Radiological Hazard Parameters Research Articles

Evaluation of radioactivity in soil and rock samples from an undiscovered sea beach in the southeastern coastline of Bangladesh and associated health risk.

This study marks the first-ever assessment of radiological hazards linked to the sands and rocks of Patuartek Sea Beach, situated along one of the world's longest sea beaches in Cox' Bazar of Bangladesh. Through the utilization of an HPGe detector, a comprehensive analysis of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was conducted, and their activity ranged from 7 to 23Bq/kg, 9-58Bq/kg, and 172-340Bq/kg, respectively, in soils, and 19-24Bq/kg, 27-39Bq/kg, and 340-410Bq/kg, respectively, in rocks. Some sand samples exhibited elevated levels of 232Th, while the rock samples displayed higher levels of 40K compared to the global average. The radiological hazard parameters were assessed, and no values surpassed the recommended limits set by several international organizations. Hence, the sands and rocks of Patuartek sea beach pose no significant radiological risk to the residents or tourists. The findings of this study provide crucial insights for the development of a radiological baseline map in the country, which is important due to the commissioning of the country's first nuclear power plant Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The data may also stimulate interest in the rare-earth minerals present in the area, which is important for the electronics industry, thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles.

Distribution of natural radionuclides in NORM samples from North Abu Rusheid area, Egypt

The North Abu Rusheid area in Egypt is a well-known high background natural radiation area (HBNRA) due to the existence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in mylonitic rocks. In this study, 27 rock samples were selected for dose estimation studies. 238U and 232Th were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and 40K was measured using sodium iodide (thallium) gamma-ray spectroscopy. The ranges of activity concentrations (Bq/kg) of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the samples varied from 270 ± 2 to 2120 ± 29, 350 ± 2 to 1840 ± 27 and 20 ± 2 to 1390 ± 35 with mean values of 980 ± 349, 770 ± 351, and 640 ± 402 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological hazard parameters were estimated from activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K and compared to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) values. The present study revealed that the hazard parameters were several times higher than the worldwide averages. The U/Th concentration ratio ranged from 0.7 to 3 and could be attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, zircon, and columbite in mylonitic rocks. From the radiological protection viewpoint, it is necessary to monitor natural radionuclides in these rocks prior to their use in residential and commercial construction materials.

Assessment of Radiological Hazards in Some Foods Products Consumed by the Malian Population Using Gamma Spectrometry

Background: Food consumption is one of the most important routes for radionuclide intake for the public; therefore, there is the need to have a comprehensive understanding of the amount of radioactivity in food products. Consumption of radionuclide-contaminated food could increase potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation such as cancers. The present study aims to determine radioactivity levels in some food products (milk, rice, sugar, and wheat flour) consumed in Mali and to evaluate the radiological effect on the public health from these radionuclides.Materials and Methods: The health impact due to ingestion of radionuclides from these foods was evaluated by the determination of activity concentration of radionuclides <sup>238</sup>U, <sup>232</sup>Th, <sup>40</sup>K, and <sup>137</sup>Cs using gamma spectrometry system with high-purity germanium detector and radiological hazards index in 16 samples collected in some markets, mall, and shops of Bamako-Mali.Results and Discussion: The average activity concentrations were 9.8±0.6 Bq/kg for <sup>238</sup>U, 8.7± 0.5 Bq/kg for <sup>232</sup>Th, 162.9±7.9 Bq/kg for <sup>40</sup>K, and 0.0035±0.0005 Bq/kg for <sup>137</sup>Cs. The mean values of radiological hazard parameters such as annual committed effective dose, internal hazard index, and risk assessment from this work were within the dose criteria limits given by international organizations (International Commission on Radiological Protection and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation) and national standards.Conclusion: The results show low public exposure to radioactivity and associated radiological impact on public health. Nevertheless, this study stipulates vital data for future research and regulatory authorities in Mali

Determination of Radionuclides Concentrations in Surface Soil Samples in the District of Bandirma, Balıkesir

