Internal Hazard Index Research Articles

Comparative assessment of natural radionuclides content of cement products from Assiut cement factories, Egypt

Cement industry is one of the basic industries that play an important role in the national economy of developing countries. In this study, a comparison between cement products from factories on Assiut, Egypt (Assiut Cement Company (ACC) & Building Materials Industry Company (BMIC)) was presented to evaluate their radiological impact on human health as building materials. Activity concentration of 226Ra 232Th, and 40K in different types of cement products were collected from both factories has been measured using HPGe gamma spectrometry. The results indicated that a highest activity concentration from ACC was from the Portland cement where the lowest was SRC cement. In BMIC, the SRC cement activity concentration was almost similar with Portland cement activity concentration. The range of radionuclide concentrations in the all cement products for both factories were found to be lower than the world average limits (50, 50,500 Bq/Kg) for 226Ra 232Th and 40K respectively in building materials. For estimating radiation hazard indices, the radium equivalent, external and internal hazard indexes, Representative level index (Iγr), annual effective dose, the absorbed dose rate and excess lifetime cancer risk were considered. All of them were found below the acceptable limits. Therefore, this study confirmed that all cement samples from ACC & BMIC are radiologically safe to be used as building materials, with no significant impact of radiological hazards provided.

Assessment of naturally occurred radiation hazards in chemical and organic fertilizers used in Chattogram area, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The present work deals with identifying and determining the activity levels of naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th series, their decay products and 40K in chemical and organic fertilisers used in the Chattogram area, Bangladesh. A total of 39 samples collected from retail markets were investigated, out of which 28 are chemical fertilisers and the others are organic fertilisers. The average activity concentration of 226Ra and 232Th found in TSP fertiliser are 304.57 ± 36.0 and 19.1 ± 6.8 Bq kg−1 respectively and the average activity concentration of 40K in MOP fertiliser is found as 10,311.11 ± 1168 Bq kg−1. In the organic fertiliser samples, the mean concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 17.35 ± 3.11, 7.20 ± 1.74 and 437.14 ± 42.58 Bq kg−1, respectively. The mean absorbed dose rates were measured after the end of our experiment, and the value was found to be 91.39 nGy h−1. The combined (indoor + outdoor) annual effective dose equivalent was also estimated as 0.322 mSv year−1. The mean radium equivalent activity found to be 190.15 ± 26.74 Bq kg−1 is well below the recommended level of 370 Bq kg1. The internal hazard index, external hazard index, and radioactivity level index of the investigated fertiliser samples were found as 0.56 ± 0.034, 0.54 ± 0.08 and 0.69 ± 0.10, respectively. From the calculated hazard parameters, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was found to be higher than the world average in most of the chemical fertilisers except in DAP and BOR, while the organic fertilisers show lower than the world average. The obtained results reveal that there are no significant radiation hazards due to natural radionuclides of the fertiliser samples in the studied area, but the higher concentration of 40K in MOP suggests strengthening the regulatory work. Overall, this study highly recommends the use of organic fertilisers, as these kinds have hazard parameters lower than the recommended levels.

Natural radioactivity and its radiological implications from soils and rocks in Jaintiapur area, North-east Bangladesh.

Natural radioactivity concentrations in recent alluvial soils from swampy areas and Tertiary rocks from Jaintiapur were measured using gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with HPGe detector. The average radioactivity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 47 ± 6, 64 ± 5 and 762 ± 40 Bqkg−1 in soils, whereas, 25 ± 2, 37 ± 4 and 884 ± 41 Bqkg−1 in rock samples, respectively. Average radioactivity concentrations of studied soil and rock samples exceeded the world average except 226Ra for rocks. Radio-elemental ratios suggest that an oxic depositional environment with low uranium and high thorium content. Regarding radiological hazard indices, radium equivalent activities (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex) and internal hazard index (Hin) was found to be below the world permissible limits. Whereas, absorbed dose rate (D), and annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) averages exceeded the world admissible values. Statistical studies show that radioactivity for 226Ra and 232Th linked to a source enriched in radioactive minerals and 40K related to a different sources high in K enriched minerals.

Natural Radioactivity Assessment and Radiation Hazards of Pegmatite as a Building Material, Hafafit Area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt.

