A study of environmental radioactivity measurements for Cankiri, Turkey

This study is the first to assess the level of background radiation for the Cankiri province of Turkey. Indoor air radon concentrations were determined using Columbia Resin-39 nuclear track detectors and the average (222)Rn activity was found to be 44 Bq m(-3) (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 1.1 mSv). Measurements of gamma doses in outdoor air were performed using a portable plastic scintillation detector and the average gamma absorbed dose rate was found to be 8 μR h(-1) (corresponding to an annual effective dose of 87.7 μSv). Radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples were measured through gamma-ray spectrometry and the average activities were determined as 17.7, 22.3, 357 and 4.1 Bq kg(-1) for the radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs, respectively. The average annual effective dose from the natural radioactivity sources ((238)U series, (232)Th series and (40)K) was calculated to be 44.4 μSv. Radioactivity levels of drinking water samples were carried out using a low-background proportional counter and the average gross alpha and beta activities were obtained as 0.25 and 0.26 Bq l(-1), respectively (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 184 μSv). The average radon concentrations in indoor air and the average radionuclide activities in soil were found to be lower than most Turkish cities while higher levels of outdoor gamma dose rate and water radioactivity were observed. The results of this study showed that the region's background radioactivity level differs considerably from the reported data for Turkish cities.     

Assessment of absorbed dose rate in air over plowed arable lands in Sinnar State, central Sudan

The absorbed gamma-dose rate in air at a height of 1 m above ground level was calculated from activity concentrations of gamma-emitting radionuclides in arable soil samples collected from eight locations within Sinnar State using the published Dose Rate Conversion Factors. Measurements were carried out using high-resolution gamma-spectrometry. On average, the activity concentrations obtained were 38 +/- 8 ((232)Th), 17 +/- 2 ((226)Ra), 174 +/- 19 ((40)K) and 0.9 +/- 0.2 Bq kg(-1) for the fallout radionuclide (137)Cs. The average value obtained here for (232)Th is slightly higher than the corresponding world-average. The calculated absorbed dose rate in air at a height of 1 m for all sampled locations ranges from 31 to 47 nGy h(-1) with an average value of 39 +/- 7 nGy h(-1) which is characteristic of normal background radiation areas. The corresponding annual effective dose was 47.8 +/- 6 microSv y(-1). The major contribution to the total absorbed dose rate comes from (232)Th, which amounts to 61%. Recalculation of the absorbed dose rate-based gamma-energies of individual nuclides from uranium and thorium decay series and (40)K showed that the greater part of the absorbed dose from the uranium series is due to (214)Bi, whereas for the (232)Th series it is equally attributed to (228)Ac and (208)Tl.     

Natural radioactivity contents in tobacco and radiation dose induced from smoking

One of the causative factors for cancer-inducing mechanisms in humans is radioactive elements present in tobacco leaves used in the manufacture of cigarettes. Smoking of tobacco and its products increases the internal intake and radiation dose due to naturally occurring radionuclides that are considered to be one of the most significant causes of lung cancer. In this work, different commercial types of cigarettes, cigar and moassel were collected from market. Naturally occurring radionuclides (226)Ra and (214)Bi ((238)U series), (228)Ac and (228)Ra ((232)Th series), (40)K and man-made (137)Cs were measured in tobacco using gamma-ray spectrometer. Results show that the average concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were 4.564, 3.940 and 1289.53 Bq kg(-1), respectively. This reflects their origin from the soil by root uptake and fertilisers used in the cultivation of tobacco plants. Concentration of (137)Cs was 0.348 Bq kg(-1) due to root uptake or deposition onto the leaf foliage. For smokers, the annual effective dose due to inhalation of (238)U varied from 49.35 to 139.40 μSv(-1) (average 104.27 μSv y(-1)), while of (232)Th from 23.86 to 111.06 μSv y(-1) (average 65.52 μSv y(-1)). The annual effective dose resulting from (137)Cs was varied from 10.96 to 24.01 nSv y(-1) (average 19.41 nSv y(-1)).     

