Outdoor Gamma Dose Rates Research Articles

Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in the granitic region of Kapidag peninsula, Western Anatolia, Turkey

Naturally occurring radionuclides of terrestrial origin (also called primordial radionuclides) are present in various degrees in all media in the environment. This study represents the reports on the natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in the Kapidag granitic region. For this purpose, activities of radionuclides in soil, beach sands and rocks of the region have been investigated to assess the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity. The radium equivalent activities, the absorbed dose rates and the external hazard indexes have been calculated, and also in situ gamma dose rates have been measured in the region. The mean activities of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K with the ranges were determined as 31.1±15.7 (12.1-71.9), 42.5±15.9 (19.7-94.9), 590.3±192.2 (184.7-892.5), in the soil, as 16.5±9.5 (4.9-40.8), 67.1±106.9 (18.5-433.0), 569.2±212.6 (162.0-821.1) in the sand and as 25.4±12.8 (4.8-50.7), 37.8±21.5 (4.5-96.7), and 592.4±285.5 (62.4-1121.6) Bq kg(-1) in the rocks, respectively. It was also observed that the average activities of (137)Cs were ranged 0-27.8 Bq kg(-1) in the soil and 0.6-3.8 Bq kg(-1) in the beach sands. The mean Ra(eq) activities of the rocks, sands and soil were found to be 125.1±59.5, 156.3±157.2 and 137.3±48.8 Bq kg(-1), respectively, lower than the recommended maximum value of 370 Bq kg(-1) with some exceptions. The maximum contributors to the total absorbed gamma dose rates in air were determined as (238)U (45%) for the beach sands, (238)U (40%) for the soil and (40)K (41%) for rocks. The average outdoor gamma dose rates for the soil due to terrestrial and cosmic radiations were found to be 64.6±22.7 and 47.1±9.6 nGy h(-1), respectively, with the total of 111.7±29.5 nGy h(-1) outdoor gamma exposure rate and the annual average effective outdoor gamma dose was calculated as 137±36.2 µSv for the region. The results of the study were discussed with similar studies in close regions and the worldwide averages.

A study of environmental radioactivity measurements for Cankiri, Turkey

This study is the first to assess the level of background radiation for the Cankiri province of Turkey. Indoor air radon concentrations were determined using Columbia Resin-39 nuclear track detectors and the average (222)Rn activity was found to be 44 Bq m(-3) (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 1.1 mSv). Measurements of gamma doses in outdoor air were performed using a portable plastic scintillation detector and the average gamma absorbed dose rate was found to be 8 μR h(-1) (corresponding to an annual effective dose of 87.7 μSv). Radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples were measured through gamma-ray spectrometry and the average activities were determined as 17.7, 22.3, 357 and 4.1 Bq kg(-1) for the radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs, respectively. The average annual effective dose from the natural radioactivity sources ((238)U series, (232)Th series and (40)K) was calculated to be 44.4 μSv. Radioactivity levels of drinking water samples were carried out using a low-background proportional counter and the average gross alpha and beta activities were obtained as 0.25 and 0.26 Bq l(-1), respectively (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 184 μSv). The average radon concentrations in indoor air and the average radionuclide activities in soil were found to be lower than most Turkish cities while higher levels of outdoor gamma dose rate and water radioactivity were observed. The results of this study showed that the region's background radioactivity level differs considerably from the reported data for Turkish cities.

Radioactivity Levels and Health Risks due to Radionuclides in the Soil of Yalova, Northwestern Turkey

Naturally occurring radionuclide of terrestrial origin (also called primordial radionuclide) are present in various degrees in all media in the environment, including the human body itself. Their concentrations in environment decrease continually by decaying. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and health risks due to terrestrial radionuclide in soil of Yalova, northwestern Turkey. For this purpose, activity concentrations of radionuclide in soil and the environmental outdoor gamma dose rates (terrestrial and cosmic) have been investigated in the city of Yalova. In addition, maps for the radionuclide activity concentrations of soil and the outdoor gamma dose rates distributions have been plotted for the region. The average activities of radionuclide, 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K, and 137 Cs in the soil were determined as 17.95 (8.5-37.3) Bq/kg, 26.87 (3.8-43.9) Bq/kg, 22.36 (8.3-41) Bq/kg, 419.32 (197.1-950.0) Bq/kg, 2.53 (0.5-13.4) Bq/kg, respectively, in the region. The average outdoor gamma dose rates due to terrestrial and cosmic radiations were found to be 49 nGy/h and 35 nGy/h with the total of 84 nGy/h outdoor gamma exposure rate in the region. Annual effective dose due to environmental outdoor gamma radiation exposures was determined as 103 nSv with the excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.042 x 10 -2 in the region. The results of the study were discussed with the studies done in the close cities and the worldwide averages.

