Radiation Hazard Indices Research Articles

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

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

Estimation of radiation hazard indices along the coastal environment of Kavvayi, Kerala, India

This research evaluates the level of radioactivity and the impact of radiological elements in Kavvayi's coastal areas, located within Kannur district. Radionuclide concentrations, including 40K,226Ra, and232Th, were quantified in sand specimens using a highly efficient NaI (Tl) detector. Several radiological elements, such as absorbed dosage, yearly effective dosage, radium equivalent activity, lifetime excess cancer risk, and yearly gonadal dose equivalent, were computed and juxtaposed with figures reported in global regions. These radiological elements were found to be moderately above the average values proposed by the UNSCEAR 2000 report for India and the world. Our investigation demonstrates that the gamma radiation in the researched region does not present significant carcinogenic risks or likelihoods of cancer development for local residents. Nonetheless, comprehensive research is required to conclusively determine the elevated levels of natural radioactivity in the area under study. The outcomes of these rigorous examinations are presented and discussed in depth.

Heat Production Rate and Radiation Hazard Indices from Radioactive Elements in Different Types of Natural Water in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq.

The current study sheds light on the measurement and estimation of the radioactivity of radionuclides (238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40k) in natural waters of different regions of Nineveh Governorate in Iraq.15 samples were collected from different sources of natural waters, where gamma-ray spectroscopy was used using NaI)TI) sodium iodide detector to determine the concentration of radioactivity in the samples. According to the results, the radioactivity concentration in the tested water sample were ​​ranged from 0.36 ± 0.04-1.57 ± 0.09with an average value of 0.69 ± 0.06 Bq/l for 238U, and 2.9 ± 0.02-0.88 ± 0.03 with an average value of 0.65 ± 0.03 Bq/l for 226Ra Bq/l, and 0.48 ± 0.04-1.36 ± 0.06 with an average value of 0.88 ± 0.05 Bq/l for 232Th, while for 40K 13.00 ± 0.69-36.89 ± 1.12 with an average value of 25.1 ± 0.95 Bq/l, respectively. The results obtained from the water samples are below the safe and standard limits established by UNSCEAR. In addition to calculating the radiological hazard indicators that included Radium equivalent (Raeq), air absorbed dose rate (Dγ), effective annual equivalent dose rate (AEDE), indoor and outdoor radiation hazard (H) indices, lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), gonadotropin equivalent dose (AGDE), and ideal level index of gamma rays (Iγ) has been calculated. To verify its deleterious character. On the other hand, the results showed that the rate of heat production values ranged between 0.006-0.0015 µW/m3, which indicates a low rate of heat production and does not affect the temperature of the Earth's crust. Finally, In addition to physicochemical parameters such as PH, dissolved solids TDS, and electrical conductivity Ec. All tested data are within the permissible limit of WHO standards. The results of the current study can be used to provide essential baseline data for future epidemiological investigations and surveillance programs in the areas under study.

