Radioactivity Levels Research Articles

Leaching Efficiency of 238U and 232Th series from Granitic Soils

Granitic soil, a uranium (U) and thorium (Th)-bearing soil body, can be sourced to extract fissionable nuclides through leaching using acidic solutions. Limited research indicates the feasibility of extracting U and Th from granitic sources, necessitating further studies to optimize leaching efficiency and its potential as a fissionable fuel. This study investigates the leaching efficiency of the uranium 238U and thorium 232Th series, as well as 40K, in granitic soil samples. The study utilized a high-purity germanium detector (HPGe) to quantify the activity levels of the 238U and 232Th series and 40K in the studied samples. The black sand deposit and tin-tailing samples were also utilized to benchmark the finding of the leaching efficiency of the uranium 238U and thorium 232Th in granitic samples. The study found that the leaching samples contained low radioactivity levels that were a few to tenth times lower compared to the original samples, with tin-tailing samples exhibiting the highest leaching activity for 238U (630.05 Bq l-1) and 232Th (512.17 Bq l-1) and comparable to granitic soil samples 238U (437.7 Bq l-1) and 232Th (23.9 Bq l-1). Sulfuric acid showed the most efficient leaching reagent ~ up to 23% and 32% for 232Th and 238U, respectively. In comparison, nitric and hydrochloric acids exhibited low leaching efficiencies, ~ 1 – 13%. Overall, granitic soil shows comparable leaching rates to conventional sources of natural uranium nuclear fuel, making it a potential secondary and alternative nuclear fuel source.

Assessment of Radionuclides Contents in Soil and Food Samples Due to Civil War in Enugu State, South-Eastern, Nigeria and Its Radiological Hazards

Human activities may influence the distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials in the environment. This therefore, cause for concern radiological, as human are exposed to these radioactive materials without their consent. This study hereby evaluate the radionuclide contents from natural and artificially occurring radionuclides in soil samples and farm produce in Enugu. Gamma-ray spectroscopy was used to determine the radioactivity concentration level of the environmental radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K and manmade radionuclides in soil, cassava, and bitter leaf samples within studied locations in Enugu State, Nigeria. The mean activity concentration of the radionuclides detected in the samples were 1136.74±27.07, 1118.53±4.85, 196.104±0.02 Bqkg-1 for 40K, 41.66±0.04, 22.99±0.38, Bqkg-1 for 238U and 36.44±0.04, 15.89±0.07, 7.69±0.02 Bqkg-1for 232Th. 137Cs ranged from 3.07 ± 0.01 – 7.81 ± 0.03 Bqkg-1. The radioactivity levels and estimated radiological indices were higher than the recommended limits. The values confirmed the reports of different fora on the radiological hazards due to exposure to high radiation in the region assayed.

Radioactivity soundings of the upper atmosphere in Finland 1962-2022

Radioactivity soundings have been performed in Finland since the early 1960s to measure radiation and radioactivity levels in the atmosphere up to the altitude of almost 40 km. A sonde package based on a Geiger‐Müller (GM) tube is carried up to the stratosphere by a balloon filled with hydrogen or helium. En route the GM tube count rate values are sent to the ground station with a radio transmitter. These radioactivity soundings revealed the presence of abnormal radioactivity in the stratosphere over Finland due to Soviet atmospheric nuclear tests in 1962. Between 1964 and 1980 artificial radioactivity in the stratosphere originating from the Chinese nuclear tests were observed too. The radioactivity soundings have brought information on cosmic radiation even if the main motivation has been the surveillance of artificial radioactivity in the upper atmosphere. The effects of the solar cycle, geomagnetic latitude and solar proton events on the radiation environment of the upper atmosphere have been measured. The produced vertical ionization profiles may also be useful in studies concerning ion‐induced or ion‐mediated new particle formation events in the atmosphere.

