Radioactivity Levels In Soil Samples Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVELS OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY AND THE POSSIBILITY OF RADIATION RISKS IN SOIL SAMPLES TAKEN FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN ALMAZAR-ALKARAK, JORDAN

A wide study of environmental radioactivity levels in soil samples from Southern Almazar-Alkarak in Jordan was performed to develop a radiological map of the area. 15 soil samples were collected from different locations across the region and subjected to analysis using a high-purity germanium detector (HPGe). The study showed that the average levels of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 238U and 40K were 34.5±0.98, 25.6±1.3, 32.2±3.7 and 278.5±15.7 Bq.kg−1, respectively. Also, to evaluate the radiological danger, the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) is calculated, absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) and external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin). The average values for these parameters were determined to be 92.5 Bq.kg−1, 43.0 nGy h−1, 52.7 µSv y−1 and 0.25Bq.kg−1, 0.34Bq.kg−1 respectively. The values of the gathered samples stay below the allowable limits. Consequently, the examined region does not present any radiation risk to the general population. Moreover, it has been discovered that there is no concentration of 137Cs radionuclide activity in the studied area.

Determination of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples from irrigated vegetable farming land in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Soil samples were collected from vegetable agricultural areas in and around Addis Ababa, and their levels of radioactivity were measured. Gamma spectrometry with high-purity germanium detector was used to quantify radioactivity level. The average concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 32.8±2.1, 62.4±4.4, and 544.3±23.3Bqkg-1 respectively. The mean values of 232Th and 40K are higher, whereas the value of 226Ra is comparable with world average values. Radiological hazard indices, including radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (Dr), outdoor annual effective dose equivalent (Deff), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), and gamma radiation representative level index (Iγ), were calculated based on the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. The mean values were 163.9Bqkg-1, 78.7 nGy h-1, 0.10mSv y-1, 0.44, 0.53, and 0.60 respectively. All indices are lower than global recommended limit values. These results revealed that radiation hazard due to radionuclides in the soil of the study area is insignificant.

Calculation of radiological risks for selected soil samples from the north of Kufa district in Najaf, Iraq.

To evaluate radioactivity levels in soil samples and their physical impact on the population. The experimental radiation study was conducted in northern Kufa, Al Najaf Governorate, Iraq, in March 2020 by researchers from the Kufa University, Iraq and comprised soil samples. A gamma spectrometer equipped with a sodium iodide detector activated with a trace amount of thallium was used to calculate the concentration of radium, thorium and potassium. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. There were 30 samples. The average concentration of Radium, Thorium and Potassium was (0.824± 0.392)ppm, (1.536± 0.645)ppm and( 0.597± 0.195)%, respectively, and the radiation hazards were lower than the permissible levels. The reported value of excess lifetime cancer risk was (1.2819 ±0.156)×10-3, and the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) was 116.496± 41.255 (mSv. y-1), which was lower than the recommended limit. There was a positive, strong and significant relationship of radium with all the variables (p<0.05) studied except with potassium (p>0.05). Thorium was positively and significantly associated with all the variables (p<0.05). The study area was found to be safe and there was no relationship between the radiation levels of the studied nuclides and the risk of cancer.

Distribution of radionuclides in the soils and assessment of radiation hazards in AL Najaf, Iraq: A cross sectional analysis.

To evaluate radioactivity levels in soil samples and their physical impact on the population. The experimental radiation study was conducted by researchers belonging to the Kufa University in Al- Najaf, Iraq, in August 2020, and comprised soil samples from Al-Rahma area. Sodium iodide detector activated with a trace amount of Thallium with crystal dimensions 3" x 3" was used to calculate the concentration of Radium, Thorium and Potassium. Among the 15 samples collected, the average ± standard deviation (SD) concentration for Radium, Thorium and Potassium was 0.1776±0.12, 0.726±0.435 and 1.9128±1.105%, respectively. The reported value of excess lifetime cancer risk was 1.2819×10-3. The area studied was found to be a safe area and did not pose a health threat to the locals.

Measurement of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples of Bidar district, Karnataka, India.

