Radioactivity Levels In Soil Samples Research Articles

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

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.

Natural Radioactivity Levels of Soil Samples from Nile Islands in EL-Mynia Governorate, Egypt

The activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in twenty - one soil samples collected from five Nile Islands in EL-Mynia governorate have been measured by gamma ray spectroscopy. These islands are used for tourist and agricultural activities. The average activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K ranged from 14±0.8 to 21±1, 10±0.5 to 23.3±1 and 356.5±18 to 411±20.5 BqKg -1 respectively. The radiological hazards [radium equivalent (Raeq), dose rate, annual effective dose (AED), external hazard (Hex) internal hazard (Hin), gamma radiation hazard index (Iγr) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR)] for tourists and farmers were calculated. The data were discussed and compared with those given in the literatures.

Determination of radioactivity levels of soil samples and the excess of lifetime cancer risk in Rize province, Turkey

Determination of radioactivity levels of soil samples and the excess of lifetime cancer risk in Rize province, Turkey

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples from some areas in Assiut, Egypt

The natural radioactivity of soil samples from Assiut city, Egypt, was studied. The activity concentrations of 28 samples were measured with a NaI(Tl) detector. The radioactivity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K showed large variations, so the results were classified into two groups (A and B) to facilitate the interpretation of the results. Group A represents samples collected from different locations in Assiut and characterized by low activity concentrations with average values of 46.15 ± 9.69, 30.57 ± 4.90, and 553.14 ± 23.19 for (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K, respectively. Group B represents samples mainly collected from the area around Assiut Thermal Power Plant and characterized by very high activity concentrations with average values of 3,803 ± 145, 1,782 ± 98, and 1,377 ± 78 for (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K, respectively. In order to evaluate the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity, the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the absorbed dose rate (D), the annual effective dose rate (E), the external hazard index (H ex), and the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) have been calculated and compared with the internationally approved values. For group A, the calculated averages of these parameters are in good agreement with the international recommended values except for the absorbed dose rate and the AGDE values which are slightly higher than the international recommended values. However, for group B, all obtained averages of these parameters are much higher by several orders of magnitude than the international recommended values. The present work provides a background of radioactivity concentrations in the soil of Assiut.

Natural and artificial radioactivity distribution in soil of Fars province, Iran

Fars province is a large populated large province located in the southwest of Iran. This work presents a study of natural and radioactivity levels in soil samples of this province. For this purpose, 126 samples were gathered from different regions of the province and analysed by gamma spectroscopy to quantify radioactivity concentrations of radionuclides using a high-purity germanium detector and spectroscopy system. The results of this investigation show the average concentrations of 271 ± 28 Bq kg(-1), 6.37 ± 0.5 Bq kg(-1), 14.9 ± 0.9 Bq kg(-1) and 26.3 ± 1.9 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K, (137)Cs, (232)Th and (238)U in soil, respectively. Finally, baseline maps were established for the concentrations of each of the radionuclides in different regions. The absorbed dose rate and the annual effective dose (AED) were also calculated for the radionuclides according to the guidelines of UNSCEAR 2000. The average AED from the radioactivity content of soil in this province was found to be 39.9 ± 1.8 μSv.

Measurement of soil radioactivity levels and radiation hazard assessment in southern Rechna interfluvial region, Pakistan

Rechna interfluvial region is one of the main regions of Punjab, Pakistan. It is the area which is lying between River Ravi and River Chenab, alluvial-filled. Radioactivity levels in soil samples, collected from southern Rechna interfluvial region, Pakistan, have been estimated by using gamma-ray spectrometric technique. (226)Ra, (232)Th, the primordial radionuclide (40)K, and the artificial radionuclide (137)Cs have been measured in the soil of the study area. The mean radioactivity levels of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K, and (137)Cs were found to be 50.6 +/- 1.7, 62.3 +/- 3.2, 662.2 +/- 32.1, and 3.1 +/- 0.3 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The mean radium equivalent activity (Ra(eq)), outdoor radiation hazard index (H(out)), indoor radiation hazard index (H(in)), and terrestrial absorbed dose rate for the area under study were determined as 190.8 +/- 8.7 Bq kg(-1), 0.52, 0.65, and 69.8 nGy h(-1), respectively. The annual effective dose to the general public was found to be 0.43 mSv. This value lies well below the limit of 1 mSv for general public as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The measured values are comparable with other global radioactivity measurements and are found to be safe for the public and the environment.

Measurement of soil radioactivity levels and radiation hazard assessment in mid Rechna interfluvial region, Pakistan

Radioactivity levels in soil samples, collected from mid Rechna interfluvial region, Pakistan have been estimated by using gamma ray spectrometric technique. 226Ra, 232Th, the primordial radionuclide 40K and the artificial radionuclide 137Cs have been measured in the soil of the study area. The mean radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 49.0 ± 1.6, 62.4 ± 3.2, 670.6 ± 33.9 and 3.5 ± 0.4 Bq kg−1 respectively. The mean radium equivalent activity (Raeq), outdoor radiation hazard index (H out), indoor radiation hazard index (H in) and terrestrial absorbed dose rate for the area under study were determined as 189.9 ± 8.8 Bq kg−1, 0.51, 0.65 and 70.1 nGy h−1 respectively. The annual effective dose to the public was estimated to be 0.43 mSv. The measured values are comparable with other global radioactivity measurements and are found to be safe for public and environment.