Изучение радиоактивности вод горных рек Кабардино-Балкарской Республики с использованием детектора NaI в низкофоновой защите

The results of studies of the radioactivity of the waters of the mountain rivers of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic using the NaI detector in low-background protection are presented. The paper presents a method of low-background gamma-ray spectrometry for detecting radioactivity in drinking water, which is an effective method, has high sensitivity to radioactive radiation and allows you to accurately determine the level of radioactivity. The MULTIRAD MKS-01A spectrometric installation was used to measure radiation in samples under low background conditions. The identification and calculation of the volumetric activity of radionuclides was carried out using special software "Progress". Concentration levels and specific activity distribution of natural radionuclides 137Cs, 232Th, 40K, 226Ra and 222Rn were studied. Water samples were taken from the rivers of the Baksan, Cherek gorges and the Malka River of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Studies have shown that radiation levels were within the norm set for drinking water.

Determination of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiation Hazards from the Soil of Tin Mining in Kyerwa District, Tanzania

Gamma spectrometry was used to determine the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples from the Tin mining in Kyerwa District, Tanzania. The study findings revealed that the mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 90.68, 65.45, and 630.95 Bq/kg, respectively. These values were all greater than the average global activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K which are 32 Bq/kg, 45 Bq/kg, and 420 Bq/kg, respectively. Assessments of the radiological risks associated with these naturally occurring radionuclides were done. In this case, the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), and radioactivity level index (Iγ) were calculated. The results show that the mean values of Raeq, Hex, Hin, and Iγ were 230.6 Bq/kg, 0.628, 0.861, and 0.831, respectively. These results were below the global criteria levels for Raeq, Hex, Hin, and Iγ, which are 370 Bq/kg, 1, 1, and 2, respectively. Estimates for the absorbed dose rate in the air (DR), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) were also made. The findings revealed that the corresponding mean values for DR, AEDE, and AGED were 106.8 nGy/h, 1.07 mSv/y, and 744.4 μSvy-1. The mean values exceeded the global average value of 57 nGy/h for DR, 0.07 mSv/y for AEDE, and 2984 Sv/y for AGED. Therefore, Tin mining activities in the Kyerwa District could endanger the mining community from natural radioactive sources. In this study, therefore, we recommend performing a periodic inspection of the mining areas, monitoring the mining workers, and determining the level of activity and concentrations of different radionuclides in the mining area.

Natural and artificial radioactivity levels and external radiation dose levels of sand samples collected from Lara Beach, Antalya, Türkiye

Natural and artificial radioactivity levels and external radiation dose levels of sand samples collected from Lara Beach, Antalya, Türkiye

Radioactivity of Technosols on thermal power station ash disposal sites: Assessment of potential radiological human‐health risk

AbstractSoil radioactivity is a poorly recognized form of land degradation; however, there are regions all around the world where it can be dangerous to the environment and human health. The aim of the study was to analyze the radioactivity of Technosols developed on thermal power station (TPS) ash disposal sites. Total concentration of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and cesium (Cs), as well as the radioactivity of select radionuclides in Technosols were determined to recognize the level of radioactivity and to assess the potential radiological health risk. Total U, Th and Cs concentrations in Technosols were in ranges 1.5 to 11.3, 4 to 22.9, and 0.2 to 21.3 mg·kg−1, respectively. The radioisotope activities in Technosols (in Bq·kg−1) were in the 1.6–25.5 (137Cs); 29.2–1265 (40K); 26.2–99.9 (228Th); 27.9–100 (228Ra); 20.5–134. (226Ra); 32.8–177 (210Pb); 23.9–144 (238U); 1.2–7.0 (235U) ranges. The activity concentrations were slightly higher than the activities of non‐contaminated soils. Technosols developed from bituminous coal ash had higher 40K, 228Th, and 228Ra activity concentrations than soils developed from lignite ash. Artificial 137Cs occurred in surface horizons of Technosols due to fall of atmospheric dust enriched in 137Cs. Annual effective dose (AED) in Technosols amounted 0.07–0.16 mSv·a−1 and was somewhat higher than the global and Polish average (0.06 and 0.07 mSv·a−1, respectively) for outdoor external terrestrial radiation. The radioactivity of the investigated Technosols is slightly above the average radioactivity of native soils. The radiological human‐health risk related to the analyzed soils is low.

