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Idris HN, Sanusi MSM, Ramli AT, Solleh MRM, Yahaya F, Ya'cob MZ, Siong WB. Isodose mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation in Sarawak-Borneo: Insights from surface-weathered soil analysis. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 209:111327. [PMID: 38642443 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Presentation of baseline data on terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) levels is crucial for assessing the annual effective dose received by the public due to natural radiation exposure. Cumulative doses from various sources can become significant, warranting a spatial understanding of TGR distribution. Few countries have comprehensively mapped TGR on a national scale, often facing challenges due to remote or inaccessible regions. This study investigated the influence of weathered soil groups on TGR dose rates in Sarawak-Borneo, Malaysia, to facilitate insights for TGR projection and isodose mapping. A total of 1044 TGR dose rate measurements were collected using NaI (Tl) scintillation detector survey meters, with a mean of 100 nGy h-1 and a range of 8-375 nGy h-1. Non-parametric statistical analyses of variance using Welch's ANOVA, Brown-Forsythe, and Kruskal-Wallis validated (P-sig.=.000) notable dissimilarities among six categories of superficial-weathered soil. Graphical analysis using Sinclair's cumulative plot revealed deviations at intervals of 50, 80, 100, 120, 175, and 205 nGy h-1. These deviations indicate distinct lithological influences. Skeletal soil (entisols) and podzolic soils had high mean dose rates (148 and 113 nGy h-1, respectively) due to limited development, thus preserving abundant uranium (U) and thorium (Th). Meanwhile, gleysols and thionic soils exhibited compatible means (90 and 82 nGy h-1, respectively), while alluvial (or transported soils) and organic soils displayed lower dose rate ranges (mean of 76 and 47 nGy h-1, respectively), reflecting rapid hydrolysis weathering processes. Simple linear regression analysis revealed a strong relationship between TGR dose rate and mean value of weathered soil groups (y = 0.851x + 0.141 nGy h-1), signifying the significance and magnitude of weathered soil groups' impact on TGR dose rates. The obtained R-value is 0.704, indicating a strong linear correlation among soil group variables, and a Durbin-Watson statistic of 1.41, suggesting positive autocorrelation among residuals, thus positive relationships. An isodose map was successfully developed using the Kriging technique, aligning with lithological features of the study area. Semivariogram analysis reveals spatial dependence within a range of 1.47°, supporting the Kriging technique's suitability for spatial inference. In conclusion, this study has successfully revealed the relationship between TGR dose rates and superficial-weathered soil in Sarawak-Borneo. While the linear relationship is applicable to the Sundaland-Borneo tectonic block, it has potential to be used as a valuable tool for spatial inference of TGR dose rates in isodose development with similar lithologial characteristics, aiding in radiation exposure assessment and environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- H N Idris
- Waste Technology & Environment, Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, 43000, Kajang, Bangi, Malaysia; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - M S M Sanusi
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - A T Ramli
- Waste Technology & Environment, Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, 43000, Kajang, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - M R M Solleh
- Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Department of Science and Biotechnology, University of Selangor, Malaysia
| | - F Yahaya
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Departmnet of Social Sciences, University of Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M Z Ya'cob
- Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Department of Science and Biotechnology, University of Selangor, Malaysia
| | - W B Siong
- Faculty of Resource Science and Technology Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Rahmat MA, Ismail AF, Rodzi ND, Aziman ES, Fadzil SM, Hidzir NM, Idris MI, Rahman IA, Mohamed F. A window into the future: case study of long-term radiological risk modelling posed by unregulated mining waste repurposing activities. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:714. [PMID: 37221312 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11308-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to assess long-term radiological exposure risks and effects to both industrial workers and occupants living in the near vicinity of local tailing processing plants. The detrimental effects of licensing exemption were studied by comparing contaminated soil collected from 7 unlicensed-by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board-tailing processing plants with soil from control location. It was found that the average concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K for all seven processing plants fell between the range of 0.1 ± 0.0-7.21 ± 0.1 Bqg-1, 0.1 ± 0.0-16.34 ± 0.27 Bqg-1, and 0.18 ± 0.01-1.74 ± 0.01 Bqg-1, respectively, showing observable indication of soil contamination with Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive (TENORM) material. The annual effective dose was calculated which showed that most samples exceeded the recommended value of the ICRP of 1 mSvy-1 for non-radiation workers. Assessment of radiological hazards in the environment was done by calculating the radium equivalent value; revealing the exposure risk posed by the contaminated soil is substantial. Using the relatable inputs, the RESRAD-ONSITE computed code revealed that the dose due to internal exposure via inhalation of radon gas contributes the most to the overall exposure. The covering of the contaminated soil with a clean layer is effective in reducing external dose but ineffective for radon inhalation. RESRAD-OFFSITE computer code also revealed that the contribution of exposure via contaminated soil in the neighbouring vicinity is below the recommended 1 mSvy-1 threshold but still contributes to a significant amount cumulatively when considering other exposure pathways as well. The study proposes the introduction of clean cover soil as a viable option in reducing external dose from contaminated soil as 1 m of clean cover soil is able to reduce dose exposure by 23.8-30.5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdullah Rahmat
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aznan Fazli Ismail
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Nursyamimi Diyana Rodzi
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Eli Syafiqah Aziman
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syazwani Mohd Fadzil
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahidah Mohd Hidzir
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Idzat Idris
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Irman Abdul Rahman
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faizal Mohamed
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Zhang X, Lai Y, Bai X, Wu B, Xiang W, Zhang C, Geng G, Miao W, Xia Q, Wu Q, Yang H, Wang Y, Tian W, Cao Y, Liu X, Li H, Tian Y, Song Z, Zhao Z, Huang Z, Cheng X, Han X, Li Y, Shi B. Determining the spatial non-stationarity underlying social and natural environment in thyroid cancer in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:162009. [PMID: 36737014 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Light at night (LAN) is a physiological environmental factor related to thyroid cancer (TC). The spatial relationship between the number of TC incident cases, LAN, air pollution and other macro social factors and stationarity needs to be further examined to provide evidence for regional control of TC. METHODS Spatial econometrics methods for spatial nonstationarity were used to explore the impacts of LAN, air pollutants, economic factors, and population size on the number of TC incident cases in 182 Chinese prefecture-level cities and the local coefficients were further tested for nonstationarity. Temporally weighted regression (TWR), geographically weighted regression (GWR), and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) were compared in this study for model selection. RESULTS Based on the ordinary least squares (OLS), LAN, air pollutants, and urbanization all significantly affected the number of TC incident cases. GWR had the best goodness of fit, and the coefficients of all the variables passed the nonstationarity test. The strong positive impact of LAN was mainly concentrated in North China, air pollutants in Central China and neighboring regions, and urbanization in the eastern coast of China. CONCLUSIONS The locational factors of the prefecture-level city influence the spatial pattern of the number of TC incident cases. Governments should pay attention to this influence, adhere to the Health in All Policies principle, and formulate region-specific policies based on regional characteristics, which this study provides updated evidence for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Zhang
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yongqiang Lai
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaodan Bai
- Department of Economics, School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenjing Xiang
- Department of Economics, School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guihong Geng
- Department of Economics, School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Miao
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qi Xia
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Huiying Yang
- The second affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- Department of Economics, School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Wanxin Tian
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Economics, School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yulu Tian
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhe Song
- The second affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhipeng Huang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaonan Cheng
- The second affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinhao Han
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ye Li
- Research Center of Health Policy and Management, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Baoguo Shi
- Department of Economics, School of Economics, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
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Zulkafli SA, Abd Majid N, Syed Zakaria SZ, Razman MR, Ahmed MF. Influencing Physical Characteristics of Landslides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 31:995-1010. [DOI: 10.47836/pjst.31.2.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Landslide is one of the natural disasters that commonly occurs in terrestrial environments with slopes throughout the world. Located among countries with tropical climates, the hot and humid conditions expose Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to the risk of landslides. This paper aims to delineate the influencing physical characteristics of landslide occurrences in Kuala Lumpur. In this study, a 100 landslides historical data set and eight landslide factors were obtained from proper field validation and maps provided by those concerned in the government, such as distance to roads, distance to streams, elevation, slope angle, curvature, slope aspect, land use, and lithology. These factors were processed using GIS as geospatial analysis provides a useful tool for planning, disaster management, and hazard mitigation. By using ArcMap 10.8.2, a GIS software, different spatial analyses in which maps for each physical factor were layered with landslide events distribution. The weights for each factor were determined using the ANN approach resulting in the slope angle having the highest relative importance with a 100.0% value. In comparison, 8.3% represents the slope aspect as the most insignificant factor out of the eight selected characteristics for this study area. Therefore, a proper perspective and a thorough understanding of the certain slope condition have to be established for future mitigation action to support the agenda of SDG 15.