Determination of the environmental radioactivity concentration value is very important as it directly effects human health. Natural and artificial radionuclide concentration levels have been determined by looking 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides. In this study, natural and artificial continental radionuclide concentrations were measured in the Bandirma district of Balikesir. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radioactivity concentrations were detected with the aid of a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Soil samples used in the study were selected from 30 different locations sampling points located in Bandirma. The radiological hazard indices such as absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), exposure dose (ER), total annual effective dose (AED), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), internal hazard index (Hin), external hazard index (Hex) and gamma representative level (GRL) were determined. The mean values of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs concentrations in this study were 15.81 ± 1.35 Bq kg−1, 28.86 ± 1.07 Bq kg−1, 276.86 ± 11.69 Bq kg−1, and 1.98 ± 0.31 Bq kg−1 respectively. The calculated radiological hazard parameters were compared with the world averages. The obtained radioactivity concentration values were measured to be below the world average.

Assessment of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards of soil collected from rabia town in nineveh governorate (North Iraq)

The effects of the environment on human exposure to radiation from naturally occurring radioactive elements have been investigated around the world. In the group of natural radionuclides under examination, the study’s objective is to ascertain the distribution, potential anthropogenic origins, and activity of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and their radiological risk parameters in twelve soil samples taken from Rabia town in Nineveh Governorate, North Iraq using NaI (Tl) detector. For the examined region, the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 4.79 ± 0.211 to 21.77 ± 0.675 Bq kg−1, 11.21 ± 0.942 to 33.57 ± 2.185 Bq kg−1, and 112.8 ± 32.074 to 312.2 ± 95.463 Bq kg−1, respectively. The estimated radiological hazard parameters for the examined samples included the absorbed dose rate (Dair), annual effective dose equivalent (AED), gamma-ray hazard index (I), and annual gonadal dose equivalent. Furthermore, the current work revealed the distribution of radionuclides and their relationships with the mineralogical composition. Based on obtained results, this soil is safe for the population living in the study area and can be used as a building material or for other human activities without posing any radiological danger.

Radiometric examination of fertilizers and assessment of their health hazards, commonly used in Pakistan

The radioactivity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) i.e., 226Ra, 232Th, and 4 K in various chemical fertilizers being used in the agricultural soil of Pakistan were determined utilizing gamma spectrometry by employing a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 4 K extended from 2.58 ± 0.8–265.7 ± 8.8 Bq kg−1, 1.53 ± 0.14–76.6 ± 1.07 Bq kg−1 and 36.5 ± 1.34–15606.7 ± 30.2 Bq kg−1 respectively. The radiological hazard parameters such as internal and external indices and annual effective dose rates were calculated, while excessive lifetime cancer risk factors for the indoor and outdoor areas were found in the range from 0.3 × 10−3 to 10.723 × 10−3 and 0.03 × 10−3 to 2.7948 × 10−3 of most fertilizers, however, some values were slightly higher than the UNSCEAR (The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation) recommended values for potash-containing fertilizers such as MOP (Muriate of Potash).

Baseline radioactivity in the five candidate sites for the second nuclear power plant in Bangladesh and concomitant hazards assessment

ABSTRACT To meet the increasing energy demands and foresee the shortage of fossil fuels as a source of energy, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has decided to install a second Nuclear Power Plant in the southern region of Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess the baseline radioactivity using the High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector of the five candidate sites to construct a nuclear power plant in the southern regions of Bangladesh and to evaluate the associated radiological hazard parameters. This pioneering study demonstrates that the mean activity concentrations (range) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in forty-five soil samples collected from the five candidate sites were 28.95 ± 2.72 (2.65–48.75), 30.10 ± 2.95 (10.35–46.65), and 278.82 ± 25.78 (126.05–418.61) Bqkg−1. The evaluated area poses insignificant radiological concerns regarding mean absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices, and excess lifetime cancer risk values. This study revealed a thorough picture of radioactive dispersion in soil samples from Bangladesh’s southern areas, allowing policymakers to take appropriate measures in identifying viable candidate sites for constructing a Nuclear Power Plant. Moreover, the data of this study can be used as a reliable source of baseline radioactivity in the particular area.

Radiological health assessment of infant milk in Erbil Governorate, Iraq.

