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Santofimia E, González FJ, Rincón-Tomás B, López-Pamo E, Marino E, Reyes J, Bellido E. The mobility of thorium, uranium and rare earth elements from Mid Ordovician black shales to acid waters and its removal by goethite and schwertmannite. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135907. [PMID: 35932924 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135907] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have addressed the occurrence of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) affecting La Silva stream due to the generation of large dumps of Middle Ordovician black shales during the construction of a highway close to El Bierzo (León, Spain). This ARD was characterized by sulphated acid waters with high concentration of heavy metals and anomalies in dissolved thorium (Th) and uranium (U). In the present study, we analyse in depth black shales and water, streambed sediments and precipitates of La Silva stream and its tributaries using different petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical approaches. Black shales, with average Th and U contents of 20 and 3 μg/g respectively contain disseminated detritic micro-grains of high weathering-resistant minerals, such as monazite and xenotime, that present smaller amounts of yttrium and rare earth elements (REY) and other elements as Ca, U, Th, Si and F. Results of the affected waters by ARD show an enrichment in dissolved Th, U and REY of several orders of magnitude with respect to natural waters. Sampled precipitates were mainly schwertmannite (Fe8O8(OH)8-2x (SO4)xO16•nH2O) and goethite (α-Fe3+O(OH)) that showed an enrichment of Th (up to 798 μg/g) and REY, due to the presence of dissolved anionic species (e.g. [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] ) that enables their adsorption. Furthermore, these black shales show a clear enrichment in REE (Rare Earth Elements) with respect to NASC (North American Shales Composite) normalized REE patterns. Likewise, normalized REE patterns of stream waters and precipitates clearly show convex curvatures in middle-REE (MREE) with respect to light- and something less than heavy-REE, indicating the trend towards MREE enrichment. These findings are essential to evaluate the impact of ARD of Mid Ordovician shales in the surrounding environment, and to start considering these site as potential source of REE and critical raw materials, activating a Circular Economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Santofimia
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Blanca Rincón-Tomás
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003, Madrid, Spain; Georg-August-University Göttingen, Grisebachstr., 8, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Enrique López-Pamo
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Egidio Marino
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Reyes
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Bellido
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003, Madrid, Spain
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Bala R, Das D, Karanveer, Naskar N, Lahiri S. Vertical distribution and radiological risk assessment of natural radionuclides in the alluvial soil profile of south-west Punjab, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08320-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fesenko SV, Emlutina ES. Thorium Concentrations in the Environment: A Review of the Global Data. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Shastri DV, Raj J JD, Arunachalam KD. Feasibility of ZrSiO 4 as reference signature in naturally-occurring radioactive elements for the application of radioactivity monitoring. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131942. [PMID: 34426265 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131942] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Radioactivity monitoring post-cold war has become more complex due to the nuclear fallout and the surge in use of radioactive materials. This requires novel methods to detect, trace and distinguish natural and anthropogenic radioactive sources in the environment. We explored the feasibility of using ZrSiO4 (Zircon), as a reference signature for radioactivity monitoring due to the unique phenomenon of metamictization. We investigated the variations in microstructural properties of Zircon samples collected from a proposed Uranium site to identify these signatures using analytical techniques such as Gamma-ray Spectroscopy, XRD and Raman spectrum analysis. Besides elevated levels of radioactivity, the samples exhibited distinct properties such as increased lattice parameters observed from the XRD analysis and dramatic broadening of A1g (439 cm-1) and B1g (1008 cm-1) vibrational modes in the Raman spectrum. Structural parameters were further analyzed by modeling the crystal from experimentally observed lattice parameters. Ab-initio calculations were then performed on the modeled structure providing more insight into the microstructural variations. Samples collected from proposed Uranium mines indicate an increase of 1.226% and 0.9389% in Si-O and Zr-O bond lengths of the Zircon crystal signifying the ongoing process of metamictization from radiation damage. By correlating radioactivity levels with the lattice parameters variations of the collected samples, the study establishes a linear relation between the degree of damage to a mineral's crystal structure and the amount of radioactivity. We propose to use the variations in damage found in a mineral's structure as a nuclear forensic signature for advanced assessment of accumulated radioactivity in a particular geographical location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepankara V Shastri
- Centre for Environmental Nuclear Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, 603203, India; Department of Physics & Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, 603203, India
| | - John Donald Raj J
- Department of Physics & Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, 603203, India
| | - Kantha D Arunachalam
- Centre for Environmental Nuclear Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, 603203, India.