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Poltabtim W, Musikawan S, Thumwong A, Omori Y, Kranrod C, Hosoda M, Saenboonruang K, Tokonami S. Estimation of Ambient Dose Equivalent Rate Distribution Map Using Walking Survey Technique in Hirosaki City, Aomori, Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2657. [PMID: 36768021 PMCID: PMC9916362 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
At present, much emphasis is placed on the health risks associated with radioactivity present in the environment, especially since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. In this study, a walking survey was conducted in Hirosaki City using a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer to estimate and map the distribution of the ambient dose equivalent rate to monitor the radiological safety of the general public in Hirosaki City, where many nuclear facilities are located nearby. The average (±standard deviation) ambient dose equivalent rate was 0.056 ± 0.020 µSv h-1. By comparison with the measurement data, it was found that the values of 85% of the data obtained using the walking survey technique deviated within ±20% relative to those obtained by spot measurements. Furthermore, the distribution of dose rates obtained in the nighttime survey was not significantly different from those obtained in the daytime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worawat Poltabtim
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Saowarak Musikawan
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Arkarapol Thumwong
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Yasutaka Omori
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- The Research Center for Safety, Metrology, and Nuclear Quality Technology (PRTKMMN), Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), JI. Lebak Bulus Raya No. 49, Jakarta Selatan 12440, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Chutima Kranrod
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hosoda
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- The Research Center for Safety, Metrology, and Nuclear Quality Technology (PRTKMMN), Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), JI. Lebak Bulus Raya No. 49, Jakarta Selatan 12440, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
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Althuwaynee OF, Pokharel B, Aydda A, Balogun AL, Kim SW, Park HJ. Spatial identification and temporal prediction of air pollution sources using conditional bivariate probability function and time series signature. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:709-726. [PMID: 33159165 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-00271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification of distant, large, and frequent sources of emission in cities is a complex procedure due to the presence of large-sized pollutants and the existence of many land use types. This study aims to simplify and optimize the visualization mechanism of long time-series of air pollution data, particularly for urban areas, which is naturally correlated in time and spatially complicated to analyze. Also, we elaborate different sources of pollution that were hitherto undetectable using ordinary plot models by leveraging recent advances in ensemble statistical approaches. The high performing conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) and time-series signature were integrated within the R programming environment to facilitate the study's analysis. Hourly air pollution data for the period between 2007 to 2016 is collected using four air quality stations, (ca0016, ca0058, ca0054, and ca0025), situated in highly urbanized locations that are characterized by complex land use and high pollution emitting activities. A conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) was used to analyze the data, utilizing pollutant concentration values such as Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter (PM10) as a third variable plotted on the radial axis, with wind direction and wind speed variables. Generalized linear model (GLM) and sensitivity analysis are applied to verify and visualize the relationship between Air Pollution Index (API) of PM10 and other significant pollutants of GML outputs based on quantile values. To address potential future challenges, we forecast 3 months PM10 values using a Time Series Signature statistical algorithm with time functions and validated the outcome in the 4 stations. Analysis of results reveals that sources emitting PM10 have similar activities producing other pollutants (SO2, CO, and NO2). Therefore, these pollutants can be detected by cross selection between the pollution sources in the affected city. The directional results of CBPF plot indicate that ca0058 and ca0054 enable easier detection of pollutants' sources in comparison to ca0016 and ca0025 due to being located on the edge of industrial areas. This study's CBPF technique and time series signature analysis' outcomes are promising, successfully elaborating different sources of pollution that were hitherto undetectable using ordinary plot models and thus contribute to existing air quality assessment and enhancement mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar F Althuwaynee
- Department of Energy and Mineral Resources Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neudong-ro Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Badal Pokharel
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Aydda
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, B.P 8106, 80000, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Abdul-Lateef Balogun
- Geospatial Analysis and Modelling (GAM) Research Laboratory, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Seri Iskandar, 32610, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Sang-Wan Kim
- Department of Energy and Mineral Resources Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neudong-ro Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuck-Jin Park
- Department of Energy and Mineral Resources Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neudong-ro Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