Assessment of radionuclide level in topsoil samples for partial areas of Tibet, China

By using high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy, specific activities of naturally occurring and man-made radionuclides were determined in topsoil samples collected from Nyingch, Lhasa and Xigazê of Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The average activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were 25.1 ± 0.7, 67.1 ± 2.8 and 608.6 ± 12.9 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity concentration of (137)Cs was found to vary from <0.3 (minimum detection concentration) to 46.2 Bq kg(-1) with an average of 4.3 ± 0.5 Bq kg(-1). By using the results of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in the sampled soils, the average outdoor gamma dose rate in air was calculated as 77.5 ± 23.2 nGy h(-1). Furthermore, the average outdoor annual effective dose from terrestrial radiation was 0.10 mSv. The external hazard index in this work varied from 0.20 to 0.70 with an average of 0.40 ± 0.14. The external exposure from terrestrial radiation will not pose any significant radiological threat to the population resident in the studied areas.

Outdoor radioactivity and health risks in Balikesir, northwestern Turkey

External irradiation from radionuclides naturally present in the environment or released from man-made practices or events is usually an important component of the exposure of human populations. These exposures derive primarily from gamma radiation arising from the decay of these radionuclides at locations outside the human body. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and health risks due to terrestrial radionuclides in the soil of Balikesir, one of the largest cities of the country, northwestern Turkey. For this purpose, activity concentrations of radionuclides in soil and outdoor gamma dose rates (terrestrial and cosmic) have been investigated in the city of Balikesir. In addition, maps for the radionuclide activity concentrations of soil and the outdoor gamma dose rate distributions have been plotted for the region. The average activities of radionuclides, (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K, (235)U and (137)Cs in the soil were determined to be 37.6 ± 10.8, 54.7 ± 15.1, 674.5 ± 203.2, 3.6 ± 1.6, 3.4 ± 2.2 Bq kg(-1), respectively, in the region. The average outdoor gamma dose rates due to terrestrial and cosmic radiations were found to be 78.5 ± 12.4 and 48.9 ± 5.8 nGy h(-1) with the total of 127.4 ± 18.9 nGy h(-1) in the region. Annual effective dose due to environmental outdoor gamma radiation exposures was determined to be 156.3 nSv. The mean estimated cancer risk values were found to be 0.063 × 10(-2) for the region using risk factors of ICRP 103. The results of the study were discussed with the studies done in other cities of Turkey and the worldwide averages.

Assessment of natural radioactivity concentrations and gamma dose rate levels in Kayseri, Turkey

This study assesses the level of background radiation for Kayseri province of Turkey. Natural radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples were determined using high-resolution gamma spectroscopy. Outdoor gamma dose measurements in air at 1 m above ground level were determined using a portable gamma scintillation detector. The obtained results of uranium and thorium series as well as potassium ((40)K) are discussed. The present data were compared with the data obtained from different areas in Turkey. From the measured gamma-ray spectra, the average activity concentrations were determined for (238)U (range from 3.91 to 794.25 Bq kg(-1)), (232)Th (range from 0.68 to 245.55 Bq kg(-1)) and (40)K (range from 23.68 to 2718.71 Bq kg(-1)). The average activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were found to be 35.51, 37.27 and 429.66 Bq kg(-1), respectively, and 11.53 Bq kg(-1) for the fission product (137)Cs. The highest values of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K concentrations (794.25 Bq kg(-1), 245.55 Bq kg(-1), 2718.71 Bq kg(-1), respectively) were observed in abnormal samples at Hayriye village. The average outdoor gamma dose rate in air at 1 m above the ground was determined as 114.43 nGy h(-1). Using the data obtained in this study, the average annual effective dose for a person living in Kayseri was found to be about 140.34 µSv.