Sixty-seven sites of Hafafit pegmatite from the Southeastern Desert of Egypt were investigated radiometrically in the field using an in situ γ-ray spectrometer to determine eU, eTh, and K contents. The obtained results ranged from 0.4 to 6 ppm for eU with a mean value of 2.5 ppm, from 0.2 to 32 ppm for eTh with a mean value of 6.7 ppm, and from 0.7% to 5.4% for K with a mean value of 3.3%. Consequently, the radiological effects from these rocks were estimates by determination of the environmental parameters: gamma activity concentration index Iγ, external hazard index Hex, internal hazard index Hin, external absorbed dose rates in outdoor, and external absorbed dose rates in indoor air. The results obtained in this study showed that values U, Th, and K lie in the range of the acceptable world values. In addition, the calculated radiation hazard parameters (Iγ, Hex, and Hin) have values lower than the world values, while the calculated external absorbed dose rates (Dair) have values higher than the world and Egyptian permissible levels.

Natural radioactivity assessment of surface soil collected from Poovar village of Kerala, India

Making use of gamma ray spectrometric analysis method, the activities of soil-borne radio-nuclides viz. 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the surface soil samples from a specific village in coastal county has been determined. The surface soil of living environment in the Poovar village was used for the study. The activity concentration is used for evaluating various radiologically vital parameters such as levels of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), absorbed gamma dose rate (D), outdoor and indoor annual effective dose (AED), representative gamma radioactivity level index (Iγ) and alpha index (Iα) in the region. The estimated radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was observed to fluctuate from below detectable level (BDL) of the instrument to 9 Bqkg−1, 21 Bqkg−1 to 36 Bqkg−1 and 453 Bqkg−1 to 585 Bqkg−1, respectively. Since all of the samples investigated in the study are within the advised limit, there are no radiation threats to the human beings in the region. The obtained information in this research can be used for future radiological mapping and impact assessments.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Cements Used as Building Materials in Poland.

It has been analyzed in this article the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Poland and available on the Polish market. The radiological hazard parameters are, in particular, absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity, the external hazard index, and the gamma and alpha indices. The radionuclide activities of the most important radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K have been determined by gamma-ray spectrometry with the use of two kinds of spectrometers of different operational parameters. One performed also measurements on 30-day and 45-day aged samples as to verify if there is a statistically significant difference in radioactivity concentration for shorter and longer aging time. The radioactivity concentrations in the cement samples ranged from 21.7–75.7 Bq·kg−1 for 226Ra, 12.3–47.3 Bq·kg−1 for 232Th to 123–430 Bq·kg−1 for 40K. The radiological parameters in cement samples were calculated as follows: mean radium equivalent activity Raeq = 127 Bq·kg−1, mean absorbed gamma dose rate D = 115 nGy·h−1, mean annual effective dose E = 570 µSv·y−1, external hazard index Hex = 0.32, internal hazard index Hin = 0.51, mean activity concentration index Iγ = 0.47 and mean alpha index Iα = 0.28. The results were compared with the reported data from other countries and the international standard values given by European Commission (EC) and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR 2000). Finally, thorough statistical analysis has been performed.

Distribution of Radionuclides and Radiological Health Assessment in Seih-Sidri Area, Southwestern Sinai.

The current contribution goal is to measure the distribution of the radionuclide within the exposed rock units of southwestern Sinai, Seih-Sidri area, and assess the radiological risk. Gneisses, older granites, younger gabbro, younger granites, and post granitic dikes (pegmatites) are the main rock units copout in the target area. Radioactivity, as well as radiological implications, were investigated for forty-three samples from gneisses (seven hornblende biotite gneiss and seven biotite gneiss), older granites (fourteen samples), and younger granites (fifteen samples of syenogranites) using NaI (Tl) scintillation detector. External and internal hazard index (Hex, Hin), internal and external level indices (Iα, Iγ), absorbed dose rates in the air (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AED), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose (AGDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and the value of Upper Continental Core 232Th/238U mass fractions were determined from the obtained values of 238U, 232Th and 40K for the examined rocks of Seih-Sidri area. The average 238U mg/kg in hornblende biotite gneiss and biotite gneiss, older granites, and syenogranites is 2.3, 2.1, 2.7, and 8.4 mg/kg, respectively, reflecting a relatively higher concentration of uranium content in syenogranites. The results suggest that using these materials may pose risks to one’s radiological health.