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Agyeman PC, Ahado SK, Kingsley J, Kebonye NM, Biney JKM, Borůvka L, Vasat R, Kocarek M. Source apportionment, contamination levels, and spatial prediction of potentially toxic elements in selected soils of the Czech Republic. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:601-620. [PMID: 33079286 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00743-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The sustenance of humans and livestock depends on the protection of the soil. Consequently, the pollution of the soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is of great concern to humanity. The objective of this study is to investigate the source apportionment, concentration levels and spatial distribution of PTEs in selected soils in Frýdek-Místek District of the Czech Republic. The total number of soil samples was 70 (topsoil 49 and 21 subsoils) and was analysed using a portable XRF machine. Contamination factor and the pollution index load were used for the assessment and interpreting the pollution and distribution of PTEs in the soils. The inverse distance weighting was used for the spatial evaluation of the PTEs. The results of the analysis showed that the area is composed of low-to-high pollution site. PTEs displayed spatial variation patterns. The average PTE concentration decreases in this Fe > Ti > Ba > Zr > Rb > Sr > Cr > Y>Cu > Ni > Th order for the topsoil and also decreases in this Fe > Ti > Zr > Ba > Rb > Sr > Cr > Y > Cu > Ni > and Th order for the subsoil. These PTEs Cr, Ni, Cu, Rb, Y, Zr, Ba, Th, and Fe were far above the baseline European average value and the World average value level, respectively. The source apportionment showed the dominance of Cr, Ni, Rb, Ti, Th, Zr, Cu, Fe in the topsoil, while the subsoil was dominated by all the PTEs (factor 1 to 6) except Ba. The study concludes that indiscriminate human activities have an enormous effect on soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Chapman Agyeman
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Samuel Kudjo Ahado
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - John Kingsley
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ndiye Michael Kebonye
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - James Kobina Mensah Biney
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Luboš Borůvka
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Vasat
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kocarek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
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Chandrasekaran A, Ravisankar R, Senthilkumar G, Thillaivelavan K, Dhinakaran B, Vijayagopal P, Bramha S, Venkatraman B. Spatial distribution and lifetime cancer risk due to gamma radioactivity in Yelagiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbas.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Chandrasekaran
- Global Institute of Engineering & Technology, Vellore 632509, Tamilnadu, India
| | - R. Ravisankar
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Physics, Government Arts College, Thiruvanamalai 606603, Tamilnadu, India
| | - G. Senthilkumar
- Department of Physics, University College of Engineering Arni, Arni 632317, Tamilnadu, India
| | - K. Thillaivelavan
- Department of Physics, Periayar Arts College, Cuddalore 607 001, Tamilnadu, India
| | - B. Dhinakaran
- Department of Physics, Government Arts College, Chidambaram 608102, Tamilnadu, India
| | - P. Vijayagopal
- Radiation Safety Section, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamilnadu, India
| | - S.N. Bramha
- Radiation Safety Section, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamilnadu, India
| | - B. Venkatraman
- Radiation Safety Section, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamilnadu, India
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Adagunodo TA, George AI, Ojoawo IA, Ojesanmi K, Ravisankar R. Radioactivity and radiological hazards from a kaolin mining field in Ifonyintedo, Nigeria. MethodsX 2018; 5:362-374. [PMID: 30050756 PMCID: PMC6060080 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The concentrations of the radionuclides in the subsurface formation (soils and rocks) solely depend on their geological origin, which enables its variation from point to point on the Crust. Construction materials can possess elevated concentrations of radioactivity if their byproducts are mined from contaminated radionuclide sources. In this article, results of in situ measurements of radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 238U as well as gamma doses and radiological hazards from kaolin mining field were presented and evaluated. Eleven stations were randomly occupied in order to cover the upper axis of a kaolin mining field in Ifonyintedo. The radiometric survey was achieved using Super-Spec (RS-125), equipment capable of measuring activity concentrations and gamma doses. For each location, measurements were taken four times, while its mean and standard deviation values were estimated for better accuracy. The overall mean activity concentrations (for 40K, 232Th and 238U) and gamma dose were estimated as 93.9 Bq kg-1, 65.1 Bq kg-1, 38.2 Bq kg-1, and 59.6 nGyh-1 respectively. The estimated radiological hazards from the measured parameters showed that the overall mean concentrations of Radium Equivalent, External and Internal Hazards, Annual Effective Dose, Gamma and Alpha Indices, and Representative Level index are 138.5 Bq kg-1, 0.37 0.48, 0.29 mSvyr-1, 0.48, 0.19, and 0.97 respectively. By comparing the mean values of the activity concentrations and their radiological risks with the several world standards from the literature, kaolin deposits in Ifonyintedo are highly rich in thorium.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Adagunodo
