1
|
Sallam AM, Faheim AA, El-Elshafiey ZA, Azeem MMA, El Feky MG, Hanfi MY. Environmental and mineralogical studies on the stream sediments of Baltim-El Burullus coastal plain, North Delta, Egypt. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3776. [PMID: 38355647 PMCID: PMC10866958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This work is mainly concerned with the effect of anthropogenic activities and natural radioactivity due to the presence of highly radioactive black sand spots, factory construction, and shipping, in addition to other activities like agriculture on human beings. Forty samples were collected along Baltim-El Burullus coastal plain to detect the effect of these problems and determine the suggested solutions. The black sand of the Baltim-El Burullus coastal plain exhibits a considerable amount of economically heavy minerals, their ratio relative to the bulk composition in the investigated samples ranges from 3.18 to 10.5% with an average of 5.45%. The most important of them are magnetite, ilmenite, rutile, leucoxene, garnet, zircon and monazite. The existence of some radioactive-bearing accessory mineral deposits like zircon and monazite led to measuring the naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K to evaluate the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The results showed that these concentrations are 19.1 ± 9.73, 14.7 ± 9.53 and 211 ± 71.34 Bq kg-1 were lower than the corresponding reported worldwide average of 35, 45, and 412 Bq kg-1 for each radionuclide (226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K). The gamma hazard indices such as absorbed dose rate (Dair), the annual effective dose (AED), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) factor were computed in the investigated sediments and all the results were found (Dair = 26.4 nGy h-1, AED = 0.03 mSv year-1, ELCR = 0.0001) to be lower than the values suggested by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the effect of Atomic Research (59 nGy h-1, 0.07 mSv year-1 and 0.0029 for Dair, AED and ELCR, respectively). The study suggests that the black sand is safe to use in various infrastructure applications at Baltim-El Burullus coastal plain. The levels of radioactivity are not high enough to pose a risk to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Sallam
- Nuclear Power Plants Authority, 4 El Nasr Avenue, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - A A Faheim
- Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Z A El-Elshafiey
- Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, P.O. Box 11884, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M M Abdel Azeem
- Nuclear Materials Authority, El Maadi, P.O. Box 530, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - M G El Feky
- Nuclear Materials Authority, El Maadi, P.O. Box 530, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Y Hanfi
- Nuclear Power Plants Authority, 4 El Nasr Avenue, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
- Ural Federal University, Mira Street 19, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gamma-ray absorbing characteristic of obsidian rocks as a potential material for radiation protection. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
3
|
Alharshan GA, Kamar MS, Lasheen ESR, Ene A, Uosif MAM, Awad HA, Issa SAM, Zakaly HMH. Distribution of Radionuclides and Radiological Health Assessment in Seih-Sidri Area, Southwestern Sinai. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710717. [PMID: 36078432 PMCID: PMC9518418 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710717] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gharam A. Alharshan
- Physics Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S. Kamar
- Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El Maadi, Cairo 11728, Egypt
| | - El Saeed R. Lasheen
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Antoaneta Ene
- INPOLDE Research Center, Faculty of Sciences and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Street, 800008 Galati, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.E.); or (H.M.H.Z.)
| | - Mohamed A. M. Uosif
- Physics Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdy A. Awad
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Cairo 71524, Egypt
| | - Shams A. M. Issa
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Cairo 71524, Egypt
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M. H. Zakaly
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Cairo 71524, Egypt
- Institute of Physics and Technology, Ural Federal University, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (A.E.); or (H.M.H.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Study of water radioactivity transfer from telluric origin in the Amber Mountain, Antsiranana, Madagascar. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
5
|
Natural radioactivity and external hazard index in Brazilian sands. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
6
|
Awad HA, Zakaly HM, Nastavkin AV, El Tohamy AM, El-Taher A. Radioactive mineralizations on granitic rocks and silica veins on shear zone of El-Missikat area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 168:109493. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
7
|
Seekamp JM, Noey JD, Kwapis EH, Chung LK, Shubayr NA, Smith T, Trimas DJ, Kearfott KJ. Design and Characterization of an Extremely-Sensitive, Large-Volume Gamma-Ray Spectrometer for Environmental Samples. HEALTH PHYSICS 2020; 119:252-260. [PMID: 32332419 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A large volume gamma spectrometer was designed and constructed to analyze foodstuffs and environmental samples having low radionuclide concentrations. This system uses eight 11-cm × 42.5-cm × 5.5-cm NaI(Tl) detectors, chosen due to their relatively high sensitivity and availability and arranged in an octagonal configuration. The sensitive volume of the system is ~28 cm in diameter and ~42 cm deep. Shielding consists of an 86-cm × 86-cm square, 64-cm-tall lead brick enclosure with 18-cm-thick lead walls lined by 0.3-cm-thick copper plates. An aluminum top was machined to suspend the detectors within this shield. The shielding reduces background counts by 72% at 100 keV and 42% at 1,000 keV. The positional variability in sensitivity of the well was determined by both simulation and experiment. A 2.1-L volume of nearly uniform sensitivity, varying less than 10%, exists in the well's center. Energy resolutions of 14.6% and 7.8% were measured for Am and Cs, respectively. Energy resolution shows a 0.2% variation for both Am and Cs as a function of position within all regions of the well's central sensitive volume. Dead time was also determined to be less than 35% for all sources measured in the system, the largest of which had an activity of 1,760 kBq. Simulated results for various source geometries show higher counts for smaller samples, especially at lower energies due to less attenuation of low energy photons. Minimum detectable activities were determined for all source energies used, less than 5.1 Bq kg for reasonable background and sample counting times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Seekamp