Assessment of Radiological Hazards in Soil, Water and Plants Around Coal Power Plant

The existence of a Coal - Fired Power Plant (CFPP) is suspected to affect the environment quality, especially the increment of natural radionuclides content which is found in coal as raw material. Therefore, systematic analysis of natural radionuclides ( 210 Pb, 234 Th, 238 U, 228 RA, 40 K, 226 RA and 232 Th) in water, soil , and plant were conducted to establish a data base o f environmental contamination in the area around a CFPP. This research was conducted in the area around Adipala Cilacap CFPP which operates with two towers. Samples were taken from three locations around the Adipala CFPP based on the secondary wind direction data from Indonesian Agency for Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysics in the 2018 dry season. Samples were prepared in the Radiochemistry Laboratory , Center for Accelerator Science and Technology , BATAN. The concentration of radioactivity in environmental samples were analyzed using gamma spectrometry with a high purity germanium detector for 24hours after reaching its secular equilibrium. The result of samples analyses shown that the mean value of the radionuclides specific activities ( 210 Pb, 234 Th, 238 U, 228 RA, 40 K, 226 RA and 232 Th) for water, cassava leaves, grass, and soil were 0.789 Bq/L, 14.685 Bg/kg, 15.036 Bq/Kg, and 75.083 Bq/kg, respectively. The mean of radium equivalent activity (Ra eq ) for water, cassava leaves, grass, and soil were 1.692, 30.792, 18.699 and 137.513 Bq/kg , respectively . The absorbed dose rate (ADR) for water, cassava leaves, grass, and soil were 0.775, 14.332, 8.627, and 64.135 nGy/h , respectively , whilst the annual effective dose rate (AEDR) were 0.004, 0.070, 0.042, and 0.315 mSv/y. The mean of external and internal hazard indices (H ex and H in ) for water, cassava leaves, grass, and soil were 0.005 and 0.006, 0.083 and 0.129, 0.050 and 0.078, and 0.371 and 0.554 , respectively , while the mean of e xcess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) wre 0.014×10 -6 , 0.246×10 -6 , 0.148×10 -6 , and 1.101×10 -6 . According to the calculation of radiation hazard index in this research, it was understood that all parameters of all samples were within acceptable limits by the world average value reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) .

Preliminary Assessment of Anomalously High Background Radioactivity in Makinit Hot Spring, El Nido, Philippines

Hot springs in the Philippines are found mostly near volcanic regions and are the least places with possibly high background radiation. However, Makinit hot spring in El Nido, Palawan exists not only on the tectonically stable northern Palawan Microcontinental Block but also records anomalously high natural radioactivity. To quantify and determine the nature of radioactivity, this study conducted a preliminary radiological and geochemical study in the vicinity of this hot spring. The measured average specific activities of uranium and thorium were 1528.62 and 920.96 Bq/kg, and these exceed world median values on terrestrial radionuclides in the soil of 35 and 30 Bq/kg by 44 and 31 times higher, respectively. The average values of all seven calculated radiological risk parameters – namely, dose rate with an amount of 13.77 mSv/y, radium equivalent of 2862.10 Bq/kg, external and internal hazard indices of 7.73 and 11.86, respectively, absorbed gamma dose rate of 1271.42 nGy/h, annual effective dose equivalent of 1.56 mSv/y, and excess lifetime cancer risk of 5.46 x 10–3 – go beyond reference limits set by the UNSCEAR. The preliminary assessment of spring water physicochemical properties showed that the water temperature is greater than 55 °C and the pH averages around 6.62, indicating weak acid-neutral hot waters and a low to moderate temperature geothermal system. The sediments surrounding the Makinit hot spring were analyzed to be travertine, composed only of calcite, suggesting that the uranium and thorium ions are potentially bonded or are associated with the Ca-bearing mineral. This study can serve as a baseline for further research regarding the source of radioactivity and geothermal heat source and as a consideration for the development of the Makinit hot spring area.