Natural radioactivity measurement, radiation monitoring of the region, dose assessment and interpretation of radiological-related parameters are crucial aspects from the public awareness and environmental safety point of view. The ionising radiations (gamma-rays) emitted from radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K present in environmental materials contributes significantly to the external radiation dose received by the public. High-efficiency gamma spectrometry based on a 4″×4″ NaI (Tl) detector was employed for estimating activity concentrations of the gamma-emitting radioelements. The spectra from the detector were recorded using a PC-based 1k multichannel analyser system (WinTMCA 32). Each sample spectrum was acquired for a counting period of 60000s (16.67hr). Assuming the daughter products of 226Ra and 232Th in equilibrium, the activity concentration of these radionuclides were estimated by using the prominent gamma photo peaks of daughter products. Using the same technique, dose-related radiological parameters were calculated for all the samples. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides and the dose-related parameters for the samples were found to be comparable with the global literature values. The data generated from our study will contribute to the baseline radiological data of the region.

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

The current status of natural and artificial radiation in İstanbul 36 years after chernobyl, preceding a potential nuclear threat

In this study, the current status of natural and artificial radioactivity levels in soil samples from the Büyükçekmece and Silivri districts of Istanbul, as well as the Marmara Ereğlisi district in Tekirdağ, has been determined in anticipation of a potential nuclear leakage (e.g. the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant). Twenty soil samples were collected from the study area, and the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were measured using an HPGe detector. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 26 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 540 ± 29, 0.55 ± 0.07 Bq kg−1, respectively.

Evaluation of radioactivity and radiological parameters in soil samples in Isparta, Türkiye

In the city centre of Isparta, located in the southwestern part of Türkiye, indoor radon concentrations and gamma dose rate levels were observed above the world and country averages. For this reason, the determination of the natural radioactivity levels in soil samples of Isparta province is of great interest. In the present study, the activity concentrations of radionuclides (namely 226Ra,232Th, 40K and 137Cs) were investigated in the soil samples collected from 72 different points including the city centre and 12 towns of Isparta by using a gamma spectrometer with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations of 226Ra,232Th, 40K and 137Cs radionuclides in the samples were found in the range of 4.08 ± 0.39–69.84 ± 1.43 Bqkg−1, 2.63 ± 0.28–65.66 ± 1.41 Bqkg−1, 44.48 ± 3.17–452.38 ± 9.65 Bqkg−1 and 0.28 ± 0.18–19.10 ± 0.61 Bqkg−1 respectively. The averages of all the measurements were determined as 15.69 ± 0.72 Bqkg−1 for 226Ra, 15.40 ± 0.78 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, 210.60 ± 6.22 Bqkg−1 for 40K and 3.44 ± 0.31 Bqkg−1 for 137Cs. Although these values were below the country and world averages, it was revealed that the 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations in the city centre exceeded the national and world averages. In addition, radiological risk maps of the analysed radionuclides were produced for the first time, covering all towns within the Isparta province. To evaluate the radiological hazards resulting from natural radionuclides, external hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), male and female lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values were also calculated. The outcomes of this study revealed that all the radiological parameter averages for Isparta were lower than the world and country averages but the calculation results for the city centre displayed the opposite of this situation except for the external hazard index.

Evaluation of Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples from Assosa City in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

The specific activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil samples collected from suburban areas of Assosa City was measured using a High purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The average specific activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th exceed the recommended safe value of 35.0 and 30.0 Bq kg−1, respectively. For 40K, the average activity concentration is below the recommended safe value of 400.0 Bq kg−1. The calculated mean value of the absorbed dose rate is 72.8 ± 3.72 nGy h−1 which exceed the recommended safe value of 59 nGy h−1. The calculated mean annual effective dose equivalent values for indoor and outdoor are 2.11 ± 0.1 mSv y−1 and 0.52 ± 0.02 mSv y−1, respectively. The calculated mean values of the internal hazard index, external hazard index, and gamma index are 0.43 ± 0.013, 0.56 ± 0.01, and 0.5 ± 0.01, respectively, and those values are below the recommended safe value of one. The mean value of excessive lifetime cancer risk is above the threshold value of 0.29 × 10−3. From this study, it is recommended that Assosa soil needs further investigations.