Assessment of radionuclide and metal contamination in a thorium rich area in Norway

The Fen Central Complex in southern Norway, a geologically well investigated area of magmatic carbonatite rocks, is assumed to be among the world largest natural reservoirs of thorium ((232)Th). These rocks, also rich in iron (Fe), niobium (Nb), uranium ((238)U) and rare earth elements (REE), were mined in several past centuries. Waste locations, giving rise to enhanced levels of both radionuclides and metals, are now situated in the area. Estimation of radionuclide and metal contamination of the environment and radiological risk assessment were done in this study. The average outdoor gamma dose rate measured in Fen, 2.71 μGy h(-1), was significantly higher than the world average dose rate of 0.059 μGy h(-1). The annual exposure dose from terrestrial gamma radiation, related to outdoor occupancy, was in the range 0.18-9.82 mSv. The total activity concentrations of (232)Th and (238)U in soil ranged from 69 to 6581 and from 49 to 130 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Enhanced concentrations were also identified for metals, arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn), in the vicinity of former mining sites. Both radionuclide and heavy metal concentrations suggested leaching, mobilization and distribution from rocks into the soil. Correlation analysis indicated different origins for (232)Th and (238)U, but same or similar for (232)Th and metals As, Cr, Zn, nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd). The results from in situ size fractionation of water demonstrated radionuclides predominately present as colloids and low molecular mass (LMM) species, being potentially mobile and available for uptake in aquatic organisms of Norsjø Lake. Transfer factors, calculated for different plant species, showed the highest radionuclide accumulation in mosses and lichens. Uptake in trees was, as expected, lower. Relationship analysis of (232)Th and (238)U concentrations in moss and soil samples showed a significant positive linear correlation.

Indoor radon concentration, outdoor gamma dose rates and impact of geology in the Dhirkot area, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, sub-Himalayas, Pakistan

The sedimentary sandstone and clay sequence of the Miocene Kamlial and Murree Formations is exposed in the sub-Himalayas of the Dhirkot area, State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The indoor radon and outdoor gamma dose rates were measured from dwellings and basement sandstone and clay rocks, respectively. The radon concentration in dwellings was 36 ± 14 Bq.m -3 to 195 ± 27 Bq.m -3 , with an average of 121 ± 26 Bq.m -3 . The average radon concentration in pucka, semi-kucha and kucha houses was 124 ± 25 Bq.m -3 , 143 ± 25 Bq.m -3 and 136 ± 26 Bq.m -3 , respectively. The outdoor gamma dose rates for the basement sandstones and clays of the Murree Formation and Kamlial Formation were 74.0 ± 1.4-113.1 ± 2.4 nGy/h and 69.6 ± 2.2-108.8 ± 1.4 nGy/h, respectively. The average gamma dose rates for the Murree and Kamlial Formations were 91.3 ± 14.3 nGy/h. The gamma dose rate is maximum (113.1 ± 2.4 nGy/h) and minimum (69.6 ± 2.2 nGy/h) at higher (5 539 feet) and lower (4 493 feet) altitudes, respectively. The overall causes for the increase in average radon concentration in dwellings of the Dhirkot area were poor ventilation, old houses, humidity and temperature, cracks in houses, geology, and aggregates. The gamma dose rate variation depends on sandstone and clay lithologies, altitude and radionuclide contributions. This study shows that the average radon (121 ± 26 Bq.m -3 ) concentration for the inhabitants of the Dhirkot area was within the accepted safe health limit (200 Bq.m -3 , ICRP, 1993; UNSCEAR, 1993).