Environmental impact assessement and determination of radiogenic heat production in the North Jabal Maghrabiyah area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The present study deals essentially with the establishment of the environmental natural radiation levels in the surveyed area. These will provide base-line information that can be used as a reference to detect and determine the amount and extent of any possible future variation or contamination in the natural radioactivity levels that might occur in the study area due to any potential incidents involving release of nuclear radiation or fallout of nuclear fission products that could affect both terrestrial and atmospheric radioactivity. A map of radiogenic heat production (RHP) was built from the airborne spectral gamma-ray data of North Jabal Maghrabiyah area, central Eastern Desert, Egypt. The area of study reflects radiogenic heat production varying from 0.03 to 6.44 μWm-3, averaging a value of 0.99 μWm-3, while their standard deviation reaches 0.61 μWm-3. The maximum values are associated with the acidic rocks in the northeastern, central, southeastern, northeastern and eastern parts of the area of study. Results showed several levels of radiation as follows: (less than 0.39 mSv/y), (from 0.39 to 0.59 mSv/y), (higher than 0.59 and reached to 2.01 mSv/y). The dose rate more than 1 mSv/y is considered the radioactivity hazard level which represented mainly with late to post tectonic Potassic calc-alkaline granitoids, calc-alkaline granitoids, Muꞌtiq group, Dukhan volcanic/subvolcanic group, Atallah felsite, Parts of Quaternary deposits, Hammamat sediments, parts of Tarif, Dakhlah and Duwwi Formations. Thus, the North Jabal Maghrabiyah area can be considered as high RHP, because of the relatively high radioactive concentrations. There are good relationships between the derived RHP and the three radioactive elements, equivalent Uranium (eU), equivalent Thorium (eTh) and Potassium (K), as represented by the binary relationship between any of two elements. The importance of radiogenic heat production is the source of ground thermal energy.

Radiological impact of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in fodders from Penang, Malaysia

The plant acts as an important route for the transfer of radionuclides from the soil to animals, leading to the transfer of radiation to human food products such as beef and milk. Therefore, the level of radioactivity in fodder plays a crucial role in deciding whether cattle may be allowed to graze in a certain area. In this study, the activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were measured via gamma-ray spectrometry on different fodder samples, including napier leaves, rice straw, corn stalks, guinea grass, mixed pasture, palm oil leaves and palm kernel collected from Penang, Malaysia. Theoretical calculations were also conducted to estimate the levels of these radionuclides in caw's products (beef and milk), as well as their potential radiological impact on local consumers. On average, the annual effective dose due to ingestion of radionuclides in milk was 11.39 μSv y−1, whereas in beef it was 5.63 μSv y−1. These values are significantly lower than the worldwide average of 290 μSv y−1. Research confirmed that farmers' usage of the aforementioned feeds did not cause any radiation-related health risks.

Trend analysis of environmental radioactivity levels around Kaiga Generating Station, India

The study assessed the radiological impact of the Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) on the surrounding environment and the safety of the nearby population. Over a period of 15 years (2005–2020), the radiological monitoring detected only trace levels of 3H and 137Cs (attributed to fallout) in the surrounding environment. The study utilized the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test to analyze the long-term trends, identifying either decreasing or no trend in the radioactivity levels across various environmental matrices such as air, water, biota, and dietary items. These findings indicate no significant accumulation of radioactivity, confirming the minimal environmental impact of the KGS operations.