Radioactivity of metallurgical enterprises waste

Abstract. Problem. The problem of obtaining environmentally friendly materials is especially relevant when using the wastes that concentrate natural radionuclides (NRN) dangerous for public health. The concentrators of radionuclides include dump and granular blast-furnace slags. Goal. The purpose of the work is to determine the radionuclide composition of the fractions of dump and granular blast-furnace slags from Ukrainian enterprises, their compliance with the radiation safety standards of Ukraine and international radiological indicators, and to identify the factors that determine the level of natural radioactivity of the slags. Methodology. The specific activity of natural slag radionuclides was determined by the gamma spectrometric method on a SEG-001 scintillation gamma spectrometer. The mineral composition of the crystalline component of the slag was determined using X-ray phase analysis performed on a Siemens D500 powder diffractometer. The elemental composition of blast furnace slag was determined by the method of electron-probe microanalysis on a JSM-6390 LV scanning electron microscope with an INCA micro-X-ray analysis system. The particle charge and electrokinetic potential were determined during macroelectrophoresis of suspensions. Results. The blast-furnace slag contains natural radionuclides: 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. The content of radionuclides varies by waste fractions. According to the contribution to the total activity value, NRN can be arranged in a row: 40К > 226Ra > 232Th. The most radiation-clear is the fraction > 20 mm of the “Zaporizhstal” dump slag, the radioactivity of the fractions 1.25‒2.5 mm for DMC, 5‒10 and 0.63‒1.25 for MMC and the “ArcelorMittal” granulated slag is increased. All investigated slags belong to the first class of radiation hazard (Сef 370 Bq/kg) and can be used in construction without restrictions. Originality. All investigated slags correspond to international radiological indicators: Raeq 370 Bq/kg, radiation hazard indices are Iγ, Iex, Iin and Iα 1, which indicates that there is no danger of increased gamma radiation and emanation of radon and the daughter products of its decay into the room air. The concentration of radon indoors does not exceed 200 Bq/m3. For the average sample and slag fractions <2.5 mm of “ArcelorMittal”, the activity utilization index which determines the safety of practical waste use is overestimated; the absorbed dose rate in the open air and the annual effective equivalent dose are higher than the world average values, they are, respectively, 58 nGy/h and 0.07 mSv, but at the same time below the value recommended by the IAEA for the population of 1 mSv/year. The excess lifetime carcinogenic risk for dispersed fractions of “ArcelorMittal” slag is higher than the world average: 0.29·10–3, but below the 0.05 limit set by the International Commission on Radiation Protection. A direct correlation between the acidity of the slag fractions and the increase in radiological parameters was determined. Practical value. An attempt has been made to relate the radioactivity of blast-furnace slag with the NRN sorption on the negatively charged surface of slag particles, which is more reliable for amorphous sorption-active granular slag.

Radioactivity and Hazard Risk Analysis of Soil Samples Taken from Former Mining Area in Klang Valley

Radioecology is considered as a significant field in environmental radioactivity that observe the impact of natural or man-made radiation to human population. The awareness towards risk from the radioactivity of the former mining area on human health is always lacking and often underestimated. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the radioactivity from the residential area in Klang Valley which was a former mining area and to determine its associated risk. 20 soil samples have been collected systematically and analyzed by using the High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometer (Canberra, Australia). The 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were predetermined from the soil samples and were ranged from 11.91-54.09 Bq/kg, 8.95-49.50 Bq/kg and 974.64 Bq/kg, respectively. The risk of radiation hazard to human being were analyzed and categorized based on studied area. As per analyzed the radium equivalent activity, radiation hazard index, external hazard index and total air absorbed dose rate, the value were 305.90 ± 111.84 Bq/kg, 2.25 ± 0.85, 0.30 ± 0.84 and 139.5 ± 49.42 nGy/h, respectively. These values were compared with the recommendation by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) international standard safe limit. Locations at point P2, P6, P16 and P17 were observed to have highest potential risk and has a radioactive element that can endanger the health of the surrounding population on external exposure via external exposure and ingestion from the food chain. Overall, the mean annual effective dose from the external exposure received by an individual was estimated to be 0.17±0.01 mSv/y, which is far below than the annual dose limit of 1 mSv/y of the public.

ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY LEVEL AND ASSOCIATED RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN MARINE SEDIMENT SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM ABYAN BEACH, GULF OF ADEN, YEMEN

Twenty three marine sediment samples taken from the side beach from the Abyan beach, Aden Gulf, Yemen to measuring the activity concentration of terrestrial radionuclides radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 and its associated hazard indices using gamma spectrometer with High-Purity Germanium HPGe detector. The average activity concentration of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40k in marine sediments samples under investigation were 16.25± 0.63Bqkg-1, for Ra-226, 23.80± 1.46Bqkg-1 for Th-232 and 518.54±44.61Bqkg-1 for K-40 respectively. The radiation hazard indices which resulting from the presence of natural radionuclides in marine sediment samples were calculated and the obtained results indicate that the average value of radium equivalent activity was 90.21Bqkg-1. The average value of External hazard index Hex was 0.243 and the average values of internal hazard index Hin was 0.287. The average value of outdoor absorbed dose rate Dout was 43.66nGyh−1 and indoor absorbed dose rate Din was 83.13nGyh−1. The average values of annual outdoor effective dose AEDout was 0.053mSvy-1and the annual indoor effective dose AEDin was 0.407mSvy-1. The average values of the annual gonadal dose equivalent AGDE were 312.52μSvy-1. While the average values of outdoor excess life-time cancer risk ELCRout was 0.187×10−3 and the indoor excess life-time cancer risk ELCRin was 1.427×10−3. They are less than worldwide limits.