Risk assessment of baseline outdoor gamma dose rate levels study of natural radiation sources in Bursa, Turkey

Within the scope of this study, gamma radiation dose rate measurements have been carried out in the province of Bursa. The mean outdoor (terrestrial and cosmic) gamma dose rate in this area was 90 nGy h(-1). The cosmic gamma dose rate was measured to be 16 nGy h(-1) at the Iznik lake in the region. The mean annual effective dose due to outdoor gamma radiations was determined to be 110.4 µSv. The collective effective dose equivalent was calculated to be 3.21 × 10(2) man Sv per year. The average relative excess lifetime risk of fatal cancer was calculated at 4.50 × 10(-4) for the people living in the city. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides such as (238)U series, (232)Th series, (40)K and fission products like (137)Cs in surface soil samples were measured by using an HPGe-based gamma spectrometry system. The mean activity concentration of (238)U series, (232)Th series, (40)K and (137)Cs were found to be 55.9 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra, 23.6 Bq kg(-1) for (214)Pb, 22.5 Bq kg(-1) for (214)Bi, 31.3 Bq kg(-1) for (208)Tl, 32.9 Bq kg(-1) for (228)Ac, 430 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K and 5.4 Bq kg(-1) for (137)Cs. The radiation hazards associated with the radionuclides were estimated at an average of 136 Bq kg(-1) by calculating the radium equivalent activity (Ra(eq)). The mean calculated value of the external hazard index (H(ex)) for the soil was found to be 0.37.

Relationship of soil terrestrial radionuclide concentrations and the excess of lifetime cancer risk in western Mazandaran Province, Iran

The main goal of this study is to lay out the map of the soil radionuclide activity concentrations and the terrestrial outdoor gamma dose rates in the western Mazandaran Province of Iran, and to present an evaluation scheme. Mazandaran Province was selected due to its special geographical characteristics, high population density and the long terrestrial and aquatic borders with the neighbouring countries possessing nuclear facilities. A total of 54 topsoil samples were collected, ranging from the Nour to Ramsar regions, and were based on geological conditions, vegetation coverage and the sampling standards outlined by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCRs) were evaluated and the coordinates of sampling locations were determined by the global positioning system. The average terrestrial outdoor gamma dose rate was 612.38 ± 3707.93 nGy h(-1), at 1 m above the ground. The annual effective gamma dose at the western part of Mazandaran Province was 750 μSv, and the ELCR was 0.26 × 10(-2). Soil samples were analysed by gamma spectrometry with a high-purity germanium detector. The average (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs activities were 1188.50 ± 7838.40, 64.92 ± 162.26, 545.10 ± 139.42 and 10.41 ± 7.86 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The average soil radionuclide concentrations at the western part of Mazandaran Province were higher than the worldwide range. The excess lifetime risks of cancer and the annual effective gamma doses were also higher than the global average.

Determination of Activity Concentration Levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in Drinking Water in a Gold Mine in Ghana

The study of the activity concentration levels of uranium, thorium and potassium in drinking water from different locations in a gold mine in the Ashanti Region of Ghana was conducted using gamma spectrometry. The mean outdoor absorbed gamma dose rates at 1 m from the water were 0.524 nGy h, 0.422 nGy h, and 0.252 nGy h for groundwater, surface water, and treated water, respectively. The results obtained for the activity concentration levels of U and Th are found to be within the maximum acceptable concentration levels of 3.0 Bq L and 0.6 Bq L, respectively, recommended by the World Health Organization. The overall mean outdoor gamma dose rate is 0.41 nGy h and the corresponding outdoor annual effective dose obtained for adult members of the public for drinking water from the mines is 3.58 muSv y. This value is found to be within the 10.0 muSv per annum (0.01 mSv per annum) for public exposure control set by the World Health Organization. Therefore, the mining activities on drinking water studied did not show any significant radiological health implications on the public.

Studies of the Terrestrial outdoor Gamma Dose Rate Levels in Ogun-Osun River Basins Development Authority Headquarters, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Problem statement: The natural radioactivity levels in the soils of Ogun-Osun River Basins Development Authority Headquarters, (O-ORBDA HQ) Abeokuta, South-Western part of Nigeria were measured. Approach: (O-ORBDA HQ) is a parastatal of Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development in Nigeria charged with the responsibility for the development and management of the water resources in its area of coverage. The area of the site was divided into fifteen segments and soil samples were collected at a depth of about 10cm at the intersection of these lines. Results: Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to obtain the geographical position of each sample point. NaI (Tl) scintillation detector coupled with a Canberra series 100 plus MCA was used as the detecting device for the gamma scintillation spectroscopy. The average activity concentrations obtained for the three radionuclides were 896.12± 274.48 Bq kg-1 for 40K, 13.93±2.36 Bq kg-1 for 238U and 18.67±5.06 Bq kg-1 for 232Th. The average values of the absorbed dose rates in air of each radionuclide were found to be 37.64±11.53 nGy h-1 for 40K, 5.98±1.10 nGy h-1 for 238U and 12.44±3.37 nGy h-1 for 232Th. Conclusion/Recommendations: The baseline average outdoor annual effective dose equivalent in O-ORBDA HQ due to the radioactivity concentrations was found to be 68.74±19.51 μSv year-1. This value is less than the world average of 70 μSv year-1 specified by UNSCEAR for an outdoor effective dose. Hence the probability of occurence of any of the health effects of radiation is low. Since no artificial radionuclides was detected, this represents the baseline value of natural radioactivity.