Radiological, environmental, and structural investigations of Wadi El Markh granitic rocks, southeastern desert, Egypt

The radiological and environmental hazards of Wadi El Markh granitic rocks were investigated, and magnetic data were used to delineate the structural framework and determine the bedrock depth in the area. The result displayed that geological structures influence the occurrence of uranium mineralization in this area and are mainly associated with altered granitic formations. The activity concentrations of radioisotopes in the regions studied showed a range of values: 238U varied between 345 and 1729 Bq.kg−1, averaging 980 Bq.kg−1; 232Th ranged from 73 to 162 Bq.kg−1, with an average of 120 Bq.kg−1; and 40K varied from 829 to 1790 Bq.kg−1, average 1245 Bq.kg−1. The measured concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the analyzed granitic rocks samples exceeded the worldwide average of 35, 45, and 412 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The primary radiological risks related to these granitic rocks were associated with the gamma radiation emitted by the radioactive elements. The statistical assessment confirmed that the main contributors to the radiological risks were uranium, potassium, and associated minerals in the granitic rocks. The entire investigation region has been determined to exceed the permissible safe radiation dose rate limit of 1 mSv/year. As a result, the study determined that the granitic rocks in the surveyed area were deemed unsuitable for construction because of their elevated levels of radioactivity. The effects of pollution on the ecological system were evaluated using several ecological indices, including the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Contamination factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (Cd), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Potential ecological risk factor (Eri), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI). Based on Cd and PLI, 100 % of the samples were found to be very highly polluted to the ecological system and suggest deterioration if used. Regarding RI, the metals were arranged as Cd > As > Co > Cu > Pb > Cr > V > Zn, with considerable risk in all samples.

Roadmap of Graphite Moderator and Graphite-Matrix TRISO Fuel Management Options

Most high-temperature reactors use graphite as a moderator and structural material. This includes high-temperature gas-cooled reactors with helium cooling and TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel particles embedded in graphite, as well as fluoride salt–cooled high-temperature reactors with clean salt coolant and TRISO fuel particles embedded in graphite and thermal spectrum molten salt reactors with a graphite moderator and fuel dissolved in the salt. The largest volume radioactive waste stream from these reactors is the irradiated graphite. We describe herein a roadmap for management of these graphite wastes that contain radioactive 14C, tritium, and other radionuclides. There may be some graphite wastes with sufficiently low radioactivity levels that can be treated as nonradioactive waste and managed like other graphite waste. Management options for the graphite include (1) direct disposal, (2) recycled back to the reactor or other nuclear applications, and (3) oxidizing the graphite with release as an effluent or underground sequestration of the carbon dioxide. Cosequestration of this carbon dioxide with carbon dioxide from industrial, biological, and cement production processes can isotopically dilute the 14C before sequestration to eliminate the possibility of exceeding individual radiation exposure limits. We also describe options for processing graphite-matrix TRISO fuel, including separating the bulk graphite to reduce the volumes of used fuel for disposal or processing to recover fissile materials. The inventories of radioactive isotopes in different carbon wastes vary by many orders of magnitude; thus, there is no single economic option for the management of all graphite waste.

Distribution of some natural and artificial radionuclides in soil from the city of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs.

The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5×5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed. The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5×5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed.

Airborne particle radioactivity during desert dust days in Cyprus

Mediterranean countries are often affected by desert dust storms, which have significant effects on the environment and public health. We compared airborne particle radioactivity levels during desert dust and non-dust days in Cyprus.Gross α- and β-radioactivity from Total Suspended Particle (TSP) samples, collected at two urban routine monitoring stations in Limassol and Nicosia, were available for the period 2017–2020 and 2008–2020, respectively. Radionuclides 137Cs and 40K, from TSP samples, were also available from a semi-industrial monitoring station in Nicosia during 2008–2020. Information on desert dust presence, dust origin, particulate matter (PM) levels, and solar activity (KP index and solar sunspot numbers - SSN) were also obtained. We used linear regression models adjusting for seasonality and long-term trends, and solar activity to assess the effect of dust storms on TSP gross α- and β-, and 137Cs and 40K radioactivity levels.Gross α- and β-radioactivity, and 137Cs and 40K radioactivity levels were significantly higher on days with desert dust compared to days characterized with no influence of desert dust. Levels of gross α- and β-radioactivity during dust days were higher when dust originated from the Middle East deserts than from the Sahara Desert. The same trend was observed for the ratios 137Cs to 40K and 137Cs to PM10. Conversely, ratios of TSP gross α- and β-radioactivity to PM10 were significantly lower during desert dust days in comparison to days without dust influence.This study suggests that desert dust increase both TSP gross α- and β-radioactivity, as well as 137Cs and 40K radioactivity levels. Further studies should clarify the contribution of anthropogenic and other natural sources to the emission or transportation of particles radioactivity, to better mitigate future exposures.