Assessment of natural radioactivity concentrations and gamma dose rate levels in Kayseri, Turkey

This study assesses the level of background radiation for Kayseri province of Turkey. Natural radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples were determined using high-resolution gamma spectroscopy. Outdoor gamma dose measurements in air at 1 m above ground level were determined using a portable gamma scintillation detector. The obtained results of uranium and thorium series as well as potassium ((40)K) are discussed. The present data were compared with the data obtained from different areas in Turkey. From the measured gamma-ray spectra, the average activity concentrations were determined for (238)U (range from 3.91 to 794.25 Bq kg(-1)), (232)Th (range from 0.68 to 245.55 Bq kg(-1)) and (40)K (range from 23.68 to 2718.71 Bq kg(-1)). The average activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were found to be 35.51, 37.27 and 429.66 Bq kg(-1), respectively, and 11.53 Bq kg(-1) for the fission product (137)Cs. The highest values of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K concentrations (794.25 Bq kg(-1), 245.55 Bq kg(-1), 2718.71 Bq kg(-1), respectively) were observed in abnormal samples at Hayriye village. The average outdoor gamma dose rate in air at 1 m above the ground was determined as 114.43 nGy h(-1). Using the data obtained in this study, the average annual effective dose for a person living in Kayseri was found to be about 140.34 μSv.     

Radioactivity concentrations in soil and dose assessment for Samsun City Centre, Turkey

In this study, natural gamma radioactivity levels were determined in the soil samples of the Samsun city centre by using the gamma ray spectrometry method. The analysis carried out with the high-purity germanium gamma spectrometry system has shown that average activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs were 19±2, 22±4, 521±23 and 15±1 Bq kg(-1), respectively. From the gamma analysis of soil samples, the average value of the absorbed gamma dose rates in air and the average value of the external annual effective dose rates were calculated as 45±4 nGy h(-1) and 55±5 μSv y(-1), respectively. The external hazard index has also been calculated and it has been found that the radiation hazard in Samsun is insignificant.     

Radioactivity concentration in soil samples in the southern part of the West Bank, Palestine

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials such as (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were measured for 38 soil samples collected from diverse zones in the southern area of West Bank, Palestine using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The measured activities of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were found to range from 32.9 to 104.7, 14.5 to 76.6 and 297 to 962 Bq kg(-1) with averages value of 68.7, 48.0 and 630 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The obtained values of activity concentrations are higher than the world average of 35, 30 and 500 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K, respectively. The measured (137)Cs activity concentration was found to range from 1.8 to 36.1 Bq kg(-1) with an average value of 8.5 Bq kg(-1). The detected activities were attributed to the fallout of (137)Cs, which is the only man-made radionuclide. The calculated average of the total gamma-radiation dose rate of natural radionuclides, (137)Cs and cosmic radiation is 121.4 nGy h(-1). The radium equivalent activity (R(aeq)), dose rate (D(r)), external hazard index (H(ex)) and radioactivity level index (I(gamma)) in all samples are presented. Some values were found to be in the range of worldwide values, whereas others were above the worldwide values.     

Assessment of radiological significance of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil and rock matrices around Kakrapar environment

The activity and gamma-absorbed dose rate due to the naturally occurring radionuclides in the terrestrial environment such as (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were determined in soil and rock samples collected around Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant site, using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean concentration levels measured in Kakrapar soil from naturally occurring radioisotopes such as (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K are lower than the corresponding global average values obtained in worldwide soil. The external hazard index (H(ex)) and absorbed gamma dose rate in air outdoors is observed to be 0.04-0.18 and 3.1-14.1 nGy h(-1), respectively.     

Assessment of gamma dose rate over a suspected uranium mineralisation area of Jebel Mun,Western Sudan

This study was conducted at the request of authorities in western Darfour State, to address the public concern about the levels of radioactivity in the area of Jebel Mun situated at Sudan-Chad international boundaries. It has been identified as a high background radiation area through aerial geological surveys conducted in late 1970s. The ambient gamma dose in the area was measured with the aid of a hand-held dose rate meter (Mini-Rad, Series 1000) and the surface rock samples were collected and analysed for their radioactivity content using a high-resolution gamma spectrometry equipped with HPGe with relative efficiency of 18%. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were found to range from 39-253 Bq.kg(-1), 41-527 Bq.kg(-1) and 77-3027 Bq.kg(-1), respectively. From the values of the standard deviation it was concluded that the activity concentration of the considered primordial radionuclides was highly scattered (localised) which in turn indicates non-uniformity in the geological features and/or formations. 238U activity concentration corresponds to equivalent mass concentration of 7.77+/-6.12 ppm (3.19-20.73 ppm), which is of no economic importance. Samples are enriched in thorium relative to uranium as reflected by the Th:U mass ratio which ranges from 3 to 17. The absorbed dose rate in air as estimated from the measured activity concentrations of the primordial radionuclides using the DRCFs (dose rate conversion factors) falls within the range of 70-522 nGy.h(-1) with an average of 221+/-130 nGy.h(-1). It corresponds to an annual effective dose equivalent averaged of 0.27 mSv. The regression analysis has shown that the correlation between calculated and the measured ambient dose rate is marginally significant (r2 = 0.59). The 232Th series is the major producer of the surface radioactivity followed by 40K as they contribute 48% and 32% of the total absorbed dose, respectively.     