Determination of Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples of Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Campus in Rize Province

Bu çalışmada, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Zihni Derin Yerleşkesinden alınan 15 adet toprak örneğinde yüksek saflıkta bir germanyum dedektörü (HPGe) kullanılarak yapay (137Cs) ve doğal (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) radyonüklidlerin miktarları belirlenmiştir. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K ve 137Cs için aktivite değerleri sırasıyla 43.78 ile 62.58, 29.85 ile 41.61, 132.48 ile 346.44 ve 3.90 ile 202.94 Bq kg-1 arasında değişmiştir. UNSCEAR (2000) tarafından verilen dünya ortalama değerleri ile karşılaştırıldığında, toprak numuneleri için ortalama 226Ra, 232Th aktivite değerlerinin daha yüksek olduğu fark edilmiştir. 40K ve 137C için ortalama aktivite konsantrasyonlarının, UNSCEAR (2000) tarafından bildirilen dünya ortalama değerlerinden daha düşük olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra radyolojik tehlike indeksleri hesaplanarak bu indeksler uluslararası izin verilen değerlerle karşılaştırılmıştır. Yapılan bu araştırma, çalışma alanında toprak örneklerine maruz kalanlar açısından herhangi bir sağlık sorunu olmadığını göstermiştir.

Determination of natural and artificial radioactivity levels and radiation hazard indices for soil samples in Kırşehir

Abstract The aim of this study is to create a radiological map of Kırşehir province in Turkey by analyzing the radioactivity levels of soil samples and environmental radiation measurements. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs radionuclides were analysed in soil samples collected from 47 locations using gamma spectrometry with an HPGe detector. According to the results obtained, gamma radioactivity concentration ranges and mean values for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were determined as 133 ± 15–1515 ± 128 Bq/kg (599.40 Bq/kg), 0.3 ± 0.09–21.1 ± 1.7 Bq/kg (4.61 Bq/kg), 8.7 ± 0.9–128.5 ± 8.5 Bq/kg (29.66 Bq/kg) and 11.6 ± 8.6–273.8 ± 19.9 Bq/kg (48.80 Bq/kg) respectively. Average radioactivity levels for 40K and 232Th are above the world average. The mean radium equivalent activity (Raeq), gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), external hazard index (H ex ), and the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated as 145.45 Bq/kg, 122.13 nGy/h, 0.15 mSv/h, 0.39 and 0.29 × 10−3 respectively.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples from Dejen district, Ethiopia.

Gamma ray spectrometry was used to determine the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in 12 soil samples collected at random from Dejen district, Ethiopia. In agricultural soils, the calculated mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 33.44 ± 2.01, 66.02 ± 4.54 and 214.16 ± 8.90 Bq kg-1, respectively, and in virgin soils, they were 38.05 ± 2.48, 61.78 ± 4.76 and 240.32 ± 10.79 Bq kg-1, respectively. The findings were discussed and compared to other studies' findings. The mean values of absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate and radium equivalent activity in agricultural land soils are 67.24 nGyh-1, 0.083 mSvy-1 and 144.57 Bq kg-1, and in virgin land soils are 67.53 nGyh-1, 0.082 mSvy-1 and 144.90 Bq kg-1, respectively. These findings were discussed and compared to the internationally recommended value. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the soil samples are safe for residents and those involved in agricultural activities.

Assessment of the Natural Radioactivity Levels of Soil Samples in IT1 Oil Reservoirs in Kirkuk City, Northeast Iraq

In this study, gamma-ray spectrometry with an HPGe detector was used to measure the specific activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples collected from IT1 oil reservoirs in Kirkuk city, northeast Iraq. The “spectral line Gp” gamma analysis software package was used to analyze the spectral data. 226Ra specific activity varies from 9 0.34 Bq.kg-1 to 17 0.47 Bq.kg-1. 232Th specific activity varies from 6.2 0.08 Bq.kg-1 to 18 0.2 Bq.kg-1. 40K specific activity varies from 25 0.19 Bq.kg-1 to 118 0.41 Bq.kg-1. The radiological hazard due to the radiation emitted from natural radionuclides in soil samples was also assessed. The average values of the radium equivalent (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), gamma index (I), absorbed dose rate (D), outdoor (AEDEout) and indoor (AEDEin) annual effective dose equivalent were 35.391 Bq.kg-1, 0.095, 0.128, 0.253, 16.118 nGy.h-1, 0.0197 mSv.y-1, and 0.0790 mSv.y-1, respectively. All values obtained for the activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K and the radiological hazard were lower than the global values. This indicates that no harmful radiation effects are posed to the population who work and live near the study area.

