Radionuclides In Soil Research Articles

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.

Distribution of some natural and artificial radionuclides in soil from the city of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs.

The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5×5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed. The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5×5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed.

Radionuclide Transfer in Tea Cultivation: Assessing Radiological Risks in the Largest and First Established Tea Garden in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT To address potential health risks associated with radioactivity in tea consumption, a study was conducted utilizing high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry to measure the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides in soil and tea leaves collected from several major tea gardens (including the Malnicherra tea garden which is the largest and first established tea garden in the Indian subcontinent) situated in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Although nearly all soil samples showed the presence of 137Cs (with a maximum activity of 6.5 ± 1.31 Bq/kg), none of the analyzed tea leaf samples exhibited its presence, which can be attributed to its restricted transferability from soil to plants. The range of transfer factors for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from soil to tea leaves was calculated to be (0.39–0.54), (0.25–0.46) and (1.39–3.03), respectively. The heightened concentrations of 40K identified in the tea leaf samples can be mainly ascribed to specific metabolic processes associated with potassium, along with the heightened utilization of potassium chloride-based fertilizers aimed at enhancing tea production. The examination of hazard parameters, including the estimated committed effective dose and the excess lifetime cancer risk associated with tea consumption, reveals values that are comparatively lower than the recommended limits. Consequently, the radiation exposure from tea consumption does not present a significant radiological health concern for the general population.

Field-based soil-plant uptake measurements of natural radionuclides for key vegetables and ghaf leaves in Abu Dhabi

With the thriving fossil fuel and nuclear based industries in the nation, radioecology has become necessary for the radiation safety and emergency-preparedness for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Environmental radiation transport modelling in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula are severely limited, as we discuss in this paper, due to lack of experiments specific to arid desert climates. To fill the missing gaps in the baseline arid region radioecological database, especially for the soil-plant uptake studies, rigorous field works have been conducted for the first time on the soil and plant in the farms and open fields of the UAE. We present Abu Dhabi based measurements of activity concentrations of radionuclides of natural origins, in soils, key vegetables (cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper), and leaves of ghaf - a prominent native tree. The empirical data are utilized to get the first published estimates of UAE-specific plant-soil concentration ratios (CR), measuring root uptake of radionuclides in nonleafy vegetables and native trees. Such systematic studies are very rare for arid sandy soils. For the 27 samples analyzed, the activity concentrations' (unit Bq kg−1) ranges are: 169–1746 for 40K, 12–19.5 for 226Ra, and 2.7–23.1 for 228Ra. Likewise, wide variability is seen in the averages of concentration ratios also, ranging in 1.05–4.94 for 40K, 0.14–1.82 for 226Ra, and 0.53–2.78 for 228Ra. A net bioaccumulation (concentration ratio >1) of some of these natural radionuclides is found in many samples, but no significant doses or hazard indices are found due to these three radionuclides in the UAE's soils and vegetations. The paper discusses the careful work through tens of field sampling exercises, well controlled sample processing, high resolution gamma spectrometry, and treatment of data from gamma counting rates to accumulated dose rate estimations.

Radiation-hygienic situation in the area of sublimate production waste storage of JSC “AECC”

In accordance with the fundamentals of state policy in the field of ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, State Corporation «Rosatom» carries out the remediation of JSC “AECC” nuclear legacy sites. The article presents the results of environmental impact assessment carried out in 2021-2023 in the vicinity of sublimation waste storage facilities that are being decommissioned. Health physics studies involved ambient dose rate measurements, sampling (soil, groundwater) and analysis of radiological and non radiological environmental pollutants. The external gamma dose rate, as well as content of natural and artificial radionuclides in soil, don’t exceed background levels. While uranium presence in groundwater is found to be 10 times and higher then background level. The data obtained indicate that the accumulated wastes of sludge sumps (bottom sediments, pulp) сome into contact with natural water. Flooded storage facilities form a plume of contamination spreading out in the direction of groundwater flow. Given the current situation optimization of the existing environmental monitoring programs in the JSC “AECC” health protection zone is recommended and reference levels of uranium proposed.

Modern radiation-hygienic state of the territories of the Globus-4 and Gorizont-1 peaceful nuclear explosions in the Komi Republic

The article presents results of a study of the radiation environment on territories adjacent to the sites of the “Globus-4” and “Gorizont-1” peaceful nuclear explosions in the Komi Republic. Field survey was carried out in July 2021. The work provides an assessment of the radiation situation in terms of the main indicators: ambient dose equivalent rate, the content of anthropogenic radionuclides in soil, tritium in the water of water bodies and drinking water supply sources in the settlements nearest to the sites of the peaceful nuclear explosions. The values of gamma radiation ambient dose equivalent rate in all the surveyed territories are at the level of fluctuations of natural regional radiation background and amounted to 0.03 – 0.07 µSv/h in the territory of peaceful nuclear explosion “Globus-4”, 0.01 – 0.05 µSv/h in the territory of “Gorizont-1”. No contaminated soil areas with anthropogenicradionuclides were detected. Tritium activity concentration in water samples does not exceed 5 Bq/kg, which is typical for global levels of this radionuclide in water bodies. The study has shown that the radiation situation in the territory of peaceful nuclear explosions “Globus-4” and “Gorizont-1” meets the requirements of SanPiN 2.6.1.2819-10 “Ensuring radiation safety of the population living in the areas of (1965 – 1988) nuclear explosions for peaceful aims” and currently poses no threat to public health. A conservative dose estimate of additional anthropogenic exposure of individuals from the population from tritium intake with water from centralised water supply sources was 0.065 µSv/year. Longterm radiation safety of the researched territories requires organisation of radiation monitoring, determination of protected zone boundaries and installation of readable information signs warning about radiation hazard and prohibition of economic activities.

