Radiological Risk Research Articles

Characteristics and radiological hazard assessment of 210Po activity level in Dotted gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus) from Quang Ninh province, Northern Vietnam

The natural radionuclide 210Po accumulates readily in marine organisms and is a significant contributor to the radiological dose from consuming seafood. This study analyzed the 210Po activity in thirty specimens of Dotted gizzard shad, a common and commercially important species of Clupeiform fish distributed in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. The measurements were taken using an alpha spectrometer to measure the radionuclide from various tissues collected from each fish specimen. The highest activities of 210Po were found in the liver and intestine, while the lowest activity was observed in muscle tissue. The trend of 210Po activity in the different tissues was muscle < skin < stomach < gill < bone < intestine < liver, with mean values of 15.1 ± 1.7, 39.6 ± 9.6, 51.2 ± 5.5, 58.2 ± 7.2, 62.2 ± 13.5, 241 ± 18.7, and 346 ± 30.5 Bq.kg−1, respectively. There was an insignificant correlation between 210Po activity in the muscle and the mass and size of the fish. The calculated annual effective dose for adults from consuming only the Dotted gizzard shad containing 210Po exceeded the recommendation value (1 mSv.y−1) for all tissues except muscle. The concern for exceeding ingestion doses applies primarily to consumers who choose to eat the organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, of Dotted gizzard shad, assuming an annual consumption of 27 kg.y−1 for each organ. Therefore, this study emphasizes that people should be advised not to consume the digestive organs of Dotted gizzard shad to avoid radiological risk.

Radiological risk assessment in drinking water: evaluation of radon concentrations in Ondo town, southwestern Nigeria

Radiological risk assessment in drinking water: evaluation of radon concentrations in Ondo town, southwestern Nigeria

Natural radionuclide profiles and radiological risks in soils and rocks of the Koytash-Ugam Range, Uzbekistan.

This investigation quantifies the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the soils and certain rocks of the Koytash-Ugam Range, Uzbekistan, and assesses their radiological risks. Gamma-spectrometric analysis of soil and rock samples revealed activity concentrations ranging from 456.2 ± 56.0 to 813.9 ± 76.0Bqkg-1 for 40K, 18.2 ± 6.3 to 70.0 ± 12.0Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, and 30.1 ± 2.9 to 57.9 ± 10Bqkg-1 for 232Th. This data indicates a heterogeneous distribution of radionuclides, informing radiation safety and health risk assessments on a global scale. The calculation of radiological hazard indices, including the alpha-index (ranging from 0.09 to 0.35), gamma-index (ranging from 0.40 to 0.73), and both internal (ranging from 0.40 to 0.54) and external (ranging from 0.36 to 0.54) hazard indices, was undertaken to ascertain potential health risks. The radium equivalent activity ranged from 108.4 to 199.3Bqkg-1, and the absorbed dose rates were 51.0-93.3 nGy h-1 indoors and 96.6-178.2 nGy h-1 outdoors. These metrics underlie the estimated annual effective dose of 536.5-988.5 × 10-3mSv y-1, highlighting the variability in radiation exposure. Additionally, the potential lifetime cancer risk was projected at 1770.4 to 3262.0 per million, with an annual gonadal dose equivalent of 361.9 to 655.5 μSv y-1, reflecting natural background radiation influence. The results underscore the importance of safe material use in construction and the necessity for routine natural radioactivity monitoring. Radon flux density (RFD) values within acceptable construction limits (26-176mBqm-2s-1) suggest the area's suitability for development, considering recommended safety guidelines. This study not only aids local environmental and public health frameworks but also enriches the international knowledge base, facilitating comparative studies for the advancement of global radiation protection standards. Through a detailed examination of radionuclide distribution in an under-researched area, our research highlights the critical need for integrated international approaches to natural radiological hazard assessment.

Geochemical evaluation and hazard indices due to radioactive minerals associated with granitic areas

The present study employed statistical methods to evaluate the possible radiological hazards linked to granitic rocks-bearing mineralization in the ELgarra region of Egypt. The geological structures influence the occurrence of uranium mineralization in this area and are primarily associated with altered granites. Gamma-ray spectrometry was utilized to examine the quantities of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in granitic rock samples. The recorded levels of radioisotope activity concentrations in the analyzed regions ranged from 374 to 1740 Bq.kg−1238U, with an average of 1018 Bq.kg−1. For 232Th, the range was between 71 and 163 Bq.kg−1, with an average of 119 Bq.kg−1. Lastly, for 40K, the range was 756–1789 Bq.kg−1, with an average of 1212 Bq.kg−1. The detected levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the examined rock samples were observed to exceed the permissible limits of 35, 45, and 412 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The primary radiological risks linked to these granitic rocks were attributed to the gamma rays released by the radioactive elements. Estimations of the radiological hazards in the granitic rocks were made, and statistical approaches were utilized to demonstrate the associations among radionuclides and radiological factors. The assessment confirmed that uranium, potassium, and their respective minerals in the granitic rocks were the key factors contributing to the radiological risks. As a result, the study determined that the granite rocks found in the study area needed precautions to be taken due to their high levels of radioactivity.

Assessment of contamination level of radon (222Rn) in drinking water around Tulsishyam geothermal area and Savarkundla fault in Saurashtra, India.

This study aimed to estimate radon concentrations in groundwater and surface water to evaluate radon (222Rn) contamination in drinking water within the Amreli region of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. Water samples from 84 sites, covering about 3000km2, were analyzed using the RAD7 device from Durridge Instruments. Samples were collected in 250ml radon-tight bottles. Radon concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 13.6Bq/L, averaging 4.52Bq/L. At three sites (P9, P29, P35), radon levels exceeded the USEPA limit of 11.1Bq/L. P9 and P29 are near the Tulsishyam geothermal area, while P35 is close to the Savarkundla fault. Geothermal fluids in Tulsishyam may facilitate radon migration, and swarm-type earthquakes near Savarkundla could also contribute to radon migration. Concurrently, physicochemical parameters like Potential of Hydrogen (pH) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) were measured, with no significant correlation found between radon levels and these parameters. Samples were taken from tube wells with depths ranging from 105 to 750 feet, averaging 359 feet. A strong and significant correlation (0.83) was observed between radon concentration and water depth. Health risks from radon exposure were assessed by estimating annual effective dose rates for different age groups through ingestion and inhalation. In some instances, the annual effective dose rate surpassed the WHO-recommended value of 100µSv/year. However, in most instances, the presence of radon in the water does not indicate a significant radiological risk.

Determination of potentially toxic metals and natural radionuclides in airborne pollens produced different urban environments in Turkey and health risk assessment

ABSTRACT Air pollutants are associated with potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and natural and/or artificial radionuclides, which can pose a major threat to human and environmental health. Pollens can be utilized as a bioindicator to determine the level of air pollution in urban areas. In this study, the concentrations of PTMs and natural radionuclides in 35 airborne pollen samples of 22 species belonging to Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Araucariaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae, and Oleaceae families grown in different urban areas in Turkey were determined using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. For the first time, non-carcinogenic and radiologic health risk assessments for adults were done, estimating hazard index (HI) and annual effective dose (AED), respectively. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Ti, Sr, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V and Pb analyzed in airborne pollen samples varied from 52.1 to 3078.0, 26.1 to 159.6, 15.6 to 199.7, 9.1 to 282.2, 1.0 to 128.4, 5.0 to 40.1, 5.4 to 23.6, <LD to 11.3, 1.6 to 26.6, <LD to 11.1 and <LD to 5.7 mg/kg, respectively. The average concentrations of K (2%), Th (1.3 mg/kg) and U (1.0 mg/kg) were converted into the activity concentrations (in Bq/kg) of 40K (595.8), 232Th (5.2) and 238U (11.8), respectively. All HI and AED values revealed a very low non-carcinogenic and radiological health risk due to exposure to all PTMs and radionuclides in the pollen samples studied.

Background radioactivity level estimation and passive shield optimization using adjoint Monte Carlo method

The current study proposes a procedure to estimate the activity concentration of natural radionuclides and to optimize passive shielding solutions for HPGe detectors using adjoint Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique of Geant4 for the first time. The background spectrum is acquired for 1.56 × 106 s using an HPGe detector model (GC3020), set inside a shielding solution, during 2021–2022 to estimate the activity concentration of natural radionuclides inside the shielding. While, a background spectrum for 65,000 s is acquired with shielding removed to estimate the concentration of natural radionuclides in the building materials of the laboratory. The detector design used in the simulations is validated by comparing computed and measured Full Energy Peak Efficiency (FEPE) for point sources 241Am, 152Eu, 137Cs, 133Ba, and 60Co. Adjoint MC simulations are used to compute the activity concentration of natural radionuclides assuming an isotropic distribution. The activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in the building material is found to be 524 ± 140, 83 ± 20 and 65 ± 18 Bqkg−1, respectively. The computed values are found in good agreement with the published data. The natural radioactivity levels of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th measured in lead shielding are 155.7 ± 0.1 mBqkg−1, 24 ± 13 mBqkg−1 and 33 ± 17 mBqkg−1 respectively. The radiological risks arising due to natural radioactivity is assessed by calculating radium equivalent activity (Raeq), indoor radiation hazard index (Hin) and annual effective dose equivalent. All the radiological parameters are found below their permissible limits and building materials may be considered radiologically safe. The optimal lead shield thickness for the detector is determined to be 12 cm, resulting in reduction of background signal by two orders of magnitude compared to an unshielded detector. The adjoint MC simulations in Geant4 are 103-104 times more rapid as compared to normal simulations for shield optimization of HPGe detectors and therefore, are identified as viable computing solution to calculate the activity of the background radiation.

Environmental Radiological Impact and Risk Assessment of Natural Radioactivity at the Heap Leach Facility of Tarkwa Goldmine, Ghana: Radiotoxicity and Public Exposure

In this study, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to determine the radioactivity levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in heap pads/soil and water samples within and around the operational area of Tarkwa Gold Mine in Ghana. Gamma-ray spectrometry was used to determine the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in heap pads/soil, and 226Ra, 228Th, and 40K in water samples. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra and 228Th in all water samples were below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended guidelines for drinking water. Similarly, the average activity concentrations of measured radionuclides in heap pads/soil samples taken from depths of 0–20 cm and 20–50 cm were found to be below the worldwide average reported values. The annual effective dose to the public was estimated to be around 0.16 mSv, which is below the recommended limit. The values of the hazard indices are also below the recommended limits, implying that if heap pads/soils are used for building purposes and construction, they will not pose any significant radiation hazard. The results of this study indicate that radiation levels are within the natural background radiation levels reported in the literature and are consistent with findings from similar studies conducted in Ghana.

Evaluation of Potassium-40 and Uranium-238 activities and radiological risk in Missour, Morocco soils using gamma spectrometry

The objective of this study is to assess natural activity in soil to estimate potential radiological risks for the population. Given that soil is inherently radioactive and can reach hazardous levels, it is crucial to determine the activities of radionuclides such as Potassium-40 and Uranium-238 descendants at different depths and geographical positions. For this work, gamma spectrometry method was employed to analyze soil samples collected at three different positions in the Missour region. Each position was sampled at five different depths, spaced 5 cm apart, resulting in a total of 15 samples. The activity of Potassium-40 and Uranium238 descendants in the soil was accurately assessed using Lvis software, enabling the estimation of radiological doses.

Identifying Risk Factors for Open Reduction in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

Supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) are the most common injuires of the elbow in children, often categorized by the Gartland classification. While type 1 and 2 fractures commonly managed conservatively, type 3 and 4 fractures typically require surgical treatment. Although closed reduction and percutaneous pinning have shown success, open reduction may be required in cases where adequate reduction cannot be achieved. This study aims to identify radiological and clinical risk factors associated with transitioning from closed reduction to open reduction in Gartland type 3 and 4 SCHF in children. We retrospectively analysed 159 patients operated on between 2014 and 2022 for Gartland type 3 and 4 SCHF. Parameters including age, gender, injury severity, time to surgery, neurovascular damage, medial spike angle, fracture-skin distance, medial-lateral deviation, rotation, fracture level, and Baumann angle were evaluated. A total of 159 SCHF in children aged 3 to 12 years, classified as Gartland type 3 (106 patients, 66.6%) and type 4 (53 patients 33.4%), underwent surgical intervention. Notably, 46 patients (28.9%) initially managed with closed reduction exhibited failure, prompting the necessity for conversion to open reduction. Injury severity, lateral deviation, advanced age, low medial spike angle, and low fracture tip-to-skin distance were found to be factors that could potentially increase the need for open reduction (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the low medial spike angle, flexion type injury, and low fracture type increased the likelihood of open surgery (P<0.05). Sex, side, duration to surgery, and Baumann angle showed no significant associations. SCHF commonly necessitate surgical intervention in children. Although the risk factors for failed closed reduction and the need for open surgery have been discussed in the literature, there is no consensus. Preoperative planning, particularly for patients with specific factors like lateral deviation, advanced age, low medial spike angle, low fracture-to-skin distance and high injury severity, should consider potential open surgery requirements. Level III.

Assessment of the Radioactivity, Metals Content and Mineralogy of Granodiorite from Calabria, Southern Italy: A Case Study.

In this paper, an assessment of the natural radioactivity level, radon exhalation, metal contamination, and mineralogy of a granodiorite rock sample from Stilo, in the Calabria region, Southern Italy is presented as a case study. This rock was employed as a building material in the area under study. The specific activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K natural radioisotopes was assessed through high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. Then, several indices such as the absorbed gamma dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the activity concentration index (ACI) and the alpha index (Iα), were quantified to determine any potential radiological health risk related to radiation exposure from the analyzed rock. Furthermore, E-PERM electret ion chambers and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements were carried out to properly quantify the radon exhalation rate and any possible metal pollution, respectively. In particular, to further address metal pollution factors, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) was calculated to properly address the toxicity levels of the ecosystem originating from the detected metals. Finally, with the aim of successfully discriminating the provenance of such naturally occurring radionuclides, a combined approach involving X-ray diffraction (XRD) and µ-Raman spectroscopy was employed for the identification of the main radioisotope-bearing minerals characterizing the investigated granodiorite. The results achieved in this case study can be taken as the basis for further inquiries into background levels of radioactivity and chemical contamination in natural stone employed as building materials.

Velocity and pattern of growth of intracranial meningiomas.

The authors' aim was to assess the velocity and pattern of growth of meningiomas and to correlate the kinetics of tumor growth with their previously reported two-item radiological risk stratification and CNS WHO grade (5th edition, 2021). The authors performed a serial volumetric analysis of meningiomas diagnosed radiologically at their institution between 2003 and 2015. The primary endpoint was velocity of diametric expansion (VDE), which represents the slope of the linear regression of the mean tumor diameter against time. For the secondary analysis, they categorized the growth patterns as linear or exponential by fitting time-volume curves to a linear and exponential function. Three radiological risk categories based on T2-weighted iso/hyperintensity and absence of calcifications were compared: low risk (T2-weighted hypointense), intermediate-risk (T2-weighted iso/hyperintense with calcifications), and high-risk (T2-weighted iso/hyperintense without calcifications) tumors. For the entire cohort of 240 meningiomas, the median (IQR) VDE was 0.33 (0.00-0.71) mm/year. Distribution of VDE differed significantly among radiological risk categories (0.49 vs 0.35 vs 0.05 mm/year, p < 0.001). High-risk and intermediate-risk tumors more frequently tended to grow exponentially compared to low-risk tumors (43.8% vs 37.0% vs 8.3%, p = 0.067). The authors found no correlation of growth velocity with CNS WHO grade in their cohort (1.30 mm/year for CNS WHO grade 1 vs 4.01 mm/year for CNS WHO grade 2, p = 0.185). A radiological risk assessment using two parameters-T2-weighted signal iso/hyperintensity and absence of calcifications-allows estimation of growth velocity and characteristics of untreated intracranial meningiomas. Only high-risk tumors exhibit the potential for rapid growth. However, rapid tumor growth does not indicate a higher CNS WHO grade per se.

Radiological predictors of outcomes in hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

Hip arthroscopy has gained prominence as a primary surgical intervention for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study aimed to identify radiological features, and their combinations, that predict the outcome of hip arthroscopy for FAI. A prognostic cross-sectional cohort study was conducted involving patients from a single centre who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2013 and April 2021. Radiological metrics measured on conventional radiographs and magnetic resonance arthrography were systematically assessed. The study analyzed the relationship between these metrics and complication rates, revision rates, and patient-reported outcomes. Out of 810 identified hip arthroscopies, 359 hips were included in the study. Radiological risk factors associated with unsatisfactory outcomes after cam resection included a dysplastic posterior wall, Tönnis grade 2 or higher, and over-correction of the α angle. The presence of acetabular retroversion and dysplasia were also significant predictors for worse surgical outcomes. Notably, over-correction of both cam and pincer deformities resulted in poorer outcomes than under-correction. We recommend caution in performing hip arthroscopy in patients who have three positive acetabular retroversion signs. Acetabular dysplasia with a lateral centre-edge angle of less than 20° should not be treated with isolated hip arthroscopy. Acetabular rim-trimming should be avoided in patients with borderline dysplasia, and care should be taken to avoid over-correction of a cam deformity and/or pincer deformity.

Prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with MRI radiomics based on susceptibility weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging.

The accurate identification of microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of great clinical importance. To develop a radiomics nomogram based on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) for predicting MVI in early-stage (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages 0 and A) HCC patients. A prospective cohort of 189 participants with HCC was included for model training and testing, and an additional 34 participants were enrolled for external validation. ITK-SNAP was used to manually segment the tumour, and PyRadiomics was used to extract radiomic features from the SWI and T2W images. Variance filtering, student's t test, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and random forest (RF) were applied to select meaningful features. Four machine learning classifiers, including K-nearest neighbour, RF, logistic regression and support vector machine-based models, were established. Independent clinical and radiological risk factors were also determined to establish a clinical model. The best radiomics and clinical models were further evaluated in the validation set. In addition, a nomogram was constructed from the radiomic model and independent clinical factors. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with fivefold cross-validation. AFP levels greater than 400ng/mL [odds ratio (OR) 2.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.239-5.047], tumour diameter greater than 5cm (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.178-4.839), and absence of pseudocapsule (OR 2.053; 95% CI 1.007-4.202) were found to be independent risk factors for MVI. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the best radiomic model were 1.000 and 0.882 in the training and testing cohorts, respectively, while those of the clinical model were 0.688 and 0.6691. In the validation set, the radiomic model achieved better diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.888) than the clinical model (AUC = 0.602). The combination of clinical factors and the radiomic model yielded a nomogram with the best diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.948). SWI and T2WI-derived radiomic features are valuable for noninvasively and accurately identifying MVI in early-stage HCC. Furthermore, the integration of radiomics and clinical factors yielded a predictive nomogram with satisfactory diagnostic performance and potential clinical benefits.

Testicular ultrasonographic features predict future risk for bilateral testicular germ cell tumour: A long-term single centre follow-up study.

Bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (B-GCT) are rare, with an incidence of 2-5%, and can be classified as synchronous (sB-GCT) or metachronous (mB-GCT). Our study aimed to identify clinical, biochemical, and radiological risk factors for mB-GCT in a cohort of patients with GCT at a single tertiary referral centre. This retrospective case-control study included patients with GCT referred to Policlinico Umberto I-Sapienza University of Rome, from 2005 to 2023. We evaluated clinical history, testicular ultrasound features, hormone levels, semen analysis, histological characteristics, staging, and treatments. mB-GCTs were compared with unilateral GCT patients with a follow-up longer than the median time-to-onset of the second tumour. Of 319 patients, 52 experienced B-GCT, with a median time-to-onset of the second tumour of 62 months (range: 8-229). The mB-GCT group showed higher gonadotropin levels (FSH 13.6mUI/mL vs. 7.4mUI/mL, p<0.001; LH 6.6mUI/mL vs. 3.9mUI/mL, p=0.004), lower sperm concentration (27×106/ejaculate vs. 78×106/ejaculate, p=0.009), smaller residual testis volume (10.4mL vs. 16.3mL, p<0.001), more inhomogeneous echotexture [57.5% vs. 14%, p<0.001], and presence of microlithiasis (75% vs. 19.5%, p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed that ultrasound features of the residual testis increased the cumulative risk of developing a second tumour. Microlithiasis was a strong independent predictor (OR 30.712, 95% CI 3.357-280.942, p=0.002). Histological features of the first tumour or its treatment do not influence the onset of a second tumour. However, low residual testis volume, inhomogeneous echotexture, and microlithiasis significantly increase this risk. A comprehensive evaluation of the residual testis at baseline is essential for developing a personalised surveillance programme in GCT survivors, with regular ultrasound follow-up recommended beyond the conventional 5-year limit.

Assessment of potential human health, radiological and ecological risks around mining areas in northeastern Brazil.

Mining is responsible for the release of metallic pollutants and radioactive materials into the environment, which have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and pose significant risks to human health. Significant mining activity is concentrated in the municipality of Caetité (northeastern Brazil), where Latin America's only active uranium mine and significant iron ore deposits are located. Although previous studies have shown that the regional soil and water resources are highly contaminated by various toxic elements and that exposure to these elements is known to have adverse effects on human health, the health risks in this mining region have never been assessed. The aim of this unprecedented comprehensive investigation was to assess the health, radiological and ecological risks in this mining region, which is home to nearly 100,000 people. To achieve our goal, soil and water samples were collected in the vicinity of the mines and in the main settlements in the region. Fifteen metallic toxic elements were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The HERisk code, which follows the main methodological guidelines for risk assessment, was used to quantify human health, radiological and ecological indices. The average values of the total risk and cancer risk indices indicated that region falls into the moderate risk category (1.0 ≤ HItot < 4.0). However, 63% of the sites had high risk values, with Fe, Co and As being the metals contributing most to total and cancer risk, respectively. Near the mining areas, the potential ecological risk can be considered extreme (PERI ≥ 600). The values of the calculated radiological indices correspond to typical values ​​in natural uranium areas. However, in the communities near the mine, the dose values are slightly above the permissible limit (1 mSv y-1), so they must be continuously monitored, and risk mitigation measures must be taken.

Estimation of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards in aggregate (stone dust) used as building materials in South Africa

ABSTRACT In this study, the radioactivity concentrations of natural radionuclides (Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassiumi-40) in aggregate/stone dust samples used for building construction purposes have been measured with thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(TI)) detector. The samples’ associated radiological hazard risks were calculated using standard radiological expressions. The mean values of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassiumi-40 activity concentrations in the studied Quarries’ samples were above the World mean values of 35, 30, and 400 Bq.kg−1 for radioactivity concentrations in building materials. The lowest and highest values of all the estimated radiological hazard indices were recorded in samples Afrisam C 5 and Afrimat 3.

Comprehensive review of surface contamination in nuclear waste waters: identification, quantification, and mitigation strategies

Abstract The safety and reliability of nuclear facilities hinge critically on addressing metallic surface contamination in nuclear waste waters. This contamination poses significant hazards to the environment, human health, and the structural integrity of equipment. Key contaminants include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury from industrial processes, and radioactive isotopes like uranium, plutonium, and cesium, which present severe radiological risks due to their formation during nuclear reactions and fuel cycles. Corrosive chemicals further exacerbate the problem by promoting the accumulation of rust and other metallic compounds. Additionally, organic contaminants from equipment leaks and microbiological elements, including fungi and bacteria, can form biofilms that accelerate the corrosion process. The objective of this review is to evaluate the various techniques used to identify and quantify these contaminants on metal surfaces, such as surface sampling and microbiological analysis. By implementing appropriate mitigation measures based on these findings, it is possible to reduce risks and ensure the safety and operational integrity of nuclear plants. This comprehensive assessment aims to provide a framework for enhancing contamination management practices in nuclear facilities.

Assessment of terrestrial gamma radiations and radiological risks in Makum Coalfield, India

Assessment of terrestrial gamma radiations and radiological risks in Makum Coalfield, India

Assessment of radon levels in indoor workplaces in Tunisia and associated radiological risks

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess indoor radon levels within different workplaces in Tunisia, including universities, schools, spa centres, and phosphate fertiliser factories. A total of 110 locations within these workplaces were monitored using solid-state nuclear track detectors (LR 115). The obtained results indicated that the geometric mean (GM) values of indoor radon concentrations measured at these locations were 24.6 Bq m−3 for universities, 31.3 Bq m−3 for schools, 72.2 Bq m−3 for spa centres, and 70.0 Bq m−3 for phosphate fertiliser factories. Overall, the GM of indoor radon concentrations measured in the four studied workplaces remained below standard values. Statistical analysis using the two-sample Student t-test revealed significant differences between the workplaces. The calculated annual effective doses due to radon inhalation were found to have GM values of 0.2 mSv y−1 for universities, 0.2 mSv y−1 for schools, 0.5 mSv y−1 for spa centres, and 0.4 mSv y−1 for phosphate fertiliser factories. These values are comparable to worldwide average values. Other risk parameters, such as lung cancer risk and lung cancer cases were also determined and reported in this study. While this study did not investigate the factors influencing radon concentrations, its primary advantage lies in being the first comparative study monitoring various workplaces in Tunisia, covering both underground and above-ground settings.