Radiation Risk Among Children due to Natural Radioactivity in Breakfast Cereals

Breakfast cereal is one of the common foods for children’s nutrition. It is made from sugar, barley, calcium carbonate, salt, maize, peanuts, molasses, and honey. Therefore, assessing the levels of radioactivity in breakfast cereal is essential for children’s health. Gamma-ray spectrometry NaI(Tl) was used to measure the radiation hazard in ten samples collected from the Iraqi market. The corresponding radiation dose quantities and hazard indices were also calculated. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 18.195, 20.965, and 796.500 (Bq.kg-1). The annual effective dose equivalent (AEDEin), annual ingestion dose (AID), and the risk of cancer incidence (ELCR) were all seen to be within the accepted levels, except the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED). Radiation hazard index values (i.e., Iγ, Iα, and Hin) were noticed to be lower than unity, except Iγ was much higher than the internationally permissible limits for the samples of BGF5, BGF6, and BGF7 recommended by UNSCER2000. Therefore, the study findings reveal that this type of cereal can be considered a safe feeding material for children’s health.

Transfer Factor of Radionuclides from Soil to Leafy Vegetables in Iraq Using Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

The activity concentration of natural radioactivity levels, of artificial cesium and transfer factor from soil to plants in agricultural areas at Al- Yusiefya region were determined by using NaI (Tl) detector spectrometer. Ten species of leafy plants have been selected: Spinach, Parsley, Watercress, Lettuce, Rashad, Radish, Green onion, Turnip green, Green beet and Mint. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in leafy vegetable samples were 12.4±3.8, 14.8±4.7, 283±93 and 1.06±0.99 Bg/kg, and in soil samples were 15.9±4.3, 16.1±5.2, 298.5±3.9, and 1.11±0.37 Bq/kg. The radiation hazard indices were evaluated (radium equivalent, external hazard index, annual effective dose, absorbed dose rate) were within the permissible values except for excess lifetime cancer risk. The mean transfer factor values of 226 Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were 0.89±0.2, 0.9±0.2 , 1.02±0.3, and 0.77±0.25. The leafy vegetable are safe for consumption and the studied area does not pose a considerable radiological threat .

Measurements of natural radioactivity and evaluation of radiation hazard indices in soils around the Manyoni uranium deposit in Tanzania

Pre-mining natural radioactivity levels in soils over a 27.96 km2 site around the Manyoni Uranium Project in Tanzania were determined by a high purity germanium detector. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soils were 227.43 ± 38.79 Bq/kg, 65.22 ± 3.70 Bq/kg, and 107.32 ± 23.07 Bq/kg, respectively. The average radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), and internal hazard index (Hin) at these concentrations were 328.95 Bq/kg, 0.89, and 1.50, respectively. The mean absorbed dose rate in air at 1 m above the ground (Da) was 148.94 nGy/h, and the mean outdoor annual effective dose (Ed) was 0.18 mSv/y. Additionally, natural radioactivity levels in soils over a 0.71 km2 site, which is inside the 27.96 km2 site, which is prone to mine dust pollution above healthy levels, were also determined. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soils from this site were 380.4 ± 59.93 Bq/kg, 78.69 ± 8.99 Bq/kg, and 70.40 ± 7.91 Bq/kg, respectively. The corresponding means for Raeq, Hex, and Hin were 498.35 Bq/kg, 1.35, and 2.37, respectively. The mean Da and Ed were 226.21 nGy/h and 0.28 mSv/y, respectively. The average values of Ed at both sites were less than the public exposure limit of 1 mSv/y. This means that the sites have normal background radiation levels that do not endanger people's health when they engage in outdoor activities. When mining begins, the natural radioactivity levels obtained in this study, rather than national or global averages, can be used by mine owners or government agencies to assess the environmental effects of mining. Even after mining and during decommissioning, these baseline levels can also be used to measure how well the land has been restored.