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Dodge-Wan D, Mohan Viswanathan P. Terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate mapping and influence of building materials: case study at Curtin University campus (Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia). J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Sanusi MSM, Ramli AT, Hashim S, Lee MH. Radiological hazard associated with amang processing industry in Peninsular Malaysia and its environmental impacts. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111727. [PMID: 33396058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Continuous depletion in tin productions has led to a newly emerging industry that is a tin by-product (amang) processing industry to harness mega tons of tin by-products produced in the past. Amang composed of profitable multi-heavy minerals and rare-earth elements. With poorly established safety and health practices in operating plant, amang poses extremely high radioactivity problem associated with high occupational ionizing radiation exposures to workers and continuously impacting the local environment with radioactive contamination from industrial effluent and solid waste into lithosphere and water bodies. The radioactivity level of 238U and 232Th series in the mineral varies from few hundreds up to ~200,000 and ~400,000 Bq kg-1 respectively and are potential to yield more than ~ 30,000 nGy h-1 of gamma (γ) radiation exposure to plant workers. The study found out that for 8 h of work time, a worker is estimated to receive an average effective dose of 0.1 mSv per day from external γ radiation source with a maximum up to 2 mSv per day for extreme exposure situation. Interferences of different exposure routes for examples inhalation of equivalent equilibrium concentration (ECC) of 222Rn and 220Rn progenies and airborne long-lived α particles from the dusty working environment could pose a higher total effective dose as much as 5 mSv per day and 115 mSv per year. The value is 5 times higher than the annual dose limit for designated radiation worker (20 mSv) in Peninsular Malaysia. The study found that 41% of the total received an effective dose received by a worker is contributed by 222Rn, 32% of airborne particulates and dust, 23% from external γ exposure and 4% from 220Rn. Based on radioecological risk assessment, the study found out that the aquatic environment is the highly exposed group to ionizing radiation from industrial effluent discharge and sand residues. With the impotent establishment of radiation protection in the industry, plus the country newly introduced long-term plan to revive tin mining as well as its accessory amang mineral, it is necessary for the government to harmonize current regulation to improve the worker safety and health as well as sustaining local environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S M Sanusi
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - A T Ramli
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - S Hashim
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - M H Lee
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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Daniela G, Carloni S, Voltaggio M, Di Lisa GA. PRE-ANTHROPIC AND PRESENT OUTDOOR GAMMA EQUIVALENT DOSE RATE OF THE HISTORIC CENTER OF ROME (ITALY). RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 187:518-534. [PMID: 31702770 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The outdoor gamma background of the historic center of Rome was studied by in situ measurements and average values of the outcropping geological formations. The survey resulted in two maps of dose equivalent rate, related to pre-anthropic and present conditions. Presently, the average of the dose equivalent rate from outdoor gamma-ray field is equal to 0.31 μSv h-1, corresponding to an outdoor annual effective dose equivalent of 0.548 mSv a-1 and to an outdoor excess lifetime cancer risk [International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Recommendations of the ICRP, 21, 1/3, Publication 60, 1990] of 2.56 × 10-3. The originary radioactivity was enhanced by anthropic action up to a level of health risk comparable to that one deriving by fine particulate matter. The assessment of the evolution and dispersion of the outdoor gamma background offers a new perspective to study the urban architectural evolution. Such a mapping allows us to individuate mitigation actions and neighborhoods in which the monitoring of illicit trafficking of radioactive material can be efficiently tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglietta Daniela
- Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG-CNR), Area della Ricerca Roma 1, Strada Provinciale 35d, km 0.700, Montelibretti, 00010, RM, Italy
| | - Serena Carloni
- Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG-CNR), Area della Ricerca Roma 1, Strada Provinciale 35d, km 0.700, Montelibretti, 00010, RM, Italy
| | - Mario Voltaggio
- Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG-CNR), Area della Ricerca Roma 1, Strada Provinciale 35d, km 0.700, Montelibretti, 00010, RM, Italy
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Omori Y, Sorimachi A, Gun-Aajav M, Enkhgerel N, Oyunbolor G, Palam E, Yamada C. ELEVATION OF GAMMA DOSE RATE BY CONSTRUCTION OF THE ASIAN HIGHWAY 3 (AH3) BETWEEN ULAANBAATAR AND SAINSHAND, MONGOLIA. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 184:127-134. [PMID: 30307569 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed at examining changes of gamma radiation level associated with road construction in Mongolia. A car-borne survey of gamma dose rate was made for a paved, ~450-km long part of the Asian Highway 3 between Ulaanbaatar and Sainshand. The gamma dose rates ranged from 48 to 173 nGy/h. Elevation of the gamma dose rates was observed only on a 86-km long segment of the survey route which was newly constructed from 2011 to 2013. The gamma dose rates over the newer paved segment were twice as high as those over the bare dirt surface alongside it. Outdoor measurements of gamma-ray pulse height distributions also indicated an abundance of natural radionuclides, especially 232Th-series elements in road materials. These findings suggest that the gamma dose rates were elevated by introduction of road materials containing large amounts of natural radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Omori
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsuyuki Sorimachi
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Manlaijav Gun-Aajav
- The Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission, Uildverchid Street 2, Khan Uul District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Nyamdavaa Enkhgerel
- The Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission, Uildverchid Street 2, Khan Uul District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Galnemekh Oyunbolor
- The Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission, Uildverchid Street 2, Khan Uul District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Enkhtuya Palam
- National Center for Public Health, Ministry of Health, 17 Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Chieri Yamada
- Department of Public Health Nursing for International Radiation Exposure, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
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