Development of a Neopentyl 211At-Labeled Activated Ester Providing In Vivo Stable 211At-Labeled Antibodies for Targeted Alpha Therapy.

In this study we developed a neopentyl 211At-labeled activated ester that incorporates a triazole spacer and applied it to the synthesis of an 211At-labeled cetuximab. The activated ester was synthesized via the nucleophilic 211At-astatination of a neopentyl sulfonate carrying two long alkyl chains that serve as a lipid tag, which was followed by the hydrolysis of an acetal. Additionally, we developed a novel Resin-Assisted Purification and Deprotection (RAPD) protocol involving a solid-phase extraction of the protected 211At-labeled compound from the mixture of the labeling reaction, hydrolysis of the acetal on the resin, and finally an elution of the 211At-labeled activator from the resin. This method allows the synthesis of an 211At-labeled activated ester with high purity through a simplified procedure that circumvents the need for HPLC purification. Using this 211At-labeled activated ester, we efficiently synthesized 211At-labeled cetuximab in 27±1 % radiochemical yield with 95 % radiochemical purity. This 211At-activated ester demonstrated high reactivity, and enabled the completion of the reaction with the antibody within 10 min. In comparative biodistribution studies between 211At-labeled cetuximab and the corresponding 125I-labeled cetuximab in normal mice, both the thyroid and stomach showed radioactivity levels that were less than 1.0 % of the injected dose.

Mass dependence of the sensitivity factors in the efficiency calibration of clearance monitors

Context:The radioactivity level of waste materials from the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and particle accelerators must be measured to classify the materials by comparing the obtained activity value with the legal exemption levels set by the regulatory authorities. Clearance monitors (CMs), commonly used for this purpose, require a scenario-dependent efficiency calibration (e.g. efficiency as a function of mass of the material to be measured) using sensitivity factors related to a reference nuclide called the key (or leading) nuclide. In commercial CMs, however, these factors are typically fixed for a given nuclide, regardless of the different measurement scenarios. Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the dependence of the sensitivity factors on the mass of measured material for a specific scenario (copper parts placed inside a stainless steel drum), with the goal of defining a general recommendation on how to select the appropriate sensitivity factor for a given measurement scenario. Approach:Monte Carlo simulations of the CM were performed for this specific scenario to obtain the sensitivity factor for five nuclides (22Na, 133Ba, 137Cs, 152Eu and 232Th) and various geometries. Measurements were carried out with certified sources of those nuclides for four specific geometries to validate the Monte Carlo calculations. Additionally, clearance measurements using the manufacturer-provided sensitivity factors and the factors calculated in this work were compared to determine in which situations one single sensitivity factor could be used for various geometries. Results:The results show that, in case of measurements with the same material but mass varying from 10.0 kg to 40.0 kg, the use of a single sensitivity factor for monoenergetic nuclides (e.g. 137Cs), if not selected properly, leads to an over- or underestimation of the activity level of the measured materials. If overestimation is not an issue, the lowest sensitivity factor can be used for all possible measurement configurations. Otherwise, a situation-dependent sensitivity factor should be estimated and implemented. The use of a single fixed sensitivity factor can be easily justified in the case of nuclides emitting gammas in a wide energy range (e.g. 152Eu), where the dependence of these factors in the studied mass range is small. Significance:These findings facilitate more accurate decisions regarding the calibration of CMs with the aim of classifying waste from the dismantling of nuclear power plants and particle accelerators, with potential logistic and economic implications.