A study of background radioactivity level for Canakkale, Turkey

This study assesses the level of background radiation for Canakkale province of northwestern Turkey. Radon concentrations in indoor air were determined using CR-39 nuclear track detectors and (222)Rn activity was found to be 167 Bq m( - 3) (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 4.2 mSv). Measurements of outdoor gamma radiation (of terrestrial and cosmic origin) in air were performed using plastic scintillators, and the average absorbed gamma dose rate was found to be 66.4 nGy h( - 1) (corresponding to an annual effective dose of 81.4 muSv). The radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples collected from the study area were measured through gamma-ray spectrometry, and the average activities were determined as 94.55, 110.4, and 1,273 Bq kg( - 1) for the natural radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th, and (40)K, respectively, and 19.39 Bq kg( - 1) for the fission product (137)Cs. The natural radioactivity sources resulted in an annual effective dose of 184 muSv. The radioactivity levels of drinking water samples were measured as 0.0599 Bq l( - 1) for gross-alpha activity and 0.0841 Bq l( - 1) for gross-beta activity using a low-background counting technique (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 12.25 muSv). The results of this study show that the activity levels of radon in air, radionuclides in soil, and alpha activities in drinking water are higher compared to the data available for other Turkish cities and the world averages. On the other hand, the outdoor gamma dose rates in air and beta activities in drinking water are within natural limits.

Study of environmental radioactivity in Palestine by in situ gamma-ray spectroscopy

This work presents qualitative and quantitative evaluation of environmental radioactivity in the central and southern areas of the West Bank, Palestine. For this purpose, the technology of in situ gamma-ray spectroscopy is used with a scintillation of 7.6 x 7.6 cm NaI(Tl) crystal connected to multichannel analyzer InSpector 2000 from Canberra instruments and laptop computer. Gamma-ray spectra were collected using the detector placed 1 m above the ground surface. Calibration of the detection system for in situ measurements of gamma-emitting radionuclides in open terrain is performed theoretically using Monte Carlo techniques. Measurements are conducted in 18 locations in 3 regions across the West Bank. The vast majority of identified radionuclides are naturally occurring gamma-emitting sources (the decay products of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K). The only identified anthropogenic radionuclide is (137)Cs. Activity concentrations of (40)K, (238)U, (232)Th as well as the total outdoor gamma dose rate from these radionuclides were determined from the gamma-ray spectra. The highest activity concentrations of the three primordial radionuclides were 203 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K, 32 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U and 30 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th. The total outdoor gamma dose rate calculated for the whole study area at 1 m above ground ranged from 6 to 30 nGy h(-1) with a mean of 18 +/- 7 nGy h(-1), which represents about 30% of the world average value.

The effective dose to the public of Kerman province from gamma emitter terrestrial radionuclides

The concentration of the most important terrestrial radionuclides in soil that constitute significant components of the background exposure source of the population, such as 238U, 232Th and 40K, were measured by gamma spectrometry in 58 surface soil samples in Kerman province, Iran. The average activity concentrations were found to be 23.8 ± 3.6, 28.8 ± 4.3 and 489.6 ± 48.9 Bq kg−1, respectively. The average outdoor gamma absorbed dose rate in the air at 1 m above ground level was calculated to be 45.4 nGy h kg−1. The average outdoor gamma dose rate in the air due to terrestrial and cosmic radiation was found to be at about 92.4 nGy h kg−1. By using the data that are obtained in this study, the average annual effective dose equivalent for a person who lives in Kerman was found to be at about 113.3 μSv y kg−1.

