Health risk assessment for soil radioactivity around Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Shandong, China.

Monitoring radioactivity levels in the environment around nuclear power plants is of great significance to assessing environmental safety and impact. Shidaowan nuclear power plant is currently undergoing commissioning; however, the baseline soil radioactivity is unknown. The naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K, and artificial radionuclide (AR) 137Cs in soil samples around the Shidaowan nuclear power plant were measured to establish the baseline levels. Human health hazard indices such as external hazard indices (Hex), Radium equivalent (Raeq), outdoor absorbed dose rate (Dout), annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were estimated. The average concentration of 232Th, 40K, 137Cs, 238U and 226Ra were 42.6 ± 15, 581 ± 131, 0.68 ± 0.38, 40.13 ± 9.07 and 40.8 ± 12.8 Bq per kg, respectively. The average Hex, Raeq, Dout, AED and ELCR were 0.40, 146 Bq per kg, 68.8 nGy per h, 0.09 mSv per y and 3.29E-04, respectively. These data showed an acceptable level of risk to residents near the nuclear power plant and that the current radioactivity in the soil may not pose immediate harm to residents living close to the nuclear power plant. The observed lower AED and 40 K and 137Cs concentrations were comparable to other studies, whilst ELCR was higher than the world average of 2.9E-04. The commissioning of the Shidaowan nuclear power plant is potentially safe for the surrounding residents; further continuous monitoring is recommended.

Using spectroscopic autoradiography of alpha particles for the quantitative mapping of 226Ra ultra-traces in geo-materials.

The measurement of 226Ra and the identification of 226Ra-bearing minerals are important for studying the behavior of radium in the environment. Various instruments for measuring 226Ra are currently used: among the radiometric techniques that measure in bulk (no spatialization), there are gamma spectrometers and alpha spectrometers. Other instruments such as SEM-EDS can map the chemical elements thus providing information on the distribution of 226Ra, but are limited for ultra-trace analyses on natural geomaterials. Finally, autoradiography techniques can locate radioactivity, but are limited to the identification of the contribution of 226Ra when the 238U series is complete. This study focuses on spectroscopic autoradiography, a method for measuring both the energy of the alpha particle emissions and their positions on the autoradiograph. A gas detector based on a parallel ionization multiplier technology was used for this purpose. Alpha particle energy is dependent on the emitting radionuclides. In order to track the 226Ra, the energy spectrum of the 238U series was studied with modeling software. It appears possible to apply a thresholding on the energy spectrum to discriminate the 226Ra from the first alpha emitters of the 238U decay chain (i.e. 238U, 234U and 230Th, all below 5 MeV). The developed method was applied to a U-mill tailing sample prepared as a thin section. The sample was heterogeneous in terms of radioactivity and was not at secular equilibrium with 238U, as expected. The 226Ra was identified and localized, and different regions of interest were also analyzed with SEM-EDS elements cartography. This revealed 226Ra-rich barite (BaSO4) phases measured at 3 ppmRa on average and containing no uranium; and uranium in siderite (FeCO3), showing a strong 226Ra deficit compared with secular equilibrium. Spectroscopic autoradiography opens up possibilities for the analysis of heterogeneous geological samples containing natural alpha emitters such as 238U and 226Ra: the 226Ra can be localized and quantified at ultra-trace content, and the method developed can also identify newly (young) uranium phases by measuring 238U/226Ra activity disequilibrium.

Analysis of internal gamma-ray dose to the public from brick as building material in Tamil Nadu, India.

Natural radioactivity due to 238U, 232Th and 40K in brick samples from Tamil Nadu was determined using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K, 69 ± 6, 62 ± 6 and 462 ± 23 Bq kg-1, are slightly greater than the world recommended limits of 35, 45 and 420 Bq kg-1, respectively, and they are compared with a similar work carried out across the world. The radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, Raeq (193 ± 17 Bq kg-1), internal hazard index, Hin (0.71 ± 0.06), and activity utilisation index, AUI (1.43 ± 0.13), was lower, whilst absorbed dose rate, DRin (89 ± 8 nGy h-1), annual effective dose equivalent, AEDEin (0.43 ± 0.04 mSv y-1), and excess lifetime cancer risk, ELCRin (1.52 ± 0.13 mSv y-1), are slightly greater than the world's recommended limit. Bi-variate statistical analysis was performed to corroborate the relationship between radionuclides and radiological hazards.