Natural Radionuclide characterization on Baltim-El Burullus coastal sediments and their risk assessments

The Egyptian black sand occurs especially along the beaches of northern part of the Nile Delta. Baltim-El Burullus coastal sediments lie between Longitudes 30° 10′ and 34° 15′E, and Latitudes 31° 10′and 31° 35′N. Sixty two samples from Baltim-El Burullus coastal plain were measured radio metrically by using Na-I detector for determination of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra eU and 40K concentrations. 238U concentration ranged from 1 to 5 ppm with 1.63 as an average, 232Th from 1 to 10 ppm with average 3.66 ppm, 226Ra (eU) from 1 to 6 with 1.92 as an average and 40K from 0.10 to 2.55 with average (0.76). The studied stream sediments could be intimated to different sources, leading to variability in contribution of the radioelements, thus the activity concentration of 40K > 232Th > 226Ra> 238U. eU / Ra eU ratios average (0.66), is lower than unity indicate the disequilibrium in the studied coastal sediments, suggesting disequilibrium with uranium migration out. The inter-element relations show the presence of U and Th in discrete minerals or their separate migration. The radiological hazard parameters, like the dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex), internal (Hin) hazard indices and gamma index (Iγ) were estimated for these sediments and compared with the permissible international limits. Nearly, all the studied samples are within the recommended permissible levels for most environmental parameters, with the exception of some samples lie out of the limits.

Radionuclide Content and Radiation Dose Rates of Uraniferous and Mineralized Granites at GV Occurrence in Gabal Gattar, Northeastern Desert, Egypt.

G. Gattar is located in the northern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, bounded by latitudes 26° 52´ - 27° 08´ N and longitudes 33° 13´ – 33° 26´ E and covers an area of about 178 km2. Eighteen samples, nine from uraniferous and nine from mineralized granites were measured radiometrically for 238U, 232Th, 226RaeU and 40K determination by Na-I detector and the radioactive minerals identified by alpha track method. Based on the petrography, radioactive mineral content and radioactivity, Gattarian granites were classified into uraniferous and mineralized granites. Uranium contents reach up to 229 ppm in the uraniferous granites and to 20300 ppm in the mineralized granites, which is extremely higher than the international limits. eTh/eU ratio of the studied uraniferous and mineralized granites show average ratios of 0.05 and 0.0044, respectively, which is extremely lower than the average of igneous rocks, suggesting uranium enrichment in reducing conditions. The uraniferous and mineralized granites U/Th ratios average are 62.23 and 4234.45, respectively, indicating that the studied two granitic types are considered highly productive rocks. The radioelements interrelations manifest that the distribution of radioelements not only magmatic but also related to hydrothermal redistribution of radionuclides associating with uranium deposition. The radiological hazard parameters, such as the dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex), internal (Hin) hazard indices and gamma index (Iγ) were estimated for these granites and compared with the international levels. Nearly, all the studied samples are to a great extent higher than the recommended permissible levels for all environmental parameters.

Radioactivity and Environmental Impacts of Granites from Um Ara, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

Granites from the Southeastern Desert of Egypt were investigated by using in situ γ-ray spectrometer. Consequently, estimating the radiological effects from these rocks were achieved through calculation of some radiological parameters; Annual effective dose equivalent AEDE, Internal hazard index Hin, External hazard index Hex, Alpha activity index Iα, Excess lifetime cancer risk, ELCR, Annual gonadal dose equivalent AGDE, Gamma activity concentration index Iγ and Radium equivalent activity Raeq. The geological nature of the region under investigation was affected by the radioactivity measurements of the rocks under study. This was observed by the high U, Th, and K values, which exceed the average world value for safety used as building materials. Therefore, the granites of Om Ara may be inappropriate to choose as a building material or as an indoor and outdoor decorative. At the same time, the region under study represents valuable economic minerals sources that can be used in several industrial applications.