Measurement of natural radioactivity and assessment of associated radiation hazards in soil around Baoji second coal-fired thermal power plant, China

Activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in soil around Baoji Second coal-fired thermal power plant of China were determined using gamma ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in soil were found to be 40.3 ± 3.5, 59.6 ± 3.1 and 751.2 ± 12.4 Bq kg(-1), respectively, which are all higher than the corresponding average values in Shaanxi, Chinese and world soil. The radium equivalent activity (Ra(eq)), the air absorbed dose rate (D), the annual effective dose (E), the external hazard index (H(ex)) and internal hazard index (H(in)) were evaluated and compared with the internationally reported or reference values. All the soil samples have Ra(eq) lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg(-1) and H(ex) and H(in) less than unity. The overall mean outdoor terrestrial gamma air absorbed dose rate is ～86.6 ± 3.4 nGy h(-1) and the corresponding outdoor annual effective dose is 0.106 ± 0.004 mSv, which is higher than the worldwide average (0.07 mSv y(-1)) for outdoor's annual effective dose.     

Study of radionuclide distribution around Kudankulam nuclear power plant site (Agastheeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district, India)

The activity concentration of primordial radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K have been measured in the sand samples of Agastheeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district using gamma-ray spectrometer. The average activity of 232Th, 238U and 40K are found to be 5787.1, 1082.9 Bq kg(-1) and BDL, respectively. The total average absorbed dose rate owing to the presence of 232Th, 238U and 40K is found to be 3900.4 nGy h(-1). The annual effective dose is 4.7 mSv y(-1) and the results are discussed in this paper.     

Vertical distributions and gamma dose rates of 40K, 232Th, 238U and 137Cs in the selected forest soils in Izmir, Turkey

This paper presents the results obtained from a radioecological study carried out in the selected forest sites of Izmir, Turkey. The levels of gamma-emitting radionuclides, 40K, 232Th, 238U and 137Cs, in soils were determined using gamma spectroscopy. The activity profile for 40K, 232Th and 238U exhibits a uniform distribution with respect to depth. The depth distribution of 137Cs activity was established by fitting the experimental points to an exponential or a Gaussian function. About 42-97% of the 137Cs deposition was found in the first 10 cm of soil even after 18 y from Chernobyl accident. The dose-rate and annual-effective dose received from external irradiation were quantified. It is indicated that 137Cs from the fallout plays a less role in external radiation exposures in forest sites of Izmir than in potential exposures from naturally occurring radionuclides accounted for by soil.     

Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in the granitic region of Kapidag peninsula, Western Anatolia, Turkey