Assessment of radioactivity concentration for building materials used in Babadogo Estate, Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Natural radioactive materials in certain conditions can get to hazardous radiological level. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the natural activity concentration from sampled building materials collected from different locations in Babadogo Estate within Nairobi City County. The analysis done using gamma ray spectrometer, which was put into action for spectral data acquisition and then analysis. The activity concentration levels of 238U, 232Th and 40K for the selected samples of building materials was measured by the use of gamma ray spectrometry method. The analyzed data compared with the standard acceptable values. The activity concentration in 40K varied from 55 ± 3 to 2647 ± 132 Bq kg-1, giving an average (sum of all values divided by 33) value of 831 ± 42 Bq kg-1; 238U varied from 39 ± 2 to 3602 ± 180 Bq kg-1, giving average figures of 378 ± 19 Bq kg-1 and 232Th ranged from 5.000 ± 0.300 to 4213 ± 211 Bq kg-1, giving average figure of 290 ± 15 Bq kg-1. The calculated average figures for activity concentration surpassed the world average values of 420, 33 and 45 Bq kg-1 in 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively.

Characterization relationship between multinuclide nonequilibrium gamma radiation dose rate and 226Ra activity concentration in contaminated soil around uranium mines.

According to the characteristics of contaminated soil around uranium mines, combined with the pollution path of soil, the response relationship between the gamma radiation dose rate and radium activity concentration in contaminated soil was proposed by using a numerical model and subequilibrium theory. The results showed that the topsoil (depth 20 cm) made the mainly contribution of gamma dose rate (above 88%), and the main nuclide of concern was radium. Additionally, the uranium-radium equilibrium coefficient between 0 and 0.3 had a great influence on the gamma dose rate. The method proposed in this study could quickly identify the radium activity concentration in topsoil by using on-site gamma dose rate monitoring data. Compared with the actual monitoring results within ±10% error control, which had strong operability. This method could quickly identify the location and scope of contaminated soil and guide the on-site monitoring points around uranium mines.

Environmental radiological baseline in unconventional oil and gas areas of Mexico.

Environmental radioactivity study was performed in unconventional hydrocarbons areas for the first time in Mexico, where four unconventional hydrocarbon exploratory wells (UHEW) are planned. This study assesses natural radiological conditions in areas around UHEW. Equivalent dose rate distribution displayed in Geographic Information System (GIS) had a maximum of 1.83 mSv a-1 and minimum of 0.04 mSv a-1, GIS was also used for introducing land usage, water resources and population occupancy. Measurements of gross alpha and gross beta in water were below the national permissible limits for drinking water 0.5 and 1.0 Bq L-1 respectively, even though samples do not correspond to drinking water. Evaluation of 238U and 226Ra in groundwater were below minimum detectable concentration 1.3 and 1.0 Bq L-1, respectively. This study provides a radiological baseline for the impact of future industrial activities, especially if exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons produces naturally occurring radioactive material.

Assessment of radioactivity levels and radiological hazard indices in phosphate and phosphate mine waste samples from Algeria.

Phosphate ore is the starting raw material for production of all phosphate products including fertilisers phosphate waste. It can be of sedimentary, volcanic or biological origin. Like any other geological material found in nature, it contains various amounts of naturally occurring primordial radionuclides, such as 238U series, 232Th series and 40K. Gamma-ray spectrometry was used to assess natural radioactivity levels and radiological hazard indices in phosphate samples. In this paper, the specific activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K of phosphate ores, merchant and mine waste samples were determined. Based on the activity concentrations, the radiation hazard indices (Raeq, Hex, Hin and I𝛾𝑟), and the radiation doses (D, AED and ELCR) were calculated. The results were discussed and compared with those from other studies as well as recommended safety limit values.