Assessment of solid mineral to soil radioactivity contamination index in selected mining sites and their radiological risk indices to the public

ABSTRACT This study examined the radioactivity levels of soil samples within selected solid mining sites in Nigeria using high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Sixty soil samples in all were collected from the 10 solid mineral mining sites investigated and six samples were collected as control samples from non-mining environment for analyses. The results of the activity concentration values obtained for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th are 100.22 Bq kg−1, 33.15 Bq kg−1 and 77.31 Bq kg−1, respectively. The 226Ra and 40K activities were found to be within the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation acceptable permissible limit, but the 232Th mean value was above the permissible limit of 30 Bq kg−1 for the public. In comparison, 40K, 226Ra and 232Th soil samples mean activity concentrations were higher than the control soil samples values by 48.6%, 43.7% and 62.3%, respectively. The results of estimated radiation hazard indices indicate average values of 150.72 Bq kg−1, 68.40 nGyh−1 , 83.65 µSvy−1 and 454.70 µSvy−1 for the Radium Equivalent (Ra eq ), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), Dose Equivalent (AEDE) and Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose (AGED), respectively. The mean values for External Hazard Indices (Hex, Hin), Representative Gamma index () and Excess Life Cancer Risk (ELCR) were 0.41, 0.50, 1.06 and 0.29 × 10−3, respectively. The statistical analysis shows positive skewness.

The assessment of radioactivity and radiological hazards in soils of Bolu province, Turkey

The radioactivity levels in soil samples of Bolu province of north-western Turkey have been determined. There has been no information about radioactivity measurement reported in soil samples in Bolu province so far. For this reason, the activity concentrations of natural and artificial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs) were measured in soil samples collected from 40 different points in Bolu province of north-western Turkey using gamma spectrometry technique with a high-purity germanium detector. The average activity concentrations (range) of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were found to be 18.2 (3.8–49.9) Bq/kg, 17.3 (4.1–37.9) Bq/kg, 258.3 (64.6–518.9) Bq/kg, and 7.5 (0.6–43.6) Bq/kg, respectively. At the end of the analysis, the radioactivity values were lower than the world average values reported by United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). In order to evaluate the radiological hazards resulting from natural radioactivity, radium equivalent activity (Raeq), gamma index (Iγ), external hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate in air (D), annual gonadal dose rate (AGDE), the annual effective dose rate (AEDE), and excess life time cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated and found in the range of 14.8–129.8 Bq/kg, 0.1–0.5, 0.0–0.4, 7.0–60.2 nGy/h, 49.8–417.5 µSv/y, 8.6–73.8 µSv/y, and 0.3 × 10−4 to 2.6 × 10−4, respectively. These results were compared with recommended values (370 Bq/kg for Raeq, <1 for Iγ, <1 for Hex, 55 nGy/h for D, 300 µSv/y for AGDE, 70 µSv/y for AEDE, and 2.9 × 10−4 for ELCR) by European Commission (EC), UNSCEAR and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). As a result, health hazards originated by natural radiation from soil samples of the Bolu province is low and insignificant.

Natural Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples of AL- Sadr and AL-Forat AL-Aosat Hospitals in Najaf

This work was undertaken with the purpose of measuring natural radioactivity, due to 238U, 232Th and 40K in 30 soil samples collected from two hospitals in the governorate of (AL-Najaf), in Iraq. The samples were distributed (15) samples per hospital, and Radiation risks were also calculated for all soil samples. The natural radioactivity was measured using NaI (Tl) detector, the results of the specific activity at the Al Sadr Hospital were 238U ranged from (5.89±0.36 to 21.38±0.69) (Bq/kg) with average value 12.60±0.51 (Bq/kg). 232Th from (0.44±0.06 to 14.67±0.37) (Bq/kg) with average value (4.46±0.19) (Bq/kg), and 40K from (252.14±2.54 to 478.24±3.50) (Bq/kg) with average value (346.95±289) (Bq/kg). AL-Forat AL-Aosat hospital results were 238U ranged from (0.69±0.12 to 27.63±0.74) (Bq/kg) with average value (12.84±0.51) (Bq/kg), 232Th from (1.47±0.11 to 9.3±0.31 (Bq/kg) with average value 6.19±0.24 (Bq/kg), and 40K from (192.88±2.27 to 338.52±3.08) (Bq/kg) with average value (254.29±2.54) (Bq/kg). The radiation risks calculated, Radium Equivalent (Raeq), external Hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (ADr), total Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), and the Excess Life Cancer Risk (ELCR). The results were for Al Sadr Hospital (45.7063(Bq/kg), 0.1234, 23.0648(nGy/h), 0.0283(mSV/y), 1.247439702×10-3) respectively. For AL-Forat AL-Aosat hospital were (41.2655 (Bq/kg), 0.111, 20.3772 (nGy/h), 0.0250(mSV/y)`, 1.102083688×10-3) respectively. The results in the two hospitals were compared with the global allowable values ratio within the permissible ranges specified by UNSCER, OCDE, and ICRP; we concluded that all the sites in this study are safe.