- Department of Physics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - A I George
- Department of Physics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - I A Ojoawo
- Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - K Ojesanmi
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - R Ravisankar
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Physics, Government Arts College, Tiruvanamalai 606603, Tamilnadu, India
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Annamalai SK, Arunachalam KD, Selvaraj R. Natural radionuclide dose and lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of fish and water from fresh water reservoirs near the proposed uranium mining site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:15427-15443. [PMID: 28508337 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ten sampling locations in Nagarjuna Sagar Dam have been selected to assess the suitability of the reservoir water for human consumption. The sediment, water, and fish samples were collected and analyzed for radionuclide (238U, 232Th, 210Po, 226Ra, 210Pb) and physicochemical parameters like pH, TOC, total hardness, alkalinity, DO, cation exchange capacity, and particle size. The spatial variations among the radionuclides (238U, 232Th, 210Po, 226Ra, 210Pb) in water and bottom sediments of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam were determined. The uranium concentration in the sediment and water was in BDL (<0.5 ppb). The maximum permissible limits in water samples of the analyzed radionuclides are 238U-10 Bq/l, 210Po-0.1 Bq/l, 226Ra-1 Bq/l, and 210Pb-0.1 Bq/l. The radionuclides in our water samples were approximately 50 times far below the recommended limit. The ingestion of water and fish would not pose any significant radiological impact on health or cancer risk to the public, implicating that the fishes from Nagarjuna Sagar Dam reservoir are safe for human consumption except the fisherman community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathesh Kumar Annamalai
- Center for Environmental Nuclear Research, Directorate of Research, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Kantha Deivi Arunachalam
- Center for Environmental Nuclear Research, Directorate of Research, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Rajaram Selvaraj
- Environmental Survey Laboratories, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, 603102, India
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Annamalai SK, Arunachalam KD. Uranium ( 238U)-induced ROS and cell cycle perturbations, antioxidant responses and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in the freshwater iridescent shark fish Pangasius sutchi. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 186:145-158. [PMID: 28282621 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The strategic plan of this study is to analyze any possible radiological impact on aquatic organisms from forthcoming uranium mining facilities around the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in the future. The predominantly consumed and dominant fish species Pangasius sutchi, which is available year-round at Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, was selected for the study. To comprehend the outcome and to understand the mode of action of 238U, the fish species Pangasius sutchi was exposed to ¼ and ½ of the LC50 doses of waterborne 238U in a static system in duplicate for 21 days. Blood and organs, including the gills, liver, brain and muscles, were collected at different time periods-0h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, 7, days 14days and 21 days-using ICP-MS to determine the toxic effects of uranium and the accumulation of 238U concentrations. The bioaccumulation of 238U in P. sutchi tissues was dependent on exposure time and concentration. The accumulation of uranium was, in order of magnitude, measured as gills>liver>brain>tissue, with the highest accumulation in the gills. It was observed that exposure to 238U significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidase. The analysis of DNA fragmentation by comet assay and cell viability by flow cytometry was performed at different time intervals. DNA histograms by flow cytometry analysis revealed an increase in the G2/M phase and the S phase. The long-term 238U exposure studies in fish showed increasing micronucleus frequencies in erythrocytes with greater exposure time. The higher the concentration of 238U is, the greater is the effect observed, suggesting a close relationship between accumulation and toxicity. A possible ROS-mediated 238U toxicity mechanism and antioxidant responses have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathesh Kumar Annamalai
- Center for Environmental Nuclear Research, Directorate of Research, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Kantha Deivi Arunachalam
- Center for Environmental Nuclear Research, Directorate of Research, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