Natural radioactivity in mineral phosphate fertilizers and its impacts on human health: an overview.

Humans are constantly exposed to radioactivity present in rocks, soils, and water, mainly from materials in the Earth's crust that contain chemical elements belonging to the radioactive series of uranium and thorium. An important anthropogenic source of these natural radioisotopes to the environment is fertilizers, widely used to increase agricultural productivity. Exposure to ionizing radiation can become a public health problem worldwide, since it is related to the development of different cancers in humans. The present study aimed to survey research on the radioactive content in different types of mineral phosphate fertilizers used around the world through a comprehensive review of the Scopus and Web of Science databases. About 80 scientific articles fit the purpose of this review. The concentration activity values found varied widely from one country to another, and there is no specific legislation that determines the maximum allowed limits of radioisotopes in these agricultural inputs. In addition, there are still uncertainties regarding the impact of natural radioactivity from fertilizers on human health, highlighting the need for further investigations on the subject.

Evaluation of radioactivity levels and radiological hazards of some endemic plants used as medicine in Ankara, Turkey.

In this study, natural radioactivity levels (226Ra, 232Th, and 4 K) of some medicinal plant samples with known anti-oxidative properties, which are frequently consumed by animals and humans, were obtained from Ankara province and its surroundings (Mamak, Kizilcahamam, Beypazari, Kahramankazan, and Polatli districts) were determined using a thallium-doped sodium iodide NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometry. By using the determined natural radioactivity concentrations in the collected plant samples, the number of radiological doses that people could be exposed by consuming these plants was calculated. As a result of the study, 226Ra, 232Th, and 4 K radioactivity concentration ranges of the plant samples were found be 14.69 ± 1.27-59.08 ± 3.12 Bq kg-1, 1.78 ± 0.04-50.05 ± 2.76 Bq kg-1 and 207.24 ± 34.09-826.13 ± 25.40 Bq kg-1, respectively. The highest 226Ra, 232Th, and 4 K activity concentrations were measured in Astragalus densifolius subsp. ayashensis (Kahramankazan), Astragalus kochakii (Kahramankazan) and Rumex patientia (Patience Dock) (Kahramankazan) plants, respectively. The lowest 226Ra, 232Th and,4 K activity concentration plants were determined respectively as Rumex patientia (Mamak), Lavandula angustifolia (Kizilcahamam), and Astragalus acikirensis (Polatli). The establishment and routine repetition of environmental radioactivity monitoring programs in each region are important for human and animal health, and the results of this study gain importance for Ankara and its surroundings in terms of environmental health.

Geochemical distributions of natural radionuclides in surface soils and sediments impacted by lead-zinc mining activity.

This study investigated the distribution features of uranium-238 (238U), radium-226 (226Ra), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K) and evaluated the associated environmental radiological hazards of the topsoil and river sediments in the Jinding lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) mine catchment from Southwest China. The activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 24.0 ± 2.29-60.3 ± 5.26 Bq.kg-1, from 32.5 ± 3.95-69.8 ± 3.39 Bq.kg-1, from 15.3 ± 2.24-58.3 ± 4.92 Bq.kg-1, and from 203 ± 10.2-1140 ± 27.4 Bq.kg-1, respectively. The highest activity concentrations for all these radionuclides were primarily found in the mining areas and decreased with increasing distance from the mining sites. The radiological hazard indices, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed gamma dose rate in the air, outdoor annual effective dose equivalent, annual gonadal dose equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer, revealed that the highest values were observed in the mining area and downstream, specifically in the vicinity of the ore body. These elevated values exceeded the global mean value but remained below the threshold value, suggesting that routine protection measures for Pb-Zn miners during production activities are sufficient. The correlation analysis and cluster analysis revealed strong associations between radionuclides such as 238U, 226Ra, and 232Th, indicating a common source of these radionuclides. The activity ratios of 226Ra/238U, 226Ra/232Th, and 238U/40K varied with distance, suggesting the influence of geological processes and lithological composition on their transport and accumulation. In the mining catchment areas, the variations in these activity ratios increased indicated the impact of limestone material dilution on the levels of 232Th, 40K, and 238U in the upstream region. Moreover, the presence of sulfide minerals in the mining soils contributed to the enrichment of 226Ra and the removal of 238U caused those activity ratios decreased in the mining areas. Therefore, in the Jinding PbZn deposit, the patterns of mining activities and surface runoff processes in the catchment area favored the accumulation of 232Th and 226Ra over 40K and 238U. This study provides the first case study on the geochemical distributions of natural radionuclides in a typical Mississippi Valley-type PbZn mining area and offers fundamental information on radionuclide migration and baseline radiometric data for PbZn deposits worldwide.