Natural Radioactivity and its Hazards of Infracambrian Rocks at Jabal Sanam Structure, Southern Iraq

The Jabal Sanam, a piercement salt plug, represents a unique geological phenomenon in southern Iraq. It is a remarkable geological landmark that rises about 141 m above sea level and covers approximately 2 km2, surrounded by flat areas on all sides. A radiological survey was conducted on the Jabal Sanam structure to determine the natural radioactivity levels and related radiation hazard indices. Eleven different rock types from several locations at Jabal Sanam were collected. An optical microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine and identify the variable rock types in this structure. Natural radioactivity using field and laboratory equipment for these rocks was measured. The findings indicated that the average activity concentrations of the 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides of the Jabal Sanam rocks are 6.5 Bq kg−1, below the minimum detectable activity (MDA), and 83.3 Bq kg−1, respectively. The average radium equivalent (Raeq) activity value of the investigated rocks is 12.87 Bq kg-1, below the world recommended rate of 370 Bq kg−1. Moreover, the average absorbed dose rate (Dg) is 6.51 nGy h-1, less than 60 nGy h-1. Furthermore, the average values of the external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard indices are 0.035 and 0.052, respectively, which are also lower than the allowed limit value of 1.0 set by the international agencies. Overall, the findings of this investigation conclude that Jabal Sanam rocks do not have a radioactive health hazard.

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.

Radiological and Structural Characterization of Raw and Alkali-Activated Wood Ash and Metakaolin Blends

The aim of the presented research was to investigate the application possibility of wood ash and metakaolin to obtain alkali-activated materials as relatively new materials in the building industry. Thus, in order to assess the adequate use of these waste materials, structural and radiological characteristics should be considered. Until now, the focus has been on ash from thermal power plants produced by burning coal, but a large part of households in our country have individual fireplaces in which wood is used as the basic raw material; thus, it is very interesting to measure the activity concentration of radionuclide in wood ash as well as the possibility of reusing that ash for other purposes. All materials were studied, in terms of physical and chemical characteristics, by methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). XRD measurements of wood ash samples showed that it consists of calcite and larnite. FTIR spectroscopy revealed a polymeric Si–O–Al framework in alkali-activated materials and Si–O bonding bands corresponding to silicon dioxide. Determination of radionuclide content was performed by means of gamma-ray spectrometry. Results showed that the alkaline activation process led to the decrease in the activity concentration of radionuclides detected in the measured samples. External radiation hazard index (Hex) for wood ash was reduced by more than 50% after alkali activation. The results of activity concentration measurements in alkali-activated materials indicate potential for their safe application in building construction.

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) .

Soil to tobacco component transfer factors for natural radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th and the risk assessment of tobacco leaf in smoking

This study determined the activity concentrations and corresponding transfer factors (TF) of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in three tobacco components (root, stem, and leaf). The radiation hazard index parameters were assessed for the tobacco leaf. The activity concentrations in the soil were 589–762, 32–43, and 49–59 Bq kg-dw−1 (dry weight) for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were 447, 5.41 and 5.69 Bq/kg-dw for the root, 670, 9.64 and 7.61 Bq kg-dw−1 for the stem, and 793, 6.79 and 6.15 Bq kg-dw−1 for the leaf, respectively. The TF values were 0.42–1.42, 0.10–0.49 and 0.06–0.23 for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th, respectively. The stem and leaf 40K TF values were significantly higher than the root values. The stem 226Ra TF values were significantly higher than the root values. The 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations and TFs of tobacco components had a significant positive correlation. Based on the activity concentrations of the tobacco leaves, the annual inhalation effective dose to the lungs for an adult smoker was 0.32–0.81 mSv y−1 (average 0.60 mSv y−1). The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) caused by smoking was an average of 2.39 × 10−3.