In this research, the radioactivity caused by natural radionuclides (40K, 232Th, and 226Ra) was evaluated in infant milk consumed in Erbil, Iraq. The measurements were performed using an HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer. The variation of activity concentrations in milk samples was (99.56-256.9Bqkg-1) for 40K, (BDL-0.53Bqkg-1) for 232Th, and (0.27-5.59Bqkg-1) for 226Ra, as determined by the results. The radiological parameters of Eing, Dorg, and ELCR were calculated and compared to international standards. The correlation between computed radiological hazard parameters and natural radionuclides was analyzed statistically using Pearson's correlation. Overall, the results indicate that infant milk consumption in Erbil is radiologically safe and that consumers of these brands of milk are unlikely to be directly exposed to radiological health risks.

Health risk assessment and statistical analysis of natural radioactivity in the uranium exploration area of Zabili, Chad

ABSTRACT The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in 19 soil samples from Zabili uranium exploration area were measured using a low-background digital gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with broad energy germanium detector. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K range from 16.5 to 1110.9 Bq.kg−1, 19.45 to 76.97 Bq.kg−1, and 3.28 to 839.5 Bq.kg−1, with their mean values of 478.0, 58.9, and 562.5, respectively. In addition, radiological hazard parameters from the activity concentrations obtained were assessed by estimating radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard index, indoor and outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate and the corresponding annual effective dose, effective dose rate to different body organs and tissues, and excess lifetime cancer risk. Derived radiological hazard indices have been revised in accordance with relevant national and international legislation and guidelines. The radiological hazard parameter values were found to be above the relevant limit values for soils. In order to investigate the distribution of radionuclides and associated health hazard parameters in the study area, a statistical study was performed.

Natural Radioactivity in Soil and Radiological Risk Assessment in Lișava Uranium Mining Sector, Banat Mountains, Romania

The specific activity and spatial distribution of 238U, 232Th and 40K were determined in the surface soil from the Lișava uranium mining sector. This sector belongs to the Banat district, an historically important uranium mining area in Romania (an area with closed uranium mines and a radioactive waste dump). Gamma-ray spectrometry using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used to measure the activity of naturally occurring radionuclides in the soil. The average specific activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the soil were 197.21 Bq/kg for 238U, 16.21 Bq/kg for 232Th and 543.21 Bq/kg for 40K. The mineral contents of selected waste rock samples (sandstones) were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which revealed that brannerite, pitchblende and coffinite were the most important uranium-bearing minerals. The means of the radiological hazard parameters were calculated to be 262.22 Bq/kg radium equivalent activity (Raeq), 123.72 nGy/h absorbed gamma dose rates (DR), 0.7 external hazard index (Hex) and 1.8 representative level index (RLI). The spatial distribution of the risk assessment indices associated with the investigated soils exceeded the median values provided by UNSCEAR and reflected the geological settings and influences of anthropic activities such as uranium mining practices and the tipping of radioactive mining waste.

ASSESSMENT OF GAMMA DOSE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE RATE FOR COMMONLY USED FERTILIZER SAMPLES IN AGRICULTURE FIELD WITH A STATISTICAL APPROACH.

In this present study, the activity concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K have been measured in commonly used chemical fertilizers for agriculture by using gamma-ray spectrometry with NaI (TI) detector. Radiological hazard parameters have been calculated for samples. The mean specific activity concentration of the 238U, 232Th and 40K is 176, 5.75 and 4136Bqkg-1, respectively. Particularly, the mean value of 238U, as well as 40K, is higher than the world recommended value. Also, the average value of radium equivalent activity is 503Bqkg-1 and the absorbed dose rate (DR) is 282.93nGyh-1, which is greater than the permissible limit, whereas the annual effective dose rate (AEDR) is 0.316mSvy-1, which is lower than the world recommended value. Therefore, collected fertilizer samples significantly increase the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in the agricultural soils. Multivariate statistical techniques such as Pearson correlation and factor analysis are carried out for radioactive variables to understand the existing relationship between them. From obtained results reveals that these fertilizer samples increases the probability of adverse health effects due to natural radioactivity.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Cements Used as Building Materials in Poland.