Assessment of 222Rn, 226Ra, 238U, 218Po, and 214Po activity concentrations in the blood samples of workers at selected building material factories in Erbil City.

The objective of this research is to assess the impact of radon concentration on workers at certain construction material industries in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The CR-39 solid-state track detector was used in this experiment to monitor radon levels and their daughters. For this purpose, as a case study group, 70 workers were divided into seven subgroups (gypsum, cement plant, lightweight block, marble, red brick 1, crusher stone, and concrete block 2), and 20 healthy volunteers were selected as a control group. The findings demonstrate that the mean concentrations of radon, radium, uranium, and radon daughters deposited on the detector face (POS) and chamber walls (POW) for the case study group were 9.61 ± 1.52 Bq/m3, 0.33 ± 0.05 Bq/Kg, 5.39 ± 0.86 mBq/Kg, 4 ± 0.63, and 16.62 ± 2.64 mBq/m3, whereas for the control group, they were 3.39 ± 0.58 Bq/m3, 0.117 ± 0.03 Bq/Kg, 1.91 ± 0.32 mBq/Kg, 1.41 ± 0.24, and 5.88 ± 1 mBq/m3, respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that radon, radium, uranium, and POW and POS concentrations were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) in the samples for the case study groups of cement, lightweight block, red brick 1, marble, and crusher stone factories in comparison to the control group; however, the results for gypsum and concrete block 2 factories were not statistically significant in comparison to the control group. Intriguingly, the radon levels in every blood sample examined were far lower than the 200 Bq/m3 limit established by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Hence, it may be argued that the blood is devoid of contaminants. These results are crucial for determining whether or not an individual is exposed to substantial quantities of radiation and for demonstrating a link between radon, its daughter, uranium, and the prevalence of cancer among workers in the Kurdish region of Iraq.

Radiogeochemistry, mineralogy, lithology, radiogenic heat production, and health implication using airborne radiometric data of Ilesha and its surroundings.

The current study analyzed and interpreted airborne radiometric data from Ilesha's basement complex rock and its surroundings. At the surface, the concentrations of the most frequent primordial radionuclides notably K, elemental concentration of uranium eU, and elemental concentration of thorium eTh were measured. The weighted mean elemental and activity concentrations were 0.85%, 2.75 ppm, 10.22 ppm, and 267.54 Bq kg-1, 34.41 Bq kg-1, 41.51 Bq kg-1 for 40 K, 238U, and 232Th, respectively. The low concentration of 40 K was certainly due to the effects of weathering, kaolinization of granites, and pedogenesis activities. The abundance of uranium was ascribed to the availability of uranium minerals such as allanite, apatite, and sphene with accessories minerals, while that of thorium was due to minerals such as cheralite, thorite, uranothorite, thorianite, and uranothorianite with accessories minerals. The RPHR weighted mean 1.48 µWm-3 compared to the earth's crust mean between 0.8 and1.2 µWm-3 was higher due to significant presence of gneiss rocks in all the studied profiles. Radiological hazard, in particular, dose rates, external hazard index, internal hazard index, radium equivalent, annual gonadal dose, effective dose dispensed to various organs of the body were computed to determine the deleterious effects of rocks in the area. The weighted means of annual gonadal dose of 363.98 µSv y-1 and outdoor 0.91 × 10×3 and indoor 1.65 × 10-3 excessive life cancer risks were more than the global average 300 µSv y-1, 0.29 × 10-3 and 1.16 × 10-3. As a result, proper surveillance is required in the area in order to prevent epidemics occurrence in future.