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.

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.

Radiation Hazard Index in Around NPP Candidate Site in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Before the construction of nuclear power plant (NPP), several documents must be prepared, including environmental and site permit documents. Environmental radiation monitoring is also necessary to ensure public safety and security. The purpose of this research is to obtain data on 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K which will be used for the preparation of site permit documents and environmental documents for NPP in West Kalimantan. In addition, it also determines the radiation hazard index (considering that there are 3 coal thermal power plants in the vicinity) by calculating the Radium equivalent index (Raeq), Representative Level Index (Iγ ), Absorbed Dose rate (D), and Annual effective Dose Rate (Deff ) to estimate the potential radiological health risk. Based on this, the measurement of environmental radioactivity around the prospective site of NPP at West Kalimantan was carried out. Measurement of radionuclides using a Gamma Spectrometer an ORTEC P-type coaxial high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector for 24 hours, and for spectrum analysis it was used Personal Computer-based 4096-channel analyzer and processed using Maestro software gamma. The activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soil were 23.18 ± 11.97; 24.03 ± 15.95; 12.18 ± 13.81; 113.80 ± 122.45 and 0.19 ± 0.18 respectively, lower than the world average and levels reported by several other countries (Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Japan). The hazard index values as Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Representative Level Index (Iγ ), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), and Annual Effective Dose Rate (Deff) were 68.51 ± 41.43 Bq.kg-1, 0.49 ± 0.30; 124.14 ± 66.16 nGy.h-1 and 0.93 ± 0.50 mSv.y-1 respectively. These values are below the permissible limits and in the safe zone category

Natural Radioactivity Levels and Some Elements Concentrations in Bauxite Ore Deposit of Az Zobirah Mine-Al Qassim - Saudi Arabia

The activity concentrations of (NORM) radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were determined in Bauxite of AzZobirah mine–AlQassim Saudi Arabia using High Pure Germanium detector (HPGe). Bauxite samples concentrations ranged from 72.40±0.07 to 227.21±0.14, from 119.70±0.20 to 310.30±0.10 and from 81.00±0.11to 119.00±0.01 and the average were 67.44, 171.77 and 96.94 Bq/ kg for 226Ra,232Th and 40K respectively., respectively. 226Ra and 232Th average values are higher than the world value 50 and 50 Bq/Kg, while for 40K average is less than the world value 500 226 Bq/ kg. 226Ra concentrations are less than of 232Th, this variations refer to the change and nature in the geological processes in this area such as the 226Ra being more soluble in water. The radiological Radiation hazard indices (Raeq), (D), (AEDE), (Hex), (Hin) were found higher than the world values. By AA Analysis, The concentration average values for nine elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Bi, Pb, Th, U) showed that, the major element is Al (20.50%), minor element is Fe (5.34%), trace elements Ca, K and Mg are (0.05, 0.04 and 0.43) % respectively. Bi is not detected, Pb, Th and U are trace elements with low concentration values (0.0006, 0.0043 and 0.0027) respectively. Bauxite has been most used in industry for producing aluminium. So, the level of pollution, the risk of the activity concentrations of (NORM) and the unacceptable limits levels of health hazard due to natural radioactivity in this area must be taken into consideration. The data will be saved as database to control the possible change in the environment area due to human activities in future.

Determination of natural radioactivity levels and associated radiation hazard indices of wheat flour samples from selected Ethiopian markets

Determination of natural radioactivity levels and associated radiation hazard indices of wheat flour samples from selected Ethiopian markets

Assessment of natural radioactivity in mango, the influence of soil radioactivity, its radiation hazard indices and the overall excess lifetime cancer risk

Assessment of natural radioactivity in mango, the influence of soil radioactivity, its radiation hazard indices and the overall excess lifetime cancer risk