Experience of using the portable gamma spectrometer MKS AT6101D for in situ measurements of the density of <sup>137</sup>Cs soil contamination in the Bryansk region of Russia

We have tested applicability of the commercially available portable spectrometer-dosimeter MKS AT6101D (the manufacturer: ATOMTEX, Belarus) to measure the density of 137Cs soil contamination (inventory of 137Cs in soil) in situ. The study was performed in 2015–2020 at the territories of the Bryansk region of Russia contaminated due to the Chernobyl accident. The in situ measurements were performed in the 17 ground plots (7 grasslands and 10 kitchengargens) for which the 137Cs inventory and the mean migration depth of the radionuclide in soil was available from laboratory (ex situ) measurements of soil samples. It was found that the in situ data obtained with the method that was provided by the manufacturer of the instrument required additional correction on the vertical distribution of 137Cs in the soil. The correction procedure was developed; in 2020–2021, it has been successfully tested in 114 kitchengarden plots located at the settlements in the zones of radioactive contamination in the Bryansk region.

Assessment of Radiation Dose Associated with Background Radionuclides in Quarry Soil at Dawakin-Kudu LGA Kano, Nigeria

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) are present in different concentrations in the environment as well as quarry depending on the geological formation of the soil. The assessment of any release of radioactivity into the environment is crucial for safeguarding public health, particularly when this radioactivity has the potential to enter the food chain. The quarry located in Dawakin-Kudu Kano has the potential to exhibit elevated levels of natural radioactivity due to intense mining operations. This study presents the assessment of activity concentration in quarry soil at Dawakin-Kudu with a focus on the transfer mechanism from soil to plant. Soil samples were gathered from a quarry site and farmlands situated around the quarry at Dawakin-kudu, plant samples were also collected from the same farmlands and were all analyzed for natural radioactivity, specifically for 226Ra,232Th, and 40K. The gamma-ray spectrometry method, coupled with the Sodium thallium Iodide NaI (Tl) detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of 226Ra,232Th, and 40K. Activity concentrations of natural radioactivity in soil were generally higher than those recorded in plants. The mean activity concentration of the radionuclides in soil ranges from Highest-to-Lowest values as follows 226Ra: 65.24±1.92 Bqkg-1 – 42.41±1.73 Bqkg-1, 232Th: 182.71±1.44 Bqkg-1 – 114.61±1.25 Bqkg-1, 40K: 597.51±3.81 Bqkg-1 – 321.93±3.55 Bqkg-1. The radiological hazard indices were all determined to assess the radiation hazard of the quarry soil. The radionuclides transfer factor showed a higher value for 40K in the order 40K>232Th >226Ra, this implies high bioconcentration of 40K in plants. The findings suggest that consuming plants grown around the quarry location over an extended period could pose substantial health threats to the public. Consequently, the study area may not be safe for residents in the long run, emphasizing the necessity for continuous monitoring of radioactivity concentrations to mitigate the environmental health implications of accumulated...

Natural radioactivity in soil and water of Saudi Arabia: A mixed-studies review

Keeping track of radiation levels within human-inhabited areas is imperative to prevent public exposure. The human body is subjected to out-of-control radiation doses of approximately 82%, resulting from radiation sources such as earthly, cosmic, and internal radiation exposure. One public health issue is the radionuclide contamination in water and soil. In this paper, an overview of radionuclides contamination for some selected radionuclides in waters and soils has been conducted in all Saudi regions to better understand the sources and status of contamination. This review shows certain radioactive elements, such as 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K, and 137Cs, in soil and water, which may have originated from natural or human-made sources. However, the available literature covers radionuclide levels in soil and water across all regions of Saudi Arabia, including the northern, southern, eastern, western, and central parts.

Assessment of Concentrations and Distributions of Natural Radionuclides in Soils of Abandoned Mine Sites of Jos South and Barkin Ladi in Plateau State Nigeria

Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State is situated in the central part of Northern Nigeria, on a rugged terrain of lowlands. It is the principal centre of tin and columbite mineralization, which forms the focal area of younger granites. The work was aimed at assessing the concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soils of abandoned tin mines and the soil’s physicochemical properties. The samples were collected in July, from five different locations in both Barkin Ladi and Jos South where mining activities were predominant. The samples were analyzed using a gamma-ray spectrometer. The result obtained reveals a range of the concentrations of 40K as 116.76 ± 0.21 to 250.15 ±0.,42 Bq/kg, 226Ra from 24.37 ± 0.31 to 90.45 ± 0.86 Bq/kg, and 232Th from 15.74 ± 0.71 to 88.43 ± 0.14 Bq/kg. The result of the physicochemical properties of the soil analyzed ranges from pH (3.12 to 6.81); organic carbon (0.01 to 1.62%); organic matter (0.22 to 3.01 %), cation exchange capacity (1.01 to 4,21Cmol/kg); clay (9.72 to 40.82 %); silt (8.32 to 40.32% and sand (32.42 to 75.38%) respectively. All the 40K results analyzed in all the sampling sites were lower than the recommended limits of 412Bq/kg, whereas most of the results of 226Ra and 232Th were above the 33Bq/kg and 45Bq/kg recommended safe limits. Exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil can pose potential health risks to nearby populations. The physicochemical properties of the soil varied across the sampling sites. Most of the sampling sites are polluted with radionuclides and migrations of the radionuclides from the ex-mining sites to other parts of the environment were noticed from the studies conducted.