Reduction of natural radioactivity in groundwater with different salinity through adsorption of uranium and radium in filter materials.

In many small communities in the Mediterranean area, groundwater is usually the only water body available. Depending mainly on the surrounding geology, their concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides may pose a radiological hazard. Removal of uranium and radium from drinking water is the best way to avoid it, i.e., reverse osmosis (RO), but consuming a lot of energy. Thus, two modified drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) using zeolites coated with manganese dioxide as adsorbent material were analyzed as an alternative to RO. Groundwater salinity can negatively affect this process. Radium removal decreased as water salinity increased; but it had a major impact on uranium, rendering the adsorption effectless in one DWTP. Waste management and how to avoid it from becoming radioactive are of major concern. Radium and uranium were associated to the reducible fraction in the filter material and also to the carbonate fraction in the case of uranium. Regeneration of the filter material using KCl solutions was able to remove 81% and 63% of uranium and radium, respectively.

Targeted education and outreach to neighbors of homes with high gross alpha radioactivity in domestic well water.

Gross alpha, a measurement of radioactivity in drinking water, is the most frequent laboratory test to exceed primary drinking water standards among wells tested under the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (NJ PWTA). Certain geological factors prevalent in New Jersey (NJ) are primarily responsible for the presence of radioactivity in private well drinking water and thus, many of the estimated one million private well users in NJ may be at-risk of water contamination from naturally occurring radionuclides. Neighbor-based private well outreach methodology was utilized to identify high risk wells in both northern and southern NJ regions and offer free private well testing for radionuclides. Previously tested wells with gross alpha exceeding or equal to 3.7 becquerels per liter (Bq L-1; 100 pCi/L) were selected (n = 49) to identify neighbors (n = 406) within 152.4 m (500 feet). Invitation letters were mailed to selected neighbors and some of the previously tested high wells (n = 12) offering free water sampling for the following parameters: gross alpha (48-hour rapid test), combined radium-226 and radium-228 (Ra-226 + Ra-228), uranium-238 (U-238), radon-222 (Rn-222) and iron. Overall, 70 neighbors and 5 high PWTA wells participated in this free water testing opportunity. For neighboring wells, gross alpha results revealed 47 (67.1%) wells exceeding the gross alpha MCL of 0.555 Bq L-1 (15 pCi/L) mainly due to radium activity in the raw/untreated water. Of those with water treatment (n = 62), 12 (19.4%) treated water samples exceeded the gross alpha MCL. Targeting neighbors of known highly radioactive wells for private well testing is an effective public health outreach method and can also provide useful insight of regional contaminant variations.

SEDIMENT RADIOACTIVITY LEVELS DETERMINATION WITH THE HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS IN CHEFA RIVER BASIN.

The activities of the naturally occurring radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 238U of the shore sediments in the South Gondar Zone were determined and used to evaluate radiation hazards in the study spots. The activities of 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 238U range from 46 to 179, 62 to 140, 125 to 449 and 72-156 Bq/kg, with the overall average of 123.07 ± 7.90, 105.34 ± 4.27, 371.38 ± 13.53 and 115.52 ± 4.62 Bq/kg, respectively. These were analogous to concentrations of other states in worldwide. We recommend to all the concerned bodies about the environment that the farmers require use the necessary radiation protection method before deploying them for farming (irrigation) activities and preparing for construction. Therefore, accommodating a permanent protection method by talking to the concerning bodies (e.g. Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health) should be taken.