Naturally occurring radionuclides of terrestrial origin (also called primordial radionuclides) are present in various degrees in all media in the environment. This study represents the reports on the natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in the Kapidag granitic region. For this purpose, activities of radionuclides in soil, beach sands and rocks of the region have been investigated to assess the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity. The radium equivalent activities, the absorbed dose rates and the external hazard indexes have been calculated, and also in situ gamma dose rates have been measured in the region. The mean activities of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K with the ranges were determined as 31.1±15.7 (12.1-71.9), 42.5±15.9 (19.7-94.9), 590.3±192.2 (184.7-892.5), in the soil, as 16.5±9.5 (4.9-40.8), 67.1±106.9 (18.5-433.0), 569.2±212.6 (162.0-821.1) in the sand and as 25.4±12.8 (4.8-50.7), 37.8±21.5 (4.5-96.7), and 592.4±285.5 (62.4-1121.6) Bq kg(-1) in the rocks, respectively. It was also observed that the average activities of (137)Cs were ranged 0-27.8 Bq kg(-1) in the soil and 0.6-3.8 Bq kg(-1) in the beach sands. The mean Ra(eq) activities of the rocks, sands and soil were found to be 125.1±59.5, 156.3±157.2 and 137.3±48.8 Bq kg(-1), respectively, lower than the recommended maximum value of 370 Bq kg(-1) with some exceptions. The maximum contributors to the total absorbed gamma dose rates in air were determined as (238)U (45%) for the beach sands, (238)U (40%) for the soil and (40)K (41%) for rocks. The average outdoor gamma dose rates for the soil due to terrestrial and cosmic radiations were found to be 64.6±22.7 and 47.1±9.6 nGy h(-1), respectively, with the total of 111.7±29.5 nGy h(-1) outdoor gamma exposure rate and the annual average effective outdoor gamma dose was calculated as 137±36.2 μSv for the region. The results of the study were discussed with similar studies in close regions and the worldwide averages.     

Radioactivity concentrations and dose assessment in surface soil samples from east and south of Marmara region, Turkey

The activity concentrations of 137Cs, 40K, 232Th, 238U and 226Ra were measured in surface soil samples from East and South of Marmara region, Turkey. The physico-chemical parameters (organic matter, CaCO3 contents and pH-value) of the soil samples were determined in the samples collected from 100 sampling stations. The average activity concentrations of 137Cs, 40K, 232Th, 238U and 226Ra were found to be 27.46+/-21.84, 442.51+/-189.85, 26.63+/-15.90, 21.77+/-12.08 and 22.45+/-13.31 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The mean value of total annual external gamma radiation dose equivalent for the natural radionuclides was calculated to be 54.86 microSv. The current data were compared with those found in the other locations of Turkey and different countries.     

Natural radionuclides content and associated dose rates in fine-grained sediments from Patras-Rion sub-basins, Greece

The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in soil samples collected from the Patras-Rion sub-basins (Southern Greece) and were found to be 28, 27, 30 and 483 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These values compare well with the average Greek and worldwide values for crustal soil and sedimentary rocks. The mean (226)Ra/(238)U activity ratio was close to 1, implying secular radioactive equilibrium in the uranium series. All soil samples have Ra(eq) values lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg(-1), indicating their safe use in brick production. The average annual terrestrial absorbed dose rate in air was 51±14 nGy h(-1), and the average annual effective dose 0.06±0.02 mSv y(-1), which is consistent with the average worldwide exposure to external terrestrial radiation outdoors (0.07 mSv y(-1)). Non-significant differences between soils with different age and depositional environments were found, which could be attributed to a common source of sediments.     

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

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

Measurement of radioactivity in the soil of Bahawalpur division, Pakistan

Bahawalpur is the largest division of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It is larger than many countries of the world. Gamma activity from the naturally occurring radionuclides namely 226Ra, 232Th, the primordial radionuclide 40K and the artificial radionuclide 137Cs was measured in the soil of the Bahawalpur division using gamma spectrometry technique. The mean activity of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 32.9 +/- 0.9, 53.6 +/- 1.4, 647.4 +/- 14.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The mean radium equivalent activity Raeq, external hazard index, internal hazard index and terrestrial absorbed dose rate for the area under study are 158.5 +/- 4.1 Bq kg(-1), 0.4, 0.5 and 77.32 nGy h(-1), respectively. The annual effective dose equivalent to the public was found to be 0.5 mSv.     

Environmental gamma radiation measurement in district Swat, Pakistan

External exposure to environmental gamma ray sources is an important component of exposure to the public. A survey was carried out to determine activity concentration levels and associated doses from (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs by means of high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry in the Swat district, famous for tourism. The mean concentrations for (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were found to be 50.4 +/- 0.7, 34.8 +/- 0.7 and 434.5 +/- 7.4 Bq kg(-1), respectively, in soil samples, which are slightly more than the world average values. However, (137)Cs was only found in the soil sample of Barikot with an activity concentration of 34 +/- 1.2 Bq kg(-1). Only (40)K was determined in vegetation samples with an average activity of 172.2 +/- 1.7 Bq kg(-1), whereas in water samples, all radionuclides were found below lower limits of detection. The radium equivalent activity in all soil samples is lower than the limit set in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development report (370 Bq kg(-1)). The value of the external exposure dose has been determined from the content of these radionuclides in soil. The average terrestrial gamma air absorbed dose rate was observed to be 62.4 nGy h(-1), which yields an annual effective dose of 0.08 mSv. The average value of the annual effective dose lies close to the global range of outdoor radiation exposure given in United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. However, the main component of the radiation dose to the population residing in the study area arises from cosmic ray due to high altitude.     