It has been analyzed in this article the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Poland and available on the Polish market. The radiological hazard parameters are, in particular, absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity, the external hazard index, and the gamma and alpha indices. The radionuclide activities of the most important radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K have been determined by gamma-ray spectrometry with the use of two kinds of spectrometers of different operational parameters. One performed also measurements on 30-day and 45-day aged samples as to verify if there is a statistically significant difference in radioactivity concentration for shorter and longer aging time. The radioactivity concentrations in the cement samples ranged from 21.7–75.7 Bq·kg−1 for 226Ra, 12.3–47.3 Bq·kg−1 for 232Th to 123–430 Bq·kg−1 for 40K. The radiological parameters in cement samples were calculated as follows: mean radium equivalent activity Raeq = 127 Bq·kg−1, mean absorbed gamma dose rate D = 115 nGy·h−1, mean annual effective dose E = 570 µSv·y−1, external hazard index Hex = 0.32, internal hazard index Hin = 0.51, mean activity concentration index Iγ = 0.47 and mean alpha index Iα = 0.28. The results were compared with the reported data from other countries and the international standard values given by European Commission (EC) and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR 2000). Finally, thorough statistical analysis has been performed.

Influence of open cast mining on radiological health risk of agricultural soils around Adudu lead–zinc mine, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Various fields of science have focused on the level of natural radionuclides in the environment since they are responsible for terrestrial background radiation exposure to members of the public. Gamma ray spectrometry with high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides {238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K} in one hundred and ten (110) composite soil samples collected from eleven (11) studied sites around lead (Pb)–zinc (Zn) mine. Result showed that the mean activities of 238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K in the investigated soils varied between 28.49 ± 2.93–72.95 ± 7.07, 33.97 ± 4.09–105.78 ± 9.91 and 27.37 ± 1.87–853.16 ± 45.95 Bq/kg respectively. The activity concentrations of the analyzed natural radionuclides and their evaluated radiological health hazard parameters for soils around the mine, were above global average values and higher than those of control soil. The levels of 238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K and the values of assessed radiological health hazard parameters for the control soil, were all lower than the global average values. This research showed that open cast mining of Pb–Zn in Adudu significantly increased the radiological health risk posed to the mine workers and community dwellers.

Natural Radionuclide characterization on Baltim-El Burullus coastal sediments and their risk assessments

The Egyptian black sand occurs especially along the beaches of northern part of the Nile Delta. Baltim-El Burullus coastal sediments lie between Longitudes 30° 10′ and 34° 15′E, and Latitudes 31° 10′and 31° 35′N. Sixty two samples from Baltim-El Burullus coastal plain were measured radio metrically by using Na-I detector for determination of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra eU and 40K concentrations. 238U concentration ranged from 1 to 5 ppm with 1.63 as an average, 232Th from 1 to 10 ppm with average 3.66 ppm, 226Ra (eU) from 1 to 6 with 1.92 as an average and 40K from 0.10 to 2.55 with average (0.76). The studied stream sediments could be intimated to different sources, leading to variability in contribution of the radioelements, thus the activity concentration of 40K > 232Th > 226Ra> 238U. eU / Ra eU ratios average (0.66), is lower than unity indicate the disequilibrium in the studied coastal sediments, suggesting disequilibrium with uranium migration out. The inter-element relations show the presence of U and Th in discrete minerals or their separate migration. The radiological hazard parameters, like the dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex), internal (Hin) hazard indices and gamma index (Iγ) were estimated for these sediments and compared with the permissible international limits. Nearly, all the studied samples are within the recommended permissible levels for most environmental parameters, with the exception of some samples lie out of the limits.

Geology and Environmental Impact Assessment of Psammitic Gneiss and Lamprophyre Dykes at Wadi Sikait, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

The present study was carried out on promising lamprophyre dykes at Wadi Sikait, through the mineralogical and petrography studies with emphasis on the radiological hazard’s indices along Wadi Sikait. So, the radioelement contents in the studied rocks were measured radiometrically by using gamma-spectrometry (NaI-detector). The psammitic gneisses formed an elongated zone striking NNE-SSW and are silicified, banded, jointed, sheared, mylonitized, and hematized. The lamprophyre dykes strike NNW-SSE varies in thickness from 0.5 m to 1.5 m, and extend more than one kilometer. The averages of the eU/eTh ratio are 2.02, indicating uranium accumulation, which confirmed positive disequilibrium (P-factor). Many of the radiological hazard parameters in both psammitic gneisses and lamprophyre dykes are higher than the international limits, suggesting probable hazard. 40K plays the main and most important role in dose rate contribution. The high activity and the elevated radiological hazard parameters in the lamprophyre are related to the presence of radioactive and radioelements bearing minerals like kasolite, thorite, uranothorite, xenotime, cheralite and baddeleyite. Other mineralization was also recorded as gold and base metal minerals.