Natural radioactivity levels and related risk assessment in soil samples from Sakarya, Turkey

An evaluation of the environmental radioactivity levels in soil samples from Sakarya province (Turkey) was undertaken in order to create a comprehensive radiological map of Sakarya. A total of 85 soil samples collected from different parts of the city were analysed using NaI(Tl) γ-ray spectrometry. It was found that the mean activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 23.2 ± 2.5, 21.0 ± 3.4 and 371 ± 25.9 Bqkg−1, respectively, all falling below the worldwide mean values. Accordingly, in order to assess the radiological risk, radium equivalent activity (Ra eq), absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AED), and external hazard index (H ex) were estimated and found to have mean values of 30.93 nGyh−1, 37.93 μSvy−1, 64.14 Bqkg−1 and 0.18 Bqkg−1, respectively. Also, the results were statistically analysed to make recommendations for further regulation.

Primordial and Artificial Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples of Hatay Region, Turkey

Primordial and Artificial Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples of Hatay Region, Turkey

Assessment of radiological parameters of soil in Kogi State, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe natural radioactivity levels of soil samples collected from four local government areas in Kogi State, Nigeria were measured using a hyper-pure germanium detector, and the radiological hazard parameters associated with them were estimated. The measured concentration ranged from 7.82 ± 0.63 to 82.22 ± 1.99 Bq kg−1 for 238U, 11.05 ± 1.10 to 114.86 ± 4.72 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and 3.38 ± 0.50 to 1272.20 ± 23.36 Bq kg−1 for 40K. Omala local government was found to have the highest concentrations of 238U (44.31 Bq kg−1) and 232Th (52.13 Bq kg−1), while Ajaokuta has the highest concentration of 40K (711.72 Bq kg−1). The lowest activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th were measured from soil samples collected from Ankpa local government area and 40K from Dekina local government area. It was noted that the activity concentrations of 40K were generally low for all the areas investigated except for Ajaokuta areas. The radium equivalents calculated for all the locations were observed to be lower than the radiation protection regulatory body reference value of 370 Bq kg−1. The radiological parameters estimated for most of the locations compared well with world average values, except for Odogba-okaba, Salem University, Forest, Nepa, Gerugu, Niger Bridge, Igaliwu, Ijeke-ogane, Bagana, and Abegikolo villages, whose values exceeded the recommended limit. This may suggest that those living or working in these areas may be exposed to higher radiation burden from the natural radionuclides.

The Investigation of Terrestrial Radioactivity in Soil Samples around Pshdar Region in Iraqi-Kurdistan

Measurements of the natural radioactivity levels in soil samples from the Pshdar area in Iraq have been carried out. This survey is considered the first scientific assessment of the radioactivity level in the studied area so far. Soil samples were collected in 22 regions across the landscape over an area of 1,339.13 km2. Gamma ray spectroscopy analysis was carried out using the high purity germanium (HPGe) detector in a low background configuration to detect radioisotopes of natural decay chains (226Ra, 232Th), the long-lived radionuclide 40K in the environment. It was found that the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K ranged from 7.6±1.0 Bq kg-1 to 23.5±1.7 Bq kg-1, 2.50 Bqkg-1 to 31.8±2.2 Bqkg-1 and 77.6±7.8 Bq kg-1 to 554.5±42.7 Bq kg-1 respectively. The results have been compared with other radioactivity measurements in different countries’ soils. The absorbed dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the external hazard index (Hex) and the internal hazard index (Hin) in the soil samples were also determined. They were found to have ranges of 7.34 ± 0.78 to 45.01 ± 2.37 nGy h-1 with an average value of 33.26 ± 0.39 nGy h-1, 9.01 ± 0.96 µSvy-1 to 55.20 ± 2.91 µSvy-1 with an average of 40.79 ± 0.48 µSvy-1, 15.72 ± 1.6 to 96.12 ± 4.17 Bq kg-1 with an average of 69.83 ± 0.82 Bq kg-1, 0.06±0.003 to 0.27 ± 0.01 with an average of 0.20 ±0.002, and 0.07 ± 0.002 to 0.31 ± 0.01 with an average of 0.22 ± 0.002 respectively. The results indicate that the radiation hazard from primordial radionuclides in all soil samples from the studied area in the current work is not significant, and the natural background radiation of the area is at normal levels.