Distribution of natural radioactivity in different geological formations and their environmental risk assessment in Malaysia

Labuan, Miri, Kundasang and Raub regions of Malaysia have very different geological formations and settings that could result in different levels of natural radioactivity. Hence, this study determines the influence of different geological formations on radioactivity in these locations using field measurements, petrology and geochemistry. A total of 141 gamma dose rates and 227 beta flux measurements were collected using Polimaster survey meters (PM1405) in these four regions. The gamma dose rate values range from 0.37 to 0.05 µSv/h with a mean value of 0.11 µSv/h. Beta flux values range from 3.46 to 0.12 CPS with a mean value of 0.57 CPS. Mineralogy and elemental composition of the different rock types were analysed using thin-section petrography, XRD, ICP and pXRF methods. Felsic igneous rocks such as syenite and granite have higher natural radioactivity and contain more radionuclide-bearing minerals such as apatite, zircon, allanite, K-feldspar, titanite, muscovite and biotite. Metamorphic rocks have the second highest natural radioactivity and contain fewer radioactive minerals. The natural radioactivity of sedimentary rocks mostly depends on their clay content. The gamma dose rate maps show that igneous and metamorphic regions around Raub have higher radioactivity compared to the sedimentary-dominated regions around Miri and Labuan. Annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated to evaluate the potential health risk for inhabitants of these regions. Labuan and Miri are considered to be safe zones with respect to natural radioactivity as the results show little to no risk for the public, compared with the Raub region, which is medium to high risk.

Radiological clearance of historical waste from particle accelerators

This paper presents a detailed methodology for reclassifying radioactive material from particle accelerators as non-radioactive, drawing on experiences at CERN. During particle accelerator decommissioning, the waste is classified based on its radioactivity level where the very-low-level activity material is the potential clearance candidate. Complying with the Swiss legislation, the waste must fulfil three criteria in order to be cleared. Before performing the radiological measurements, the waste must be processed (disassembled, cut, … ) due to its size and multi-material composition. To properly evaluate the measurement results, a detailed theoretical study must be performed providing information on e.g. expected radionuclides. As a part of quality assurance, the theoretical models are verified using gamma spectrometry measurements on waste samples. The presented methodology is supported by the summary of past and ongoing CERN projects as well as know-how learned by years of experience.

Delineating the uranium anomalous zones using remote sensing and radiometric data: a case study from Gabal Umm Tinassib area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

AbstractRemote sensing (RS) and airborne gamma-ray spectrometric (AGS) methods are utilized to delineate significant uranium zones and altered mineralization areas in Gabal Umm Tinassib and its surrounding region, situated in the northern section of the Egyptian Eastern Desert. AGS serves as a valuable tool for mapping surface geology and conducting mineral exploration. It assesses the concentrations of radioactive elements such as potassium (K), equivalent uranium (eU), and equivalent thorium (eTh). The concentration of radioelements exhibits measurable and significant variation according to lithology. On the other hand, several processing steps are employed for the RS data to generate high-quality images for geological mapping and to identify the mineralized alteration zones. The analysis of RS and AGS data in this study led to insightful conclusions. The utilization of False Color Composite (FCC) with the three best bands derived from the Optimum Index Factor (OIF), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to extract two highly informative datasets, and the application of two band ratios contributed to accurate geological mapping. These band ratios notably identified identical alteration locations on both younger and older granite basement rocks. Additionally, the constrained energy minimization (CEM) technique effectively pinpointed alterations across these strata. The statistical analysis of AGS data revealed that radioactivity levels in the region range from 1.3 to 19.3 Ur for the total-count (TC), 0.2–3.6% for K, 0.09–11.6 ppm for eU, and 1.1–30.0 ppm for eTh. The estimated coefficient of variability (CoV) demonstrated that the three radio-elements exhibited normal distribution patterns across different rock units, with CoV values of less than 100%, except for K in the Malha Formation. High radiometric readings are observed in the outcroppings of younger and older granites. However, the lowest readings are recorded over undifferentiated Upper-Cretaceous sediments, Abu Rimth Formation, Galala Formation, and some parts of Quaternary sediments. The derived ternary radio-elements map highlights significant radiometric and related uranium anomalous zones as bright white regions. A strong correlation was found between high radiometric anomalous zones and the presumed occurrence of alteration zones in the study area.

Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda

Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda