Radionuclides In Soil Research Articles

Evaluation of Radioactivity Concentration and Radiological Impact for a Closed Open Pit Gold Mine

Evaluating radioactivity concentration and radiological impacts in soil, water and air is essential for both operating and closed gold mines, as geological settings, mining, industrial and agricultural activities can increase the natural occurring radioactivity level. The assessment is critical since the presence of radioactive elements can pose significant health risks and social problems. While most studies focus on active mining operations, this study targets the radioactivity concentration and radiological impact due to exposure of radionuclides of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K for the closed open pit gold mine located in Nzega, Tanzania. In this study, gamma spectrometry was used for radioactivity evaluation and radiological impact assessment. The results indicated that, the activity concentration levels of 232Th radionuclides range from 17.4±2.4 to 133±13 Bq/kg, with an average value of 42.1±4.4 Bq/kg. The activity levels of 226Ra radionuclides range from 13.1±1.6 to 308±28 Bq/kg, with an average value of 82.8±7.9 Bq/kg, and the activity levels of and 40K radionuclides range from 101±15 to 1,119±103, with an average value of 461±45 Bq/kg. These activity concentrations were found to be above those mean values reported by UNSCEAR 2000 of 30, 35, and 400 Bq/kg for 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K, respectively, for natural radionuclides in soils. The radiological parameters calculated from the activity concentration were below the acceptable limit. The mean annual effective dose of 0.5 mSv/Year was below the ICRP recommended limit of 1.0 mSv/Year for members of general public. The average value of radium equivalent activity was 178.4 Bq/kg. The estimated average values of Hex (0.4) and Hin (0.7) in the study area were both below the desirable limit of 1. However, the radiological parameters at Re-handle were above the public limit and this requires mitigation measures. It can be concluded that no risk may threat the residents around study area except for Re-handle area which we recommends continued monitoring of radiation levels to ensure they remain within safe limits, and restricted access to this area is necessary to safeguard public health and environmental integrity.

Application of Tradescantia-based test systems for the assessment of genotoxic effects of environmental radioactivity of undisturbed mountain soils (Aragats Massif, Armenia)

ABSTRACT Plant test systems are a sensitive way to detect the genetic effects of various contaminants in environmental compartments: water, soil and sediments. Biotesting of the genotoxicity of soil samples with various activity concentrations of naturally occurring (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) and artificial (137Cs) radionuclides in soil, from the territory of the Aragats Massif (Armenia) was carried out with the application of the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MСN) and stamen hair mutation (Trad-SHM) bioassays of Tradescantia (clone 02) model test-object in the soil – plant system. Undisturbed soil sampling was performed in the southern slopes of the Aragats Massif, from different altitudes (from 1000 to 3200 m above sea level). The soils of the Aragats Massif exhibited a background level of naturally occurring materials (NORM) activity. The highest variability was indicated for 40K. The activity concentration of 137Cs in soils exhibited a naturally increased as the altitude increased. Tradescantia (clone 02) was grown on the undisturbed soils in the greenhouse. To determine the level of genotoxicity of the studied soil samples, the Tradescantia-based Trad-MCN and Trad-SHM tests were applied. The activity concentrations of NORM and artificial 137Cs in soil and phytomass were determined using an HPGe detector-based gamma spectrometer (Canberra). Tradescantia (clone 02) accumulated mainly 40K, accumulation of 226Ra observed in one soil sample. In the areas with elevated activity of NORM, levels of genotoxicity were significantly higher compared to the control soil sample with the low rate of spontaneous mutation frequency. The positive correlation between genetic damages of Tradescantia (MCN and SSH) and contents of 40K and 226Ra in soils was revealed. The obtained results indicated the possibility of using Trad-MCN and Trad-SHM tests of Tradescantia (clone 02) for biotesting of background radioactivity in natural areas.

Radiological hazard assessment of radionuclides in soils from Okitipupa waste dumpsites

This study assesses the radiological hazards of soils from dumpsites by measuring the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K using a NaI(Tl) detector system on twenty soil samples collected from waste dumpsites along Ore, Idepe, Market, and Doctors roads Okitipupa, Ondo State. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples from waste dumpsites were as follows: Ore Road (18.44 ± 7.28, 10.17 ± 3.47, 42.34 ± 18.29 Bq.kg−1), Idepe Road (123.58 ± 19.72, 28.24 ± 4.26, 373.26 ± 14.33 Bq.kg−1), Market Road (55.15 ± 2.71, 14.28 ± 3.31, 303.22 ± 13.96 Bq.kg−1), and Doctors Road (89.49 ± 10.41, 19.04 ± 3.90, 215.35 ± 25.62 Bq.kg−1). While 232Th and 40K levels were below global averages, 238U exceeded 33 Bq.kg−1, indicating potential health risks. The study calculated radiological risk indices, indicating low potential radiation exposure while emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring due to long-term implications, providing valuable insights for improving waste management policies and public health interventions in Nigeria and similar regions worldwide.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RADIONUCLIDE ACCUMULATION IN DANDELION ROOTS IN THE CENTRAL BLACK EARTH REGION

The aim of the study is to examine accumulation patterns of natural and man-made radioactive isotopes in dandelion roots (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.), harvested in different areas of the Voronezh region. Materials and Methods. Under experiment, the specific activity of the main long-lived artificial radioisotopes (cesium-137, strontium-90) and naturally occurring radionuclides (thorium-232, potassium-40, radium-226) was determined in the samples of top soil and dandelion roots using a MKGB-01 RADEK spectrometer-radiometer. Results. All the studied samples of dandelion roots conform to the existing radiation safety requirements (first group). With the increase in the specific activity of strontium-90, cesium-137, thorium-232, potassium-40, and radium-226 in the soil, their specific activity in plant roots also increased. Correlation analysis of the specific activity of man-made and natural radionuclides in the soil and roots demonstrated a very noticeable correlation, which confirmed the predominant trans-soil root contamination. The calculated accumulation factors of radionuclides in dandelion roots showed fast accumulation of strontium-90 and radium-226 from soils. The specific activity of these radioisotopes in medicinal plant raw materials was significantly higher than that in soil. A detailed analysis of the dependence of the calculated accumulation coefficients of natural and man-made radioisotopes in dandelion roots allowed us to note the tendencies towards their decrease with an increase in the specific activity of the radionuclide in soil. This fact indicates the existence of physiological mechanisms regulating their accumulation in plant roots. The transition patterns of the studied natural and man-made radionuclides are described by mathematical dependencies with the maximum coefficient of approximation reliability.

Patterns in the spatial distribution of natural and man-made radionuclides in urban soils and bottom sediments of lakes of Monchegorsk

Patterns in the spatial distribution of natural and man-made radionuclides in urban soils and bottom sediments of lakes of Monchegorsk

Radon release at a rehabilitated uranium mine site and dose assessment (case of the former Beshtaugorskiy mine, North Caucasus).

The uranium mines both developed and abandoned appear to be one of the most significant sources of radon exhalation in the world. Therefore, the study of radon exposure of the population in the areas around rehabilitated uranium mines is very important. This article presents the results of the radon release studies at the rehabilitated Beshtaugorsky uranium mine site, which is now used by local people for hiking and picnicking. A dose assessment is also provided. The following parameters were measured: (i) radon flux density from the soil by the open charcoal chamber method using the beta radiometer "Camera-01"; (ii) concentration of radon and its progeny in the air using the radiometer "Alpha-AERO" based on a semiconductor detector; (iii) radon in groundwater by accumulation of radon in charcoal using the "Camera-01" equipment; (iv) content of natural radionuclides in soils and rocks by NaI(Tl) spectrometry; and (v) gamma dose rate using the Geiger-Muller counter. Measurements were taken at 38 points along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, as well as at the mouths of abandoned adits. The measurements showed significant radon release at the mouths of the former adits and in some sections of tectonic faults. In our opinion, the abnormal radon release is due to convective thermally induced air convection in permeable zones of the mountain massif; radon transport by groundwater does not affect surface radon emissions. The most important source of radiation risk is the incompletely sealed mine openings, which periodically blow out radon-enriched air. In places around the mouth of these mines, the equivalent equilibrium concentration of radon progeny in the open air reaches 35,000-45,000Bq/m3, and the gamma dose rate also exceeds 10 µSv/h, which is more than 30 times the permissible level. A person resting for 4h in such an area may, in the worst case, receive a dose of more than 2mSv. It is advisable to implement measures to prevent or reduce the time people spend in the area around the former mine openings.

Monte Carlo simulations of radiological cancer risks associated with naturally occurring radionuclides in local and imported spices from Delta and Ogun States, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, water, and plants, including spices, pose potential health risks. Given the widespread use of spices in culinary practices, it is crucial to assess the potential health risks associated with their natural radionuclides content. This study determines the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in locally processed and imported spices from markets in Delta and Ogun States, Nigeria, using gamma spectrometry. Monte Carlo simulations estimated the probabilistic distribution of cancer risk over a lifetime of exposure. The results revealed significant variability in the activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th among the spice samples. The mean committed effective doses due to ingestion were 10.56 µSv/y, 9.82 µSv/y, and 6.87 µSv/y for locally produced and imported spices, respectively. Both deterministic and probabilistic analyses show that the cancer risk values fall within the acceptable range of 10-6 to 10-4, indicating minimal risk from ingestion of natural radionuclides in spices.

Distribution of radionuclides in soils of drainage basin/cerrado biome and their relationship with the land occupation and use model

Distribution of radionuclides in soils of drainage basin/cerrado biome and their relationship with the land occupation and use model

Soil-to-plant transfer factors of uranium and thorium in mining and non-mining districts of Ghana

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in water, soil, cassava, cocoyam and yam grown in two mining districts and a non-mining district in Ghana were determined using a high-resolution gamma spectroscopy system with high-purity germanium detector. The estimated absorbed dose for soil from Amansie, Konongo, and Mampong were 206 nGy/h, 224 nGy/h and 198 nGy/h, respectively, which were all above 60 nGy/h set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. The soil-to-plant transfer factors (TF) for 2³⁸U, 2³2Th, and ⁴⁰K ranged from 0.11 to 1.11, 0.03 to 2.39, and 0.03 to 22.07, respectively. The results showed that the highest TF for 238U and 232Th were 1.11 and 2.39, respectively in cassava. There was no significant variation in the TF of 238U and 232Th among the soils in the different communities. The estimated transfer factors for 238U and 232Th for cassava, cocoyam and yam were higher than that reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Radiometric investigation of naturally occurring radionuclides in soils from Igbokoda, a coastal area in Ondo State Nigeria

The activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides was evaluated in soil samples collected from Igbokoda, a coastal area of Ondo state in Southwest Nigeria, using a NaI(TI) detector. According to the results, the average levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K present in the soils are 37.63 ± 3.82, 23.20 ± 2.55, and 657.17 ± 45.15 Bq·kg-1, respectively. The radiological results from Igbokoda, Nigeria, offer a varied comparison with other coastal regions. While 238U and 232Th levels in Igbokoda are within global averages and generally lower than in some areas, the 40K levels are significantly higher, leading to an elevated radium equivalent activity (Raeq). Despite this, Raeq remains below the global safety threshold. Following the computation of the mean radiological risks, the reported values are absorbed gamma dose rate: 57·684 nGy·h-1; annually effective dose rate: 70.744 µSv·y-1; representative level index: 0.921; and radium equivalent: 121.413 Bq·kg-1, respectively. The study results demonstrate that the population’s radiation exposure resulting from the reported concentration of radionuclides in the soil of the study area is less than the levels recommended by global organizations. Therefore, the soil in the study region will not endanger the public. Nonetheless, more research is required to estimate the radionuclide concentration in the agricultural produce cultivated in the study area.

ОЦІНКА ПОТОЧНОГО СТАНУ РАДІАЦІЙНОГО ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ ТЕРИТОРІЇ МАЙДАНЧИКУ УРАНОВОЇ СПАДЩИНИ КОЛИШНЬОГО ВО «ПХЗ»

The article summarizes the results of long-term radioecological monitoring of the environment radioactive state within the former 'Prydniprovsk chemical plant' and adjacent territories at the preparatory stage life cycle of uranium legacy site. Data analysis have been determined the background activity levels of natural radionuclides (in particular 238U, 226Ra, 230Th, 210Pb, 210Po) in soils, underground and surface waters, air (fall density and volume activity), exhalation of 222Rn from the soil surface and its volume activity. The results of the determined dynamics and trends in the formation of pollution of environmental elements, which form the main factors of exposure of workers and the population, are presented. Areas with elevated dose rate (≥0.5 μSv·h-1) occupy more than 30% of the entire legacy site territory. In the soil activity may be 10 to 1000 times higher than background (30-50 Bq·kg-1) and can exceed 1000 times the exemption level. In aerosols 238U and 226Ra activitis exceeding the background (0.1 µBq·m-2·s-1, 11.5 µBq·m3) by 100-200 times only during periods of earthworks, under normal conditions they are up to 1.5-2.0 times. The monthly average activity 222Rn in the air of open space are 4-5 times higher of the background (median 200±68 Bq∙m-3), in some areas they can exceed by up to 50 times. In the buildings premises on the site 222Rn can exceed the reference level (250 Bq∙m-3) by 1-5 times, and in individual basements by up to 100 times. The data analysis proves that main ways of exposure of workers are external gamma radiation, the inhalation exposure routes from aerosol pollution and the spread of OA 222Rn in the air can be significant only for workers work at the legacy site and do not pose a threat to the city's population. Radiation assessment contamination of underground and surface water showed in present conditions aquatic pathways cannot form any significant contributions to the radiation exposure dose of the public. The obtained results and data analysis of monitoring observations were used to substantiate the measures of the remediation strategy legacy site.

Influence of earthworms on the mobility and bioavailability of metals, metalloids and radionuclides in historically contaminated soil

While soil characteristics such as pH, cation exchange capacity and organic matter are known to influence the mobility of pollutants in soil and the transfer to vegetation, far less attention has been paid to the possible non-trophic influence of organisms on pollutant transfer to other species. When pollutants are present in a bound unavailable form in the mineral or organic fraction, they can be made available through bio-weathering and decomposition of organic material. Within this study, the impact of earthworms on the mobility of metal(loid)s and radionuclides in soil and their transfer to vegetation was evaluated and the pathways through which earthworms work were studied. Soil from a Belgian field, historically contaminated with metal(loid)s and radionuclides, was used and microcosm systems were applied to mimic the natural interactions between soil, earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and vegetation (Lolium perenne). Metal and radionuclide concentrations were determined in soil, pore water and grass. In addition, soil pH, (chromophoric) dissolved organic matter, the ionic composition of pore water and the soil microbial activity were analysed. In general, earthworm presence significantly increased the concentration of most pollutants in soil pore water. This could be a direct consequence of decreased soil pH and increased humification. The latter also lead to higher nutrient concentrations in pore water that were depleted in the root zone due to high accumulation by plants. Indications were found for earthworm-induced effects on the soil microbial activity. The results show that earthworm activity can increase leaching of metal(loid)s and radionuclides and enhance dispersion into the environment and transfer to other biota and the food chain. Biologically induced release or remobilization of pollutants in the soil should therefore be considered in the context of risk assessment and site management strategies.

Natural radionuclide and <sup>137</sup>Cs activity concentration in soils of the Brazilian State of Sergipe and their correlation with environmental characteristics

Radionuclides occur naturally in the environment, exposing living organisms to ionizing radiation. In addition, human activities have introduced artificial radionuclides such as 137Cs, among others, into the environment. To better understand the occurrence and behaviour of radionuclides in soil, several countries have developed radiological studies and constructed maps. An effort has been made in Brazil to assess the radioactivity in the soils of the country. In this study, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 40K, 226Ra and 228Ra, and artificial 137Cs were determined in samples at a depth of 20 cm collected from the soils of the Brazilian State of Sergipe, in a regular grid of 25 km x 25 km. Samples were analysed by gamma-ray spectrometry with the use of hyperpure germanium detectors. The results were correlated with the type of soil, geology, and climate characteristics of the State. The median activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 228Ra were 210.4 Bq.kg-1, 12.33 Bq.kg-1, and 18.69 Bq.kg-1, respectively. The results are lower than those reported for soils from other Brazilian States in the same region. The activity concentration of 137Cs was lower than the minimum detectable activity. The activity concentration of 40K in young soils of the semi-arid region was higher than that found in most weathered soils of the rainy regions due to the very low pluviometry of the semi-arid area. Higher activity levels of 226Ra were found in Planosol and for 228Ra it was found in the weathered soils (Acrisol) of the coastal zone. Maps of the distribution of the studied radionuclides were designed. The median value of the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air (Dnat) calculated for the soils of the State of Sergipe is lower when compared with other Brazilian States and the UNSCEAR’s worldwide median value.

Background activity of naturally occurring and reference values of fallout radionuclides in soils of mountainous areas (Armenia)

ABSTRACT Complex mountainous relief and diverse geology that are common for the whole territory of Armenia are strong limiting factors for regional scale geochemical survey, for assessment of the geochemical background of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) and reference values of artificial 137Cs. Sampling transects spanned by altitude in mountain ridges and massifs, representing the main geological formations of the area, are informative enough for a pilot assessment of background and reference activity of radionuclides in soils. A total of 131 undisturbed soil samples were collected from 8 mountain ranges and massifs throughout Armenia. HPGe detector-based gamma spectrometry was used for the quantification of radionuclide activity concentrations. Geology and soil type were the main factors in the formation of radionuclide composition in the soil. The reasonably close estimates of naturally occurring radionuclide background activity were obtained from the application of ‘Median ± 2MAD’ and Tukey’s boxplot methods. The results yielded by both methods could be employed as a background, contingent upon the specific objectives being addressed. The distribution of 137Cs exhibits strong dependence on the altitude and therefore, its reference activity concentrations were estimated at distinct elevation intervals applying the ‘Median ± 2MAD’ method.

Transfer factors of naturally occurring radionuclides from soil-to-rice cultivated in Bangladesh and associated health implications

This study investigates the uptake of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) from soil by rice plants in extensively cultivated regions in Bangladesh. It also evaluates the potential radiation risks associated with rice consumption by the Bangladeshi populace. High purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry was employed to measure the concentrations of radionuclides in both soil and rice samples. For 40K, our results agree with the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) published value; however, the transfer factors (TF) for the other two radionuclides differ considerably. Despite the fact that the IAEA based its publication of TFs for 226Ra and 232Th on clay soil, the majority of the soil profile in the present study was silty clay with a little alkalinity. Moreover, the data obtained may have been impacted by the growing seasons, cultivation methods, and soil fertility. Additionally, the annual effective dose due to the ingestion of radioactivity resulting from rice consumption was evaluated and the results agree with UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation), 2000. With a few exceptions, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were below the globally average permissible level (1 × 10−3). In light of this, the current study indicates that consuming rice does not pose an immediate health risk to the general public. By studying TFs among various rice varieties and geographical areas, scientists can develop models to forecast the possible radiation exposure from rice consumption and pinpoint activities or areas that require additional attention.

Estimating the Toxicity of Radionuclides in Soil Stored in Drums in the Tuwaitha Area for Determining the Harmful Effects on Humans and Environment

Radioactive waste management is a fundamental issue when using nuclear energy. Therefore, it is necessary to study the health and biological effects on human and environment that these radionuclides cause. The aim of the present study is to estimate the radiotoxicity for radioactive waste in stocked soil in Al-Twaitha city. The radiotoxicity was calculated for each radionuclide, present in the waste, using their dose factor due to ingestion, which is given by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) compendium. For the purpose of calculating radiation toxicity, a scenario was built that 20% of the radioactivity during radioactive waste handling processes is in the form of dust that can be inhaled or entered through the mouth or eyes. Drums Characterization System (DCS) provided with portable HPGe hand-held radioisotope identifier was used for the characterization and identification of the radionuclides in the drums and the dose rate was measured by Ludlum radiation detector. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 134.904nGy h-1 to 788400 nGy.h-1, the internal hazard index from 0 to 0.035, representative gamma index from 0 to 0.068, representative alpha index ( from 0 to 0.017, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) value ranged from 0.66× 10-6 to 3.86×10-3 and the range of AEDE from 0.19 mSv to 1103.76 mSv.

Assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides in surface soil and drinking water from western part of Yadgir district Karnataka, India.

Radionuclide activity of the selected radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K was measured in surface soil samples collected from 40 villages of the western part of Yadgir district of Karnataka. A 4″×4″ NaI (Tl) detector based on a gamma spectrometer is used for the estimation of radionuclides. The major type of soil in this region is sandy and red. The 222Rn activity concentrations in drinking water were determined by the Emanometry method. The 222Rn activity in ground water is found to vary from 1.73 to 155.6Bql-1. The total annual effective doses because of 222Rn inhalation and ingestion range from 4.72 to 424.84μSv y-1 with an average value of 108.8μSv y-1, respectively. Among the sampling stations, Shahapur and Shorapur soil samples show higher activity values than the Kembhavi and Hunasagi sampling stations soil samples.

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

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

An Overview of the Measurements of Primordial Radionuclide Concentrations in Soil and Radon Concentrations in Water Samples

Radiation physics has significantly improved health science, revealing the impact of radioactive materials on humans. These contaminants damage soil and water, leading to health issues like stomach, lung, and leukemia. Radon, a byproduct, poses a significant threat to human health, particularly lung and stomach cancer. Identifying radioactive soil sites is crucial for assessing health concerns among agriculture and construction workers, as natural radionuclides can cause radiological damage. Monitoring these materials can help to assess exposure-related health risks. The goal of this review is to overview and consolidate the works executed between 2007 and 2024 in several countries, including Romania, Turkey, Jamaica, Nigeria, Jordan, Serbia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, China, Brazil, Sudan, India, Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, Pakistan, Qatar, and Yemen. Articles commonly employ (HPGe), RAD-7, and CR-39 techniques to measure primordial radionuclides and radon levels. The latest analysis revealed that Nigeria has a significantly higher average radon measurement of 36.1 Bq/L in its drinking water, above the global benchmark threshold of 11.1 Bq/L. The article also, reviews primordial radionuclides in soil research articles in 10 nations. Serbia has the highest 226Ra and 40K soil Bq/kg, which exceeded standards of 32, and 420 Bq/kg of 226Ra and 40K, respectively, while Turkey and Jordan have the lowest values. India has the highest 232Th, and health and safety concerns are addressed. This review work shows that naturally occurring background radiation from radionuclides in soil and radon concentrations in water samples typically has a substantial health impact, posing a major radiation risk to the residents of certain areas. Consequently, our analysis showed that residents should avoid some areas due to radiological hazards. Finally, this review evaluates and elucidates the several factors that influence the elevated and reduced levels of radon in consumption water and the primordial radionuclides activity in soil samples in each country.

Radiation protection for Gabes phosphate area residents: Assessing natural radioactivity in soil and potable water samples

Phosphate mining activities are recognized to be one of various industrial processes generating enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) by introducing natural radionuclides into the surrounding soils and water bodies, posing a risk to human health.This study was carried out to assess the level of natural radionuclides in soils and potable waters collected from the phosphate area of Gabes city, located in southeastern Tunisia, and to evaluate radiation protection measures by estimating radiological health hazard parameters. Gamma spectrometry system employing an HPGe detector was used in this study to assess 40K, 232Th and 226Ra activity concentration in soils. The average values were found to be 163.7, 14.5, and 7.7 Bq kg−1, respectively, which were lower than worldwide average values. The radiological hazard parameters assessed in this study were radium equivalent activity (Ra-eq), external hazard index (Hex), external gamma absorbed rate (GDR), external annual effective dose (Deff) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The calculated average values of the above-mentioned parameters were of 41 Bq kg−1, 0.1, 20.2 nGy h−1, 24.8 μSv y−1 and 8.7 × 10−5 all of which were found to be below their permissible standards.For potable water samples, the activity concentrations of radium were analyzed using an HPGe detector and those of uranium were determined by alpha spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of uranium and radium isotopes in underground water samples were found to be higher than those obtained in tap water samples. For both types of water, the average values for all radionuclides were found to be below their respective reference limits.The annual ingestion effective doses were also estimated in this study. The estimated average values for infant and children for underground water samples were higher than the permissible limit of 100 μSv y−1 set by WHO. The 226Ra was the main contributor to the effective doses for different age categories, followed by 228Ra.