–84.60 Bq/kg and 1.98–1.09–72.08 Bq/kg respectively. From artificial radionuclides, just 137Cs is recognized in soil sample and the range of 137Cs concentration in surface soils was observed to vary in the range 0.85–2.21 (Bq/kg). The result showed that the Tehran Research Reactor activities not have increased the environmental radioactivity and radiation level in the area.

Actinide isotope analysis and trace element composition of bones of prehistoric animals and humans by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used for analysis of the bones of archanthropus, ancient bear, southern mammoths, dinosaurs, as well as soils collected in various parts of Uzbekistan. The concentrations of 64 elements have been detected including thorium and uranium for which isotope compositions were also analysed. The comparison of the ICP-MS data with the results we obtained earlier for some bones using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) is presented. The concentrations of 234, 235, 238U are up to two orders of magnitude elevated compared to the soils (e.g.238U in south mammoth bone—130.1 mg/kg, and that of soil is only 1.6 mg/kg). The levels of 236U, and 239, 240, 242, 244Pu isotopes (possible neutron capture products of 235U and 238U) correspond to a count rate of blank samples. In addition, the isotope analysis confirms the uranium in the bones and surrounding soils is natural (the average determined for all samples uranium ratios 235U/238U = 0.0071 ± 0.0003 (2-sigma errors). The concentration of 230Th (which is the part of 234U and 238U decay chain) is also elevated in the bones compared to the surrounding soils, however, the concentrations of stable 232Th largely correspond to those of the soil. The excess uranium detected in bones is most probably due to the preferential accumulation from soil, and not to the paleo diet.

Radionuclide Transfer in Tea Cultivation: Assessing Radiological Risks in the Largest and First Established Tea Garden in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT To address potential health risks associated with radioactivity in tea consumption, a study was conducted utilizing high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry to measure the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides in soil and tea leaves collected from several major tea gardens (including the Malnicherra tea garden which is the largest and first established tea garden in the Indian subcontinent) situated in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Although nearly all soil samples showed the presence of 137Cs (with a maximum activity of 6.5 ± 1.31 Bq/kg), none of the analyzed tea leaf samples exhibited its presence, which can be attributed to its restricted transferability from soil to plants. The range of transfer factors for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from soil to tea leaves was calculated to be (0.39–0.54), (0.25–0.46) and (1.39–3.03), respectively. The heightened concentrations of 40K identified in the tea leaf samples can be mainly ascribed to specific metabolic processes associated with potassium, along with the heightened utilization of potassium chloride-based fertilizers aimed at enhancing tea production. The examination of hazard parameters, including the estimated committed effective dose and the excess lifetime cancer risk associated with tea consumption, reveals values that are comparatively lower than the recommended limits. Consequently, the radiation exposure from tea consumption does not present a significant radiological health concern for the general population.

Geophysical survey and radiometric assessment of aquifer strata and vulnerable groundwater quality of Ukwuani Ommunities in Delta State

The study assessed the aquifer strata and groundwater quality of Obeti, Umuaja, and Ebedei communities of Ukwuani, Delta State, Nigeria using electrical resistivity technique and sodium iodide [Na(TI)] detector. The electrical resistivity technique revealed that lithology has five to six geoelectric strata, which ranged from topsoil to clay formations with thickness of 0.6 to 6.0 m sits and aquifer resistivity range of 182.1– 6032.0 Ωm with depth of 29–70 m. These ranges indicate significant changes in the aquifer level and sufficient reservoirs for groundwater. To assess the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K at the aquifer depth of 29–70 m groundwater, a total of fifteen groundwater samples were collect for analysis and the mean results are 9.00±1.24Bql−1, 4.82±2.95Bql−1 and 57.93±4.20Bql−1 respectively. These results are all above world threshold limits. However, the computed mean radiological health risk values for radium equivalent (Raeq), representative index (Iy), external hazard index (Hin), internal hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), outdoor and indoor, and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) outdoor and indoor are 20.35±5.78 Bql−1, 0.15mSvy−1, 0.056mSvy−1, 0.08mSvy−1, 9.55μGyh−1, 11.71mSvy−1, 46.84mSvy−1and 0.04×10−3, 0.16×10−3 and 0.20×10−3 for the addition of (ELCR) outdoor and indoor respectively. The computed mean radiological values are below world threshold limits. Hence, the studied communities’ drinking groundwater is safe radiologically. It is advised that government, oil and gas operators and individuals should drill above 30 m depth for quality groundwater and should be treated before usage. These values will serve as baseline data.