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Wang J, Liu J, Chen Y, Song G, Chen D, Xiao T, Wu S, Chen F, Yin M. Technologically elevated natural radioactivity and assessment of dose to workers around a granitic uranium deposit area, China. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Jha SK, Singhal P, Tripathi RM. Evaluation of enviornmental increment values for radionuclides monitoring around proposed uranium mines at K.P. Mawthabah (Domiasiat) in Meghalaya. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Chandrasekaran A, Ravisankar R, Rajalakshmi A, Eswaran P, Vijayagopal P, Venkatraman B. Assessment of natural radioactivity and function of minerals in soils of Yelagiri hills, Tamilnadu, India by Gamma Ray spectroscopic and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques with statistical approach. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2015; 136 Pt C:1734-1744. [PMID: 25467664 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Gamma Ray and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques were used to evaluate the natural radioactivity due to natural radionuclides and mineralogical characterization in soils of Yelagiri hills, Tamilnadu, India. Various radiological parameters were calculated to assess the radiation hazards associated with the soil. The distribution pattern of activity due to natural radionuclides is explained by Kriging method of mapping. Using FTIR spectroscopic technique the minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite, and organic carbon were identified and characterized. The extinction coefficient values were calculated to know the relative distribution of major minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar and kaolinite. The calculated values indicate that the amount of quartz is higher than orthoclase feldspar, microcline feldspar and much higher than kaolinite. Crystallinity index was calculated to know the crystalline nature of quartz. The result indicates that the presence of disordered crystalline quartz in soils. The relation between minerals and radioactivity was assessed by multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson's correlation and cluster analysis). The statistical analysis confirms that the clay mineral kaolinite and non-clay mineral quartz is the major factor than other major minerals to induce the important radioactivity variables and concentrations of uranium and thorium.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chandrasekaran
- Department of Physics, Vel Tech (Owned By RS Trust), Chennai 600062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Ravisankar
- Post Graduate and Research Department of Physics, Government Arts College, Thiruvanamalai 606603, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - A Rajalakshmi
- Department of Physics, SSN College of Engineering, Kalvakkam, Chennai 603110, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Eswaran
- Department of Physics, Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering, Vanchuvancherry, Padappai, Chennai 601301, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Vijayagopal
- Radiation Safety Section, Radiological Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - B Venkatraman
- Radiation Safety Section, Radiological Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu, India
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Distribution of thorium in soils surrounding the rare-earth tailings reservoir in Baotou, China. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-013-2814-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Natural radioactivity in soil and water from likuyu village in the neighborhood of mkuju uranium deposit. Int J Anal Chem 2013; 2013:501856. [PMID: 23781247 PMCID: PMC3679697 DOI: 10.1155/2013/501856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of high concentration uranium deposit at Mkuju, southern part of Tanzania, has brought concern about the levels of natural radioactivity at villages in the neighborhood of the deposit. This study determined the radioactivity levels of 30 soil samples and 20 water samples from Likuyu village which is 54 km east of the uranium deposit. The concentrations of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K were determined using low level gamma spectrometry of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) Laboratory in Arusha. The average radioactivity concentrations obtained in soil samples for 238U (51.7 Bq/kg), 232Th (36.4 Bq/kg), and 40K (564.3 Bq/kg) were higher than the worldwide average concentrations value of these radionuclides reported by UNSCEAR, 2000. The average activity concentration value of 238U (2.35 Bq/L) and 232Th (1.85 Bq/L) in water samples was similar and comparable to their mean concentrations in the control sample collected from Nduluma River in Arusha.
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Momčilović M, Kovačević J, Tanić M, Dorđević M, Bačić G, Dragović S. Distribution of natural radionuclides in surface soils in the vicinity of abandoned uranium mines in Serbia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:1319-1329. [PMID: 22527467 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-012-2634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in soils from the area affected by uranium mining at Stara Planina Mountain in Serbia were studied and compared with the results obtained from an area with no mining activities (background area). In the affected area, the activity concentrations ranged from 1.75 to 19.2 mg kg(-1) for uranium and from 1.57 to 26.9 mg kg(-1) for thorium which is several-fold higher than those in the background area. The Th/U, K/U, and K/Th activity ratios were also determined and compared with data from similar studies worldwide. External gamma dose rate in the air due to uranium, thorium, and potassium at 1 m above ground level in the area affected by uranium mining was found to be 91.3 nGy h(-1), i.e., about two-fold higher than that in background area. The results of this preliminary study indicate the importance of radiological evaluation of the area and implementation of remedial measures in order to prevent further dispersion of radionuclides in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Momčilović
- Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, University of Belgrade, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
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Al-Trabulsy H, Khater A, Habbani F. Radioactivity levels and radiological hazard indices at the Saudi coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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