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

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

Radiochemical signature of radium-isotopes and some radiological hazard parameters in TENORM waste associated with petroleum production: A review study.

Large amounts of TENORM waste (produced water, scale, and sludge) are created in oilfields around the world, presenting radiological risks to employees, the public, and the environment since activity concentrations of radioactive substances were above the exemption levels accredited by several authorities. Using the activity concentration of the radium-isotopes (226Ra and 228Ra) in the waste, we determined the 'fingerprint' as a radiochemical signature and some relevant 'radiological hazard parameters' in this review. The majority of the reported residues take the form of radio-contaminated (produced water, scale, and sludge) generated in Egypt's oilfields or elsewhere include radium isotope activity concentrations (226,228Ra) that exceed the international exemption limit. The activity concentrations of 226Ra(238U-series) in produced water, scale, and sludge waste were 0.04-1,480 Bq/L, 1.1-2,015,000 Bq/kg, and 1-120,800 Bq/kg, respectively, whereas 228Ra (232Th-series) was 0.34-250 Bq/L, 1.8-1,428,000 Bq/kg, and 10-122,830 Bq/kg, respectively. The radioactivities of radium isotopes were found to be above the exemption values recognized by WHO, IAEA, IOGP, EC, and ICRP in 95, 82, and 58% of produced water, scale, and sludge waste, respectively. The 226Ra(238U)/228Ra(232Th) ratio, from the other hand, was estimated to be utilised as a 'radiochemical fingerprint', or signature in the reported TENORM residues. The radium isotopes ratio in produced water, scale, and sludge waste in Egypt's oilfields is 0.41-4.45 (av. 1.98 ± 1.37, coefficient of variation, COV %: ∼69%), 0.2-21.4 (av. 4.3 ± 4.7, ∼109%), and 1.4-52.2 (av. 9.6 ± 15.3, ∼159%), respectively. For produced water, scale, and sludge waste, the 226Ra/228Ra ratios are 0.12-9.1 (av. 1.43 ± 1.72, ∼120%), 0.2-159 (av. 7.78 ± 23.5, ∼302%), and 0.8-223.5 (av. 14.1 ± 45.4, ∼322%) in global oilfields. The radiological hazard parameters (Ig, Ia, E◦, EG, and ELCR) owing to radium isotopes or 222Rn in most scale and sludge residues, as well as a small percentage of produced water, are all over the allowed safe limits. Substantial differences in the radium isotopes ratio in the reported waste can be attributed to thier geological, chemical, physical, and/or operational constraints. However, from the different perspectives of remediation and/or radiation protection programs, these values can be employed as a guidance for organizations investing in oil and gas production.

Estimation of radiological impact of the activities of Olusosun Dump Site on workers and dwellers of Olusosun, in Lagos Southwest Nigeria.

This study assessed the potential radiological risks associated with the activities on Olusosun dump site on workers and dwellers of Olusosun community. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K from of soil and water samples were determined using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The background radiation level of Olusosun dump site was measured using a portable Geiger-Müller counter-Radeye B20 survey meter. The mean value of background radiation was 1.46 mSv/yr. This value is about 46% higher than the recommended reference level of 1.0 mSv/yr for the public. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples were 19.1 ± 3.2, 29.1 ± 4.4 and 171.5 ± 6.1 Bq/kg respectively which are about 45.4%, 35.3% and 59.2% lower than the world's average levels. For the water samples, the mean activity concentrations obtained for 238U, 232Th and 40K are 0.4 ± 0.4, 0.8 ± 0.2 and 0.8 ± 0.3 Bq/l respectively. These are about 99.9% and 20% lower than WHO reference levels for 238U and 232Th. The mean absorbed dose rate in air (D), Annual effective dose (AED) outdoor, Radium Equivalent (Req), External hazard index (Hex) internal hazard index (Hin) and Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) from soil samples were 33.6 nGy/h, 41.0 µSv/yr, 73.1 Bq/kg and 0.2, 0.3 and $1.4\times{10}^{-4}$, respectively. Absorbed dose in air D, AED outdoor, Req, Hex, Hin and ELCR are 41.1%, 41.4%, 80.3%, 80%, 75% and 50% lower than their corresponding world's average and references. The estimated AEDw from ingestion of water is 148.9 ± 50.4 µSv/yr, this is about 49% higher than the WHO reference level of 100.0 µSv/y from ingestion of water. The radiological hazard indices estimated from soil samples do not indicate any potential risks to the users. The elevated background radiation level of the dump site, and AEDw from ingestion of water, however, suggest that the activities on Olusosun dump site pose potential radiological risks on workers on the site and the public from consumption of water from Olusosun community.

RADIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY IN A URANIUM DEPOSIT AREA: KÖPRÜBASI, TÜRKIYE.

In this study, the results of environmental radioactivity studies conducted in Köprübasi, Manisa district, where Türkiye's uranium mineral exploration and processing studies were carried out, are shared. Because this is a populated area, there is a need for radio ecological dosimetry assessment to investigate the possible risk to the population. The region where radiological monitoring is carried out is discussed in two parts as the areas where uranium mineral exploration is performed and the settlements close to these areas. It was observed that 714-4714 nGy/h values were obtained in the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air measurements taken in the areas where mineral exploration was performed and this value reached up to 22 857 nGy/h in open field mining areas. In the residential areas, it was recorded that the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air values ranged between 142 and 242 nGy/h and the indoor values ranged between 171 and 400 nGy/h. The world absorbed dose rate in air average values is 57 nGy/h (outdoor) and 75 nGy/h (indoor). The high 226Ra values in the radioactivity analyses of the soil samples draw attention. The mean values of the activity concentrations of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples are 3169, 55 and 802 Bq/kg and the world averages of these values are 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg, respectively. It was determined that high 226Ra value in the soil in the areas close to the open field uranium mining area was passed on to the agricultural products. Radioactivity measurement results of drinking water samples did not exceed World Health Organization guidelines. According to the radon gas measurement results of 44 houses in Köprübasi villages, the average radon concentrations in winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons were 72, 61, 50 and 55 Bq/m3, and the annual average value was 60 Bq/m3, respectively. Although these values are greater than the world average of 46 Bq/m3, they are below the recommended limit value (100 Bq/m3). By evaluating the data obtained, the total annual effective equivalent dose values (originating from outdoor-indoor absorbed dose in air, drinking water and indoor radon gas concentration) to which the people in the region are exposed were calculated as a 3.12 mSv.

Distribution of Radionuclides and Radiological Health Assessment in Seih-Sidri Area, Southwestern Sinai.

The current contribution goal is to measure the distribution of the radionuclide within the exposed rock units of southwestern Sinai, Seih-Sidri area, and assess the radiological risk. Gneisses, older granites, younger gabbro, younger granites, and post granitic dikes (pegmatites) are the main rock units copout in the target area. Radioactivity, as well as radiological implications, were investigated for forty-three samples from gneisses (seven hornblende biotite gneiss and seven biotite gneiss), older granites (fourteen samples), and younger granites (fifteen samples of syenogranites) using NaI (Tl) scintillation detector. External and internal hazard index (Hex, Hin), internal and external level indices (Iα, Iγ), absorbed dose rates in the air (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AED), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose (AGDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and the value of Upper Continental Core 232Th/238U mass fractions were determined from the obtained values of 238U, 232Th and 40K for the examined rocks of Seih-Sidri area. The average 238U mg/kg in hornblende biotite gneiss and biotite gneiss, older granites, and syenogranites is 2.3, 2.1, 2.7, and 8.4 mg/kg, respectively, reflecting a relatively higher concentration of uranium content in syenogranites. The results suggest that using these materials may pose risks to one's radiological health.