External Gamma Radiation Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of radionuclide concentrations and external gamma radiation levels in phosphate ores and fertilizers commonly used in Algeria

In this paper, radionuclide concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K contained in two phosphate ores and six granular fertilizer samples were determined using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 255 ± 12, 193 ± 7 and 23 ± 6 Bq kg−1, respectively, in phosphate ores and 86 ± 4, 12 ± 2 and 1348 ± 95 Bq kg−1, respectively, in phosphate fertilizers. The total absorbed dose rates in air (D) calculated from the concentrations of the three radionuclides ranged from 14 to 297 nGy year−1, and the external annual effective dose rates (AEDR) were determined to be between 0.01 and 0.36 mSv year−1. Based on the annual effective dose calculations, the estimated excess lifetime cancer risks due to phosphate ores and phosphate fertilizers are 1.02 × 10−3 and 0.42 × 10−3, respectively. The mean values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), and internal hazard index (Hin) were also calculated, and their mean values are 532 Bq kg−1, 1.9 and 2.25 respectively, in phosphate ores and 205 Bq kg−1, 0.55 and 0.78, respectively, in fertilizers. Results were discussed and compared with those reported in similar studies and with internationally recommended values.

Measurement of background gamma radiation in the northern Marshall Islands

We report measurements of background gamma radiation levels on six islands in the northern Marshall Islands (Enewetak, Medren, and Runit onEnewetak Atoll; Bikini and Nam on Bikini Atoll; and Rongelap on Rongelap Atoll). Measurable excess radiation could be expected from the decay of (137)Cs produced by the US nuclear testing program there from 1946 to 1958. These recordings are of relevance to safety of human habitation and resettlement. We find low levels of gamma radiation for the settled island of Enewetak [mean = 7.6 millirem/year (mrem/y) = 0.076 millisievert/year (mSv/y)], larger levels of gamma radiation for the island of Rongelap (mean = 19.8 mrem/y = 0.198 mSv/y), and relatively high gamma radiation on the island of Bikini (mean = 184 mrem/y = 1.84 mSv/y). Distributions of gamma radiation levels are provided, and hot spots are discussed. We provide interpolated maps for four islands (Enewetak, Medren, Bikini, and Rongelap), and make comparisons to control measurements performed on the island of Majuro in the southern Marshall Islands, measurements made in Central Park in New York City, and the standard agreed upon by the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) governments (100 mrem/y = 1 mSv/y). External gamma radiation levels on Bikini Island significantly exceed this standard (P = <<0.01), and external gamma radiation levels on the other islands are below the standard. To determine conclusively whether these islands are safe for habitation, radiation exposure through additional pathways such as food ingestion must be considered.

External gamma radiation levels and natural radioactivity in soil around a phosphate fertilizer plant at Mumbai

Fertilizers containing phosphate have been used worldwide in increasing quantities in order to replenish natural nutrients, which are being continuously depleted from the soil by virtue of farming activities. Phosphate rocks together with potassium ores and nitrogenous compounds are the main raw materials used for industrial fertilizer production. Rock phosphate ore processing and disposal of phosphogypsum contribute to enhanced levels of natural radionuclides in the environment. The levels of naturally occurring radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in soil samples collected around a phosphate fertilizer plant were estimated. Radium equivalent activity, external hazard index and external dose rate due to natural gamma background at various locations around the plant were also measured.

Natural radioactivity assessment of a phosphate fertilizer plant area

Rock phosphate ore processing and disposal of phosphogypsum contribute to enhanced levels of natural radionuclides in the environment. The concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, rock phosphate and phosphogypsum samples collected around a phosphate fertilizer plant were determined. Also the external background gamma levels were surveyed.238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K activities in soil samples were 21–674Bq/kg, 11–44Bq/kg, 22–683Bq/kg and 51–295Bq/kg respectively. The external background gamma radiation levels in the plant premises were ranging from 48 to 133 nGy/h.

The importance of physico-chemical parameters on the speciation of natural radionuclides in riverine ecosystems

External gamma radiation levels were measured in the catchment areas of the Sharavathi River and the dose rates in air were found to be in the range 26.0–61.0 nGy h −1. Soil and sediment samples of the riverine environment were analysed for natural radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using a NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer. The activity concentration of 210Pb and 210Po in soil and sediment samples was determined by radiochemical separation techniques. Evaluation of the activity concentration of radionuclides with grain size revealed an increase in the activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K towards fine grain size. The activity concentrations for all isotopes in all samples were not significantly correlated with pH. However, the activity of 210Po and 210Pb in sediment showed a moderate positive correlation with organic matter content and a good correlation with clay content of sediment.

Preliminary results of natural radioactivity measurements in the southern part of Ethiopia

The paper presents the first results of natural radioactivity measurements in the Southern part of Ethiopia (Bale Zone—Oromiya Regional State). The preliminary results indicate that radiation levels in the mining areas of Kallido Mountain are elevated compared with those in the town of Negele Borena (background area). Both external gamma radiation and alpha surface contamination levels are significantly elevated above local background levels.

Natural radionuclides in zircon and related radiological impacts in mineral separation plants

The activity concentration of uranium and thorium present in zircon obtained from mineral sand industries are presented. External gamma radiation levels and inhalation of airborne dust are found to be the significant routes of radiation exposure to occupational workers. The annual average dose attributed to zircon processing is estimated to be 2.3 mSv in the plants under study. This paper presents the results of external gamma measurements, estimation of airborne radioactivity in zircon process locations and radon and thoron in the occupational environment of two mineral separation plants in India. Analyses of the solid wastes and liquid effluent generated and resultant environmental impacts are indicated.

An Evaluation of Radiation and Dust Hazards at a Mineral Sand Processing Plant

This three-part article discusses the results of a 2-y study on radiation and dust hazards in a mineral sand processing plant involving: (1) evaluation of external gamma radiation levels and determination of isotopic composition of the different sand products; (2) evaluation of radiation carried in long-lived radioactive dust (LLRD) particles; (3) evaluation of Rn gas concentrations within the working environs of the plant. Gamma radiation levels had a mean value of approximately 40 nSv h-1, and monazite sand returned the highest activity concentrations of 0.16% and 3.4% for 238U and 232Th, respectively. Low volume gross respirable dust sampling revealed an average long-lived airborne alpha activity concentration of 0.07 +/- 0.02 Bq m-3 and an average dust mass concentration of 3.3 +/- 2 mg m-3. Gamma spectroscopy applied to high-volume air samples showed average airborne 232Th and 238U activities of 0.012 +/- 0.004 Bq m-3 and 0.005 +/- 0.002 Bq m-3, respectively, giving an airborne 232Th: 238U ratio of 2.4:1. Air sampling using a high volume, five-stage cascade impactor indicated an average activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD) of 3.2 microns with an associated average geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 2.8. Average radiation dose arising from the inhalation of LLRD was estimated to be 7 mSv per annum. CR-39 (polycarbonate plastic) nuclear track detectors indicated that Rn gas concentrations in the environs of the processing plant dry mill and main product warehouse ranged from 30 Bq m-3 to 220 Bq m-3, with an average value of 100 Bq m-3, which presents a possible inhaled dose from Rn daughters of 1.5 mSv y-1 (assuming an equilibrium ratio of 0.5).