An Extended Investigation of High-Level Natural Radioactivity and Geochemistry of Neoproterozoic Dokhan Volcanics: A Case Study of Wadi Gebeiy, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt

High-level natural radioactivity, geochemical, geological, and radiological hazard assessment of the poorly investigated Wadi Gebeiy Dokhan volcanics rocks are discussed. Wadi Gebeiy Dokhan volcanics are located in Southwestern Sinai, Egypt, covering an area of ~1.3 km2. Dokhan volcanics rocks are represented by porphyritic dacite. Geochemically, they have medium-k characters and originate from calc-alkaline magma within a volcanics arc environment. Along the fault plane striking NNE-SSW, and at its intersection with the NW-SE fault plane, altered Dokhan volcanics occur with high radioactive anomalies. Radiological parameters (absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent, activity annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices) are used to evaluate their suitability as an ornamental stone. Except for the absorbed dose rate, all the radiological hazard indices show that unaltered Dokhan volcanics can be used as an ornamental stone. Controversially, the applied radiological indices reveal that altered Dokhan volcanics have a higher content than the recommended values of UNSCEAR, reflecting their risk on human organs.

Radionuclide contamination and nutritional evaluation of the wheat mostly used in the Republic of North Macedonia

Wheat is one of the world’s most commonly consumed cereal grains. It originates from a type of grass (Triticum) that is grown in countless varieties worldwide. Bread wheat or common wheat is a primary species. Several other closely related species include durum, spelt, emmer, einkorn, and Khorasan wheat. In addition to being a major source of starch and energy, wheat also provides substantial amounts of a number of components which are essential or beneficial for health, notably proteins, vitamins (notably B vitamins), dietary fibres, and phytochemicals. Wheat is a basic food product of Macedonian population. This study is mainly focused on measuring the concentration of radioactivity due to natural radioactive nuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) in wheat grain samples, as well as on determining the quality of wheat used in daily diet. In addition, in this study we calculated radiation hazard indices (radium equivalent activity and internal hazard index) in the wheat sample. Average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the wheat samples were 0.57±0.14; 0.39±0.11; 96.55±0.86 (Bq·kg-1), respectively. The radiation hazard indices were calculated for all samples in this study where mean values ​​did not exceed safety limits, pointing out to negligible radiation hazard arising from terrestrial radionuclides that are naturally present in wheat. In terms of quality, we confirmed that all tested samples meet the requirements regarding quality in accordance with the laws in our country.

Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazard Effects from Granite Rocks in the Gabal Qash Amir Area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The existence of radioactivity linked to the heavy-bearing minerals in building materials—such as granite—has increased attention to the extraction procedure. Granite rocks play an essential economic role in various areas of Egypt. Thus, this study intended to detect the 238U, 232Th, and 40K activity concentrations in the examined granite samples and to determine the corresponding radiological risks associated with the granite. The studied rocks were collected in the Gabal Qash Amir area (south Eastern Desert, Egypt). The obtained results of the activity concentrations for 238U (193 ± 268) Bq/kg, 232Th (63 ± 29) Bq/kg, and 40K (1034 ± 382) Bq/kg indicated that there were moderate concentrations in the investigated samples, which were greater than the worldwide average. The radioactivity levels in the studied granite samples are due to the secondary alteration of radioactive-bearing minerals associated with cracks of granites (secondary minerals in muscovite granites are wolframite, uraninite, uranophane, beta-uranophane, autunite, xenotime, columbite, zircon, and monazite). The radiological risk assessment for the public from the radionuclides that were associated with the studied granite samples was predicted via estimating the radiological hazard factors, such as the radium equivalent content (362 Bq kg−1), compared with the recommended limit. The dosing rate Dair in the air (169.2 nGy/h), the annual effective dose both outdoors (AEDout ~ 0.21 ± 0.17 mSv) and indoors (AEDin ~ 0.83 ± 0.67 mSv), the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE ~ 1.18 ± 0.92 mSv), as well as the external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard indices (>1), and another factor were associated with excess lifetime cancer risk. According to the statistical investigation, the studied granites were inappropriate for use in construction and infrastructure fields. They may induce health problems due to the radioactivity levels, which exceed the recommended limits.