Assessment of radionuclides in the soil of Bonny Local Government Area Of Rivers State, Nigeria and evaluation of radiological risk

Twenty Samples each of soil from Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria were analyzed using NaI(IT) gamma detector to estimate radiation hazard due to the anthropogenic sources. The activity concentration of 232Th was found to be in the range 18.78 – 397.13 BqKg-1, 40K in the range 43.72 – 390.62 BqKg-1 and 226Ra in the range 10.77 – 57.84 BqKg-1 all in soil. These results were used to calculate the radiological hazard parameters including the Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose. The calculated gamma exposure rates ranged between 10.00 – 270.79 nGyh-1 while the average value of the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was found to be 0.38 x 10-3 for soil which is higher than the world average of 0.29 x 10-3.

Granitoids of the western Himalaya and Karakoram as potential geothermal reservoirs – A petrological, geochemical and petrophysical study

Hot springs in various granitoid and gneissic complexes in northern Pakistan indicate elevated geothermal gradients, which warrants their evaluation for geothermal applications. Evaluation of such prospects requires extensive knowledge of rock properties and their interaction with reservoir fluids. Our contribution provides first-order information on petrophysical, geochemical, and petrographic descriptions derived from outcrop analogs. About seventy samples of (mostly) granitoids and gneisses from the Nanga Parbat Massif (NPM), the Kohistan-Ladakh Batholith (KLB), and the Karakoram Batholith (KB) were collected. Biotite, K-feldspar, and plagioclase in the granitoid and gneiss show weak to moderate alteration, which increases in shear zones, suggesting fracture-assisted fluid interaction. Geochemical results indicate that the gneisses and granites of the NPM are mostly peraluminous S-type and show enrichment in most LREEs and depletion in HREEs. In addition, depleted Sr and Ba and enriched Rb and U in granites indicate partial melting and high fractionation. On the contrary, granitoids from the KLB are of calc-alkaline I-type and characterized by the depletion of REEs and the enrichment in Ba and Sr. The granitoids of the KB, due to their different magmatic histories, are more diverse, ranging from older I-type calc-alkaline granodiorite, and younger I-type alkaline syenite and S-type calc-alkaline granite. They show an overall enrichment in HREEs along with Ba, Th, Ta, Sr, and Lu. Allanites from syenite of the KB show significant concentrations of Th and U.Petrophysical measurements reveal low matrix porosities (0.6–3.5 %), with primarily average thermal conductivities (1.48–3.37 W m−1K −1) and thermal diffusivities (0.68–1.95 ∙10–6 m2 s−1), with minor variation in specific heat capacities (744–767 J kg−1 K−1). The NPM displays higher average thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and lower porosity than the KB, while the petrophysical properties of the KLB range between these two domains.The geothermal systems in the area operate due to the thickening of a granitoid-dominant crust, which is enriched with radiogenic elements. The fault zones provide channels for meteoric water to access deeply these hot and thermally conductive rocks in the subsurface. After heat exchange, the water is discharged back to the surface as hot springs. The present data set provides a better understanding of regional geothermal regimes from petrological, geochemical, and petrophysical perspectives and assists in numerical modeling for potential geothermal assessment.

Maximizing the Processing of Polymetallic Concentrates via Actinide Separation and Rare Earth Retrieval

During the last decades, the growing demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has led to numerous recent studies to recover these elements from various bearing ores and wastes. Therefore, the recovery of REEs from Ras Baroud polymetallic concentrate has been investigated in the current study. Physical beneficiation for the Ras Baroud pegmatite sample was carried out, yielding a concentrate for euxenite (Y), fergusonite (Y), xenotime (Y), monazite (Ce), allanite, thorite, uranothorite, and Hf-zircon, which resulted in raising the concentrations of rare earth elements, Th, Zr, U, and Ti in the sample. Fusion digestion processes with sodium hydroxide were studied using the Conceived Predictive Diagonal (CPD) technique. The three experimental digestion groups proved the dissolution of 99.9, 95.6, 99.9, 52.5, and 0.47% for REEs, Th, U, Ti, and Zr, respectively, under fusion conditions of 723 K, 120 min, 1/1.5 ore/alkali ratio, and − 100-μm particle sizes. Fusion kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were investigated using several suggested models, namely, pseudo reversible first order, uptake general model, and shrinking core model which matched well with the experimental digestion results. Selective recovery of actinide content from REE content of the digested concentrate chloride solutions was accomplished using solvent extraction with di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid. About 99.9, 99.9, and 4.2% extraction efficiencies for Th, U, and REEs were performed, respectively, using 0.3 mol/L solvent concentration in kerosene as a diluent, 1/2 organic to aqueous ratio, an aqueous pH of 0.2, and 15-min contact time. Thorium and uranium ions were stripped with sulfuric acid solution 2.5 mol/L with 94 and 98% stripping efficiency, respectively. A highly purified REE precipitate was obtained from the raffinate solutions. Zircon mineralization tailings were obtained as a by-product through the alkaline digestion process.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels and hazard indicators in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Nepal through in-situ technique and multivariate analysis