Radionuclide Content and Radiation Dose Rates of Uraniferous and Mineralized Granites at GV Occurrence in Gabal Gattar, Northeastern Desert, Egypt.

G. Gattar is located in the northern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, bounded by latitudes 26° 52´ - 27° 08´ N and longitudes 33° 13´ – 33° 26´ E and covers an area of about 178 km2. Eighteen samples, nine from uraniferous and nine from mineralized granites were measured radiometrically for 238U, 232Th, 226RaeU and 40K determination by Na-I detector and the radioactive minerals identified by alpha track method. Based on the petrography, radioactive mineral content and radioactivity, Gattarian granites were classified into uraniferous and mineralized granites. Uranium contents reach up to 229 ppm in the uraniferous granites and to 20300 ppm in the mineralized granites, which is extremely higher than the international limits. eTh/eU ratio of the studied uraniferous and mineralized granites show average ratios of 0.05 and 0.0044, respectively, which is extremely lower than the average of igneous rocks, suggesting uranium enrichment in reducing conditions. The uraniferous and mineralized granites U/Th ratios average are 62.23 and 4234.45, respectively, indicating that the studied two granitic types are considered highly productive rocks. The radioelements interrelations manifest that the distribution of radioelements not only magmatic but also related to hydrothermal redistribution of radionuclides associating with uranium deposition. The radiological hazard parameters, such as the dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex), internal (Hin) hazard indices and gamma index (Iγ) were estimated for these granites and compared with the international levels. Nearly, all the studied samples are to a great extent higher than the recommended permissible levels for all environmental parameters.

Natural radionuclide concentration and associated health hazard indices in coal samples from Okobo Coal Mine, Nigeria

Background: Mining activities of coal have the capacity to raise the level of natural radionuclide concentration in our environment. This exposes human population to ionizing radiations with their associated health hazards. This study was aimed at measuring natural radionuclide concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, and their associated health hazard indices in coal samples from Okobo coal mine. Materials and Methods: The survey design adopted for this study was the cross sectional type. Coal samples totaling ten (10) in number, were randomly collected from the coal mine. The sampled coal was analyzed at the University of Ibadan, in the laboratory of the National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research (NIRPR), using high resolution spectrometry technique, with high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. Results: The obtained results revealed that the radionucide concentration of 226Ra in the sampled coal recorded slightly higher value (21.34±7.94 Bq/kg) than global average of 20 Bq/Kg. However, the recorded values for 232Th (13.61±5.08 Bq/kg) and 40K (20.91±15.77 Bq/kg) fall below the global average value of 20 and 50 Bq/Kg respectively. All calculated radiological hazard parameters recorded lower values than the global permissible value but for annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) which recorded significantly higher value (407.74 mSv/yr) than the world acceptable limit of 300 mSv/yr. Conclusion: The activity concentration of 226Ra for Okobo coal sample recorded a unit mean value higher than the global average, however the recorded values for 232Th and 40K fall below global permissible values. All radiological health hazards recorded lower values than the precautionary safe limit but for annual gonadal equivalent dose which recorded significantly higher value than the global permissible limit. This implies that both staff and residents of the community could be exposed to radiological threat, which might affect the functionality of their sensitive organs if prolonged and cumulative exposure is not avoided.

RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH RISK EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC SOURCES OF WATER IN SELECTED LEAD MINING COMMUNITIES OF NASARAWA STATE, NORTH CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Mining activities is one of the causals of water pollution in recent times that could potentiate a great risk to human who depends on these water sources for domestic uses in Adudu, Abuni and Kanje mining communities of Nasarawa State. This research aimed to determine the quantity of radionuclides viz 238U, 232Th and 40K in surface and groundwater samples of these communities. The concentrations of the radionuclides were measured using Gamma-ray spectroscopy and the radiological hazard indices such as Radium Equivalent (Raeq), Dose Rate (DR), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), Hazard Index (Hi), Representative Radioactivity (Iy) and Excessive Life Cancer Risk (ELCR) were evaluated and used to analyze the data. 238U was found in 12 out of the 27 analyzed water samples with their concentrations within the WHO standard. The concentration of 232Th found in the sampled water sources were higher than the recommended limit except for samples B5 and S2. However, 40K was found in most water samples analyzed although the concentration was below the authorized standard. The evaluated radiological health hazard parameters (Raeq, DR, AEDE, AEDE, HI, Iy and ELCR) were generally below world average and WHO standard values for domestic water. Thus, this study showed that the concentrations of radionuclides in these sources of water pose no radiological health risk to the community dwellers and the presence of the radionuclides are due to the geologic and mineral composition of the study area rather than mining activities.

Statistical analysis on the radiological assessment and geochemical studies of granite rocks in the north of Um Taghir area, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract Granite rocks are currently one of the foremost raw materials that can be used for various economic purposes such as ornamentation and building materials, because they do not possess radioactive concentrations and have good physical and mechanical properties. The granite rocks of north Um Taghir are connected to neoproterozoic rocks and integrated to the north Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), which lies in Northeast Africa. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence analysis, concurrent to some statistical analysis, have been carried for major oxides and some trace elements to extract much fundamental information by following certain mathematical methods. The exposed granite rock units in north Um Taghir are classified into four rock units represented by tonalite, granodiorite, monzogranite, and alkali-feldspar granite which are cut by different types of dikes. The magma of tonalite and granodiorite is low-to-medium K calc-alkaline affinity, while the magma of monzogranite and alkali-feldspar granite is medium-to-high K calc-alkaline affinity, and of metaluminous to peraluminous nature. Granite rocks show a slightly depletion of fractionated patterns from light rare earth elements (LREEs) to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) with slightly positive to negative Eu anomalies from tonalite to monzogranite and alkali-feldspar granites. The statistical criteria have been achieved to explore the significant differences of radiological hazard parameters among samples. It is obvious that there is no homogeneity among samples; furthermore, in Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney test, and Pearson correlation coefficient, it can be noticed that there are significant differences between each pair of samples: tonalite, monzogranite; tonalite, alkali-feldspar granite; granodiorite, monzogranite; and granodiorite, alkali-feldspar granite. There is a strong direct relationship among granodiorite and both tonalite and alkali-feldspar granite, and among alkali-feldspar granite and tonalite and granodiorite. There is a strong inverse relationship among monzogranite and tonalite, granodiorite, and alkali-feldspar granite. As stated by all results, it can be mentioned that the granite rocks have a worthy result of mechanical and physical properties. So that they can be used for various economic purposes.

Radioactive risk assessment of beach sand along the coastline of Mediterranean Sea at El-Arish area, North Sinai, Egypt

Beach sand includes various levels of natural radioactivity, which can cause health effects. The natural radioactivity was measured in the beach sand along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea at the east of the El-Arish area, Egypt. Using the HPGe spectrometer, the contribution of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the gamma emitted radiation illustrated that the 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations are 8.8 ± 3.9, 30.8 ± 12.2 and 106.9 ± 46.8 Bq kg−1, respectively, which is lower than the reported worldwide limit 33, 45 and 412 Bq kg−1. The radioactive hazards associated with the beach sand along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea at the east of the El-Arish area were investigated. The obtained results among the radiological hazard parameters, the radium equivalent content (Raeq), the absorbed dose rate (Dair), annual effective dose (AED), external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard indices were estimated. Moreover, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) were also computed and illustrated their values less than the recommended levels. Multivariate statistical approaches like Pearson correlation, the principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to investigate the correlation between the radionuclides and the corresponding radiological hazard variables. Based on the statistical analysis, the 226Ra and 232Th mainly contribute to the radioactive risk of beach sand. Finally, no significant risk of the public associated with utilizing beach sand in building materials.