Activity concentrations and radiation hazard in the soil of Ashaka Cement PLC Gombe state, Nigeria with a multivariate statistical approach

Humans are exposed externally and internally in their environment to natural background radiation from radionuclides such as 40K, 238, U and 232Th which emit gamma, alpha, beta and other forms of radiation through their decay processes. These radionuclides are found in the soil, food and the water we consume. Human activities such as the mining of uranium, oil exploration, building materials, coal-fired power station can ignite the Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs). The aim was to assess radiation impact in Ashaka cement factory, Gombe state for their potential radiological hazards in order to maintain a safe environment. A prospective cross-sectional survey design was adopted and using a purposive sampling technique, fifteen (15) soil samples were collected using a geographical positioning system (GPS). The activity concentrations of these natural radionuclides were measured due to Gamma radiation by using a High Purity Germanium detector. Samples were analysed at the Radiation Protection Institute of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwanbeya District, at Accra, Ghana. Fifteen (15) soil samples were collected from within the Ashaka Cement factory (Zone 1) and environment (Zone 2). Data was analyzed by the use of SPSS Version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk NY, 2011). Descriptive statistics was employed to obtain the Mean and Standard deviation of the radioactivity concentrations. Inferential statistics was carried out to compare the radionuclides and radiological parameters. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil samples at Zone 1 are 42.70 Bqkg-1, 29.00 Bqkg-1, 375 Bqkg-1 and Zone 2 is 46.11 Bqkg-1, 35.00 Bqkg-1, 780.30 Bqkg-1respectively. Radiation hazard indices at Zone 1 and 2 shows the mean for External Hazard index, Internal Hazard index, Gamma Index, External Absorbed Dose Rate, Annual Effective Does Rate, External Annual Effective Does Rate, Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk and Annual Gonadal Effective Dose is 0.31, 0.42, 0.83, 38.80nGyh-1, 0.32x10-3, 0.048mSvyr-1, 0.17mSvyr-1, 371mSvyr-1 and 0.42, 0.55, 1.18, 45.70nGyhr-1, 0.46mSvyr-1, 0.056mSvyr-1, 0.20x10-3, 533.80mSvyr-1 respectively. This implies that both staffs and members of the public in the factory might be at risk due to cumulative effect of radiation exposure high activity concentration from 238U and Annual Gonal effective dose exceeding the world average limits.

An In-Depth Examination of the Natural Radiation and Radioactive Dangers Associated with Regularly Used Medicinal Herbs.

The specific activity of U-238 and Th-232, as well as K-40 radionuclides, in twenty-nine investigated medicinal herbs used in Egypt has been measured using a high-purity germanium (HP Ge) detector. The measured values ranged from the BDL to 20.71 ± 1.52 with a mean of 7.25 ± 0.54 (Bq kg−1) for uranium-238, from the BDL to 29.35 ± 1.33 with a mean of 7.78 ± 0.633 (Bq kg−1) for thorium-232, and from 172 ± 5.85 to 1181.2 ± 25.5 with a mean of 471.4 ± 11.33 (Bq kg−1) for potassium-40. Individual herbs with the highest activity levels were found to be 20.71 ± 1.52 (Bq kg−1) for uranium-238 (H4, Thyme herb), 29.35 ± 1.33 (Bq kg−1) for thorium-232 (H20, Cinnamon), and 1181.2 ± 25.5 (Bq kg−1) for potassium-40 (H24, Worm-wood). (AACED) Ingestion-related effective doses over the course of a year of uranium-238 and thorium-232, as well as potassium-40 estimated from measured activity concentrations, are 0.002304 ± 0.00009 (minimum), 0.50869 ± 0.0002 (maximum), and 0.0373 ± 0.0004 (average)(mSv/yr). Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), absorbed gamma dose rate (Doutdoor, Dindoor), gamma representative level index (I), annual effective dose (AEDtotal), external and internal hazard index (Hex, Hin), and excess lifetime cancer risk were determined in medicinal plants (ELCR). The radiological hazards assessment revealed that the investigated plant species have natural radioactivity levels that are well within the internationally recommended limit. This is the first time that the natural radioactivity of therapeutic plants has been measured in Egypt. In addition, no artificial radionuclide (for example, 137Cs) was discovered in any of the samples. Therefore, the current findings are intended to serve as the foundation for establishing a standard safety and guideline for using these therapeutic plants in Egypt.

Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity and Radiation Hazards of Soils around Petroleum Products Marketing Company using Gamma Ray Spectrometry

This study aimed at evaluating natural radioactivity and radiation hazards of soils around a petroleum product marketing company due to anthropogenic influences using gamma ray spectrometry. Top soils (5 cm deep) were collected from diverse locations inside the premises of the Company using standard analytical technique, while control samples were acquired at approximately 200 m from the study area. Mean activity concentrations of the radionuclides in the test soils were 89.36 Bq/kg for 40K, 92.1 Bq/kg for 238U and 10.95 Bq/kg for 232Th, which are more than that of control samples with statistically significant differences. Assessment of the radiological levels of the oil-contaminated soils were done using internal hazard index, external hazard index, annual gonadal dose equivalent, annual effective dose rate, radium equivalent, total absorbed dose rate and representative level index (IŸ). The results showed that mean annual equivalent dose rate of the oil-contaminated soil (0.46 mSv/yr) fell below the permissive annual dose limit (1.0 mSv/yr). Mean internal hazard index (0.55 Bq/kg) and external hazard index (0.30 Bq/kg) values were less than the minimum permissible limit (1.0). Mean annual gonadal dose equivalent value (358.46 µSvy-1) of the radionuclides was close to the world average of 300 µSvy-1, while the mean representative gamma index value (0.78) was also less than unity. Estimated mean value (114.65 Bq/kg) of the radium equivalent was also below the world average of 370 Bq/kg, the values are also more than that of the control samples. Though the soils exhibited low gamma radiation, however lengthy term exposure may pose an inherent cancerous ill-health. It is vital to repeat this investigation periodically to avert precarious effects of anthropogenic influences; also indiscriminate discarding of oils should be discouraged.
 Keywords: Gamma ray spectrometry; radionuclide; refined petroleum products; risk assessment; soil.

Radiological Safety Assessment of Quarry Processing Site in Keffi, Nigeria

Disposal of large quantities of certain minerals (mining) containing 40K, 232Th and 226Ra and other radionuclides in the decay series of Th and U from the earth crust results in increase in the radionuclides concentrations. This research looks at the radiological safety assessment of quarry Processing Site in Keffi, Nigeria. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the five (5) different Soil samples, varied widely as 10.54±3.040 Bq/ kg, 2.61±1.170 Bq/kg and 36.99 ± 7.490 Bq/kg respectively. Ungwan Tanko (UTN) has the highest activity concentration of 14.90 ± 2.30 Bq/kg for 226Ra while Pyanku (PYK) has the highest activity concentration of 4.52 ± 0.32 Bq/kg for 232Th. Activity concentration of 40K was highest (57.32 ± 2.530 Bq/kg) in Ungwan Kwara (UKW). It was also observed that Yalwa (YLW) had the lowest activity concentration of 02.20 ± 1.31 Bq/kg for 226Ra, while Ungwan Tanko (UTN) had the lowest activity concentration values of 1.03 ± 1.74 Bq/kg for 232Th and Attab Fueling Station (AFS) had the lowest activity concentration values of 13.67 ± 15.73 Bq/kg for 40K. Radium equivalent activity Raeq (Bq/kg), alpha index, internal hazard index, and total cancer risk 17.52 Bq/kg 0.055, 0.077 and 6.82 x 10-7 respectively. Based on the results presented, the present quarry processing sites in Keffi has less effect on ingestion rate of Soil and may poses no radiological risk to the population.

EXCESS LIFETIME AND HEREDITARY CANCER RISK DUE TO NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY IN SOME TYPES OF SPICES SAMPLES IN IRAQI MARKETS

In present study, natural radioactivity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in selected samples of spices existing in the Iraqi market were estimated using gamma-ray spectroscopy with NaI(Tl). Also, it was determined some radiological risks parameters such as, radium equivalent (Raeq) and internal hazard index (Hin) in the present study. The results show that, the average value of specific activity for of 238U, 232Th, and 40K were 10.63±1.15 Bq.kg-1, 9.82± 0.67 Bq.kg-1 and 243.28±5.65 Bq.kg-1 respectively. While, the average value of Raeq and Hin were 43.35 Bq.kg-1and 0.144, respectively. The average value of AED total in the samples under study were 0.011 mSv/y which it is lower than acceptable limit according to UNSCEAR (2008). The results of natural radionuclides and radiological risks parameters in most the spices samples were far below the accepted of the world limit. Therefore, it can be concluded that spices samples may be used for eating without any health effects.