Radionuclide concentrations in soil and lifetime cancer risk due to gamma radioactivity in Kirklareli, Turkey

The objective of this study is to evaluate and map soil radionuclides' activity concentrations and environmental outdoor gamma dose rates (terrestrial and cosmic) in Kirklareli, Turkey. The excess lifetime cancer risks are also calculated. Outdoor gamma dose rates were determined in 230 sampling stations and soil samples were taken from 177 locations. The coordinates of the readings were determined by the Global Positioning System (GPS). The outdoor gamma dose rates were determined by Eberline smart portable device (ESP-2) and measurements were taken in air for two minutes at 1 m from the ground. The average outdoor gamma dose rate was 118 ± 34 nGy h −1. Annual effective gamma dose of Kirklareli was 144 μSv and the excess lifetime cancer risk of 5.0 × 10 −4. Soil samples were analyzed by gamma spectroscopy. The average 226Ra, 238U, 232Th, 137Cs, and 40K activities were 37 ± 18 Bq kg −1, 28 ± 13 Bq kg −1, 40 ± 18 Bq kg −1, 8 ± 5 Bq kg −1 and 667 ± 281 Bq kg −1, respectively. The average soil radionuclides' concentrations of Kirklareli were within the worldwide range although some extreme values had been determined. Annual effective gamma doses and the excess lifetime risks of cancer were higher than the world's average.

Assessment of gamma dose rates in air in Adana/Turkey

This study assesses the outdoor gamma absorbed dose levels in air of the Adana's region. The measurements were taken from 130 different sample points in this area by Eberline Smart Portable (ESP-2) with SPA-6 plastic scintillation detector. The outdoor gamma absorbed dose rates order from 40 to 145 nGy h(-1). Average outdoor gamma dose rates were measured as 65 nGy h(-1). Average effective dose received from outdoor gamma radiation in Adana's region is 80 microSv y(-1).

First Report of Environmental Gamma Radiation Levels in Twenty Four Towns and Cities of Khorasan Region-Iran

Although many researchers have focused their attention to man made sources, but natural sources constitute more than 85% of human exposure to ionizing radiation. Due to the significance of natural sources, comprehensive studies have been carried out in developed countries. In Iran like many other developing countries, this subject has not been considered as a research priority. Until 1990 only Ramsar located in the south coast of Caspian sea had attracted attention of some researchers. In 1996 preparation of out-door natural radiation map of Iran was defined as a long term goal in my center. Since then environmental gamma radiation dose rate of residential area of 10 counties have been estimated. In this article only annual dose rates of Khorasan are reported.In every one city five stations were selected. A survey meter model RDS-110 was placed one meter above the ground level.Dose rates were measured for one hour in three successive days. Although average dose rates of every one of the stations were numerically different, but their differences are not significant. Out-door gamma dose rates acquired for 24 towns are within the range of 56 to 144 nGy/h.Minimum and maximum dose rates are respectively attributed to Dargaz, in the north and Gonabad in the south.

In situ gamma spectroscopy in environmental research and monitoring

In situ gamma spectroscopy was introduced to determine the outdoor gamma dose rate from soil and to calculate the radionuclide concentration and the relative contribution to the dose rate. This paper reviews the most common and proven applications of in situ gamma spectroscopy—together with the most recent and innovative research outcomes obtained with this technique, particularly for its use indoors. Advantages and limitations of its utilization to assess environmental radioactivity—indoors and outdoors—are also discussed.

Radioactivity concentrations and dose assessment for soil samples around Adana, Turkey

The concentrations of natural radionuclides in surface soils around Adana, Turkey were determined using gamma ray spectrometry with an HPGe detector. The natural gamma ray radioactivity of the terrestrial radionuclides in air was calculated throughout different areas of Adana. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were found to be 17.6, 21.1 and 297.5 Bq kg −1, respectively. Outdoor gamma dose measurements in air 1 m above ground level were determined by using a portable gamma scintillation detector. The gamma dose measurements in air were taken from the same places where soil samples were taken. Average outdoor gamma dose rates in sample stations were determined as 67 nGy h −1. The annual effective dose to the public was found to be 82 μSv.