Assessment of background radioactivity level for Gaziantep region of southeastern Turkey

This study presents the measurement results of environmental radioactivity levels for Gaziantep, an industrial and trade centre in the southeastern part of Turkey. The outdoor gamma absorbed dose was measured as 50.1 nGy h(-1), corresponding to a total gamma radiation level (of terrestrial and cosmic origin) of 61.5 microSv y(-1). The activity concentrations in the surface soil samples collected from the study area were determined as 25.2, 23.7 and 289.2 Bq kg(-1) for the natural radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K, respectively, and 8.02 Bq kg(-1) for the fission product (137)Cs. These natural radioactivity sources result in a terrestrial gamma level of 46.9 microSv y(-1). The drinking water samples collected from the region carry an average of 0.0493 Bq l(-1) of gross alpha and 0.1284 Bq l(-1) of gross beta activities, which together cause an annual effective dose of 1.83 microSv. The measurement results obtained in this study indicate that the region has a background radiation level that is within the natural limits and shows no significant departure from the other parts of the country.     

Preliminary survey of outdoor gamma dose rates in Lesvos Island (Greece)

This study reports the first attempt to record the radioactive background due to gamma radiation in Lesvos Island (Greece). The study reports the results from 335 outdoor total gamma effective dose rate measurements conducted using GPS navigation and a Geiger-Muller detector (Bicron, Micro Sievert) on the whole surface of the island together with a digital map produced by appropriate mapping GIS programme. The study also reports the measurements of outdoor gamma dose rates due to the 238U, 232Th and 40K radionuclides as estimated via in situ gamma-ray spectrometry measurements performed at 26 sites using a 3 x 3 inch NaI (thallium activated) portable detector. The results from the outdoor total gamma effective dose rates range between 0.0023 and 0.28 microSv h(-1). The highest outdoor total gamma effective dose rates (0.013-0.28 microSv h(-1)) were detected in the northeastern part of the island and the intermediate rates (0.066-0.13 microSv h(-1)) in the central region. The outdoor gamma dose rates due to 238U, 232Th and 40K radionuclides range between 1.7 +/- 0.8 and 154 +/- 7 nGy h(-1) with an average of 86 +/- 6 nGy h(-1). The average contribution of each of the examined radionuclides (238U, 232Th and 40K) to the total gamma dose rate was found to be equal to 12 +/- 4% for 238U, 58 +/- 6% for 232Th and 29 +/- 7% for 40K, respectively.     

Distribution, enrichment and principal component analysis for possible sources of naturally occurring and anthropogenic radionuclides in the agricultural soil of Punjab state, India

Enrichment factor (EF) of elements including geo-accumulation indices for soil quality and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify the contributions of the origin of sources in the studied area. Results of (40)K, (137)Cs, (238)U and (232)Th including their decay series isotopes in the agricultural soil of Mansa and Bathinda districts in the state of Punjab were presented and discussed. The measured mean radioactivity concentrations for (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K in the agricultural soil of the studied area differed from nationwide average crustal abundances by 51, 17 and 43 %, respectively. The sequence of the EFs of radionuclides in soil from the greatest to the least was found to be (238)U > (40)K > (226)Ra > (137)Cs > (232)Th > (228)Ra. Even though the enrichment of naturally occurring radionuclides was found to be higher, they remained to be in I(geo) class of '0', indicating that the soil is uncontaminated with respect to these radionuclides. Among non-metals, N showed the highest EF and belonged to I(geo) class of '2', indicating that soil is moderately contaminated due to intrusion of fertiliser. The resulting data set of elemental contents in soil was also interpreted by PCA, which facilitates identification of the different groups of correlated elements. The levels of the (40)K, (238)U and (232)Th radionuclides showed a significant positive correlation with each other, suggesting a similar origin of their geochemical sources and identical behaviour during transport in the soil system.