The evaluation of primordial radionuclide concentrations in rapidly urbanized and concrete-laden areas through the importation of construction materials from various regions of Nepal is both important and essential. This study utilized a portable gamma-ray spectrometer (PGIS 2) to analyze the distribution of three natural radionuclides: uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K) in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal. The measured dose rates ranged from 70.22 nSv hr−1 to 163.66 nSv hr−1, with an average of 124.65±20.29 nSv hr−1, surpassing the global average of 59 nSv hr−1. The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th exceeded global averages, indicating relatively higher natural radioactivity concentrations in the region. Specifically, the average values for 40K, 238U, and 232Th were 935.26±172.30 Bq kg−1, 80.47±15.53 Bq kg−1, and 80.44±18.58 Bq kg−1, respectively. The calculated radium equivalent (Raeq) ranged from 132.26 to 351.22 Bq kg−1, and the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) varied from 372.61 to 1028.81 μSv yr−1. The annual effective dose rates for indoor and outdoor environments were 0.54±0.09 mSv yr−1 and 0.15±0.03 mSv yr−1, respectively, both exceeding the global average. The representative level index (RLI) within the study area averaged 1.96±0.32, indicating an elevated radiation risk. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values for outdoor and indoor environments were 0.52×10−3 ±0.09 ×10−3 and 1.87 ×10−3 ±0.31×10−3, respectively, surpassing the world average. Additionally, external hazard indices (Hex) ranged from 0.36 to 0.59, while internal hazard indices (Hin) ranged from 0.38 to 1.20, both indicating values higher than UNSCEAR recommendations. These findings underscore the necessity for further experimental analysis employing ex-situ equipment. The data generated in this study can provide a valuable baseline for future assessments and interventions in radiation risk management guidelines within the country.

Assessment of physicochemical, minerals and microbiological qualities of borehole and well water: A case study of Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

Groundwater constitutes a substantial reservoir of fresh water utilized for agricultural irrigation and drinking, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding its availability and quality. Contamination of groundwater can arise from chemical, physical, or microbiological sources, each contributing to various health-related issues. In the region of FUTA Southgate, Southwest Nigeria, an assessment was conducted on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of groundwater from hand-dug wells and boreholes to ascertain its suitability for human consumption. The analysis indicated that parameters such as BOD, DO TS, TH, and nitrate content were within the acceptable limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDQ). However, the presence of heavy metals like Fe, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Cd, and Zn was detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer, revealing a slight level of contamination in both water sources. Furthermore, microbiological examination identified Total Coliform Counts of 382 cfu and 159 cfu in hand-dug wells and boreholes, respectively, indicating fecal contamination. The findings suggest that inadequate sewage systems and improper waste disposal practices contribute to the compromised water quality and elevated nitrate levels in hand-dug wells, rendering the shallow aquifer groundwater unsafe for drinking purposes across all evaluated parameters. Consequently, appropriate treatment and disinfection measures are imperative before utilizing the contaminated borehole and groundwater wells for human consumption or industrial purposes.

Gamma ray spectrometric analysis and assessment of radiation hazards in soils of Mbeere North region, Kenya.

This study used gamma ray spectrometry to determine the radiological safety of construction soil sampled randomly from Mbeere North region, Kenya. The mean activity concentration of 232Th, 238U, and 40K was 149.7±2.8 Bqkg-1, 88.3±2.4 Bqkg-1, and 490±35 Bqkg-1, respectively. These averages exceed the world average for all the radionuclides. The radionuclides were non-uniformly distributed, with higher concentrations along the slopes and on the feet of the hills. The mean absorbed dose rate, indoor and outdoor annual effective dose, radium equivalent, external hazard index, and internal hazard index were 157.9±4.4 nGh-1, 0.58±0.02 mSvy-1, 0.39±0.01 mSvy-1, 340.7±9.2 Bqkg-1, 0.92±0.02 and 1.14±0.03, respectively. Among the radiation safety indicators, only the average internal hazard index exceeded slightly the acceptable safe limit. Therefore, soils of Mbeere North region are radiologically safe for use in brick making and construction of human habitats.