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| | - Jordan D Noey
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| | - Emily H Kwapis
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| | - Long Kiu Chung
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| | - Nasser A Shubayr
- Diagnostic Radiology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Almaarfah Rd. Jazan, Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box: 114 Jazan, KSA, 45142
| | - Travis Smith
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| | - David J Trimas
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| | - Kimberlee J Kearfott
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Calibration of a CeBr 3 based γ-spectrometer for onsite and laboratory radioactivity measurements in sediment samples. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 160:109124. [PMID: 32174467 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The calibration of an underwater spectrometer, consisting of a CeBr3 crystal, is performed for sediment sample measurements, via experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations. The system was implemented for activity concentration measurements in marine sediment samples in the laboratory. The results were compared with corresponding high resolution measurements and showed that the system provides accurate results, but relatively high uncertainties. Different measurement geometries are theoretically studied via Monte Carlo simulations in order to improve the system performance for such measurements.
Collapse
|
9
|
Radioactive Heat Production and Terrestrial Heat Flow in the Xiong’an Area, North China. ENERGIES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/en12244608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Herein, integrated heat production analysis in the Xiong’an area was conducted by measuring uranium, thorium, and potassium in different rock types to clarify crust heat flow contribution, simulate the conductive terrestrial heat flow, and illustrate heat source mechanisms of Xiong’an area geothermal resources. The study area was divided into three lithosphere structure types from west to east, and heat production corresponded to layer thickness and heat production with the central area having thicker crust and lower heat production than the eastern and western areas. Crustal heat production, mantle heat flow, and crust–mantle heat flow ratio reveal a ‘cold crust-hot mantle’ in the Xiong’an area.
Collapse
|
10
|
El Gammal EM, Ahmed SH. Comparison of four analytical techniques for determining uranium in different rock samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
11
|
El-Gamal H, Negm H, Hasabelnaby M. Detection efficiency of NaI(Tl) detector based on the fabricated calibration of HPGe detector. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/16878507.2019.1672313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hany El-Gamal
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hani Negm
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hasabelnaby
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Faculty of Dentistry, Badr University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bezuidenhout J. The relationship among naturally occurring radionuclides, geology, and geography: Tsodilo Hills, Botswana. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/16878507.2019.1593717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Bezuidenhout
- Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Radioactivity of Five Typical General Industrial Solid Wastes and its Influence in Solid Waste Recycling. MINERALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/min9030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The level of radionuclides is an important index for the preparation of building materials from industrial solid waste. In order to investigate the radiological hazard of five kinds of typical general industrial solid wastes in Guizhou, China, including fly ash (FA), red mud (RM), phosphorus slag (PS), phosphogypsum (PG), and electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), the radiation intensity and associated radiological impact were studied. The results show that concentrations of 238U, 235U, 232Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, and 40K for different samples vary widely. The concentration of 238U was both positively correlated with 235U and 226Ra, and the uranium contents in the measured samples were all of natural origin. The radiation levels of PG, EMR, EMR-Na (EMR activated by NaOH), and EMR-Ca (EMR activated by Ca(OH)2) were all lower than the Chinese and the world’s recommended highest levels for materials allowed to be directly used as building materials. The values of the internal and external illumination index (IRa and Iγ, respectively) for FA and RM were higher (IRa > 1.0 and Iγ > 1.3 for FA, IRa > 2.0 and Iγ > 2.0 for RM). The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), indoor and outdoor absorbed dose (Din and Dout, respectively), and corresponding annual effective dose rate (Ein and Eout) of RM, PS, and FA were higher than the recommended limit values (i.e., 370 Bq/kg, 84 nGy/h, 59 nGy/h, 0.4 mSv/y, and 0.07 mSv/y, respectively), resulting from the higher relative contribution of 226Ra and 232Th. The portion of RM, FA, and PS in building materials should be less than 75.44%, 29.72%, and 66.01%, respectively. This study provides quantitative analysis for the safe utilization of FA, RM, PS, PG, and EMR in Guizhou building materials.
Collapse
|
14
|
Comparison of γ-ray spectrometry and ICP-MS methods for measuring radioactive heat-producing elements of rocks: a case study on borehole samples from the Sichuan Basin, China. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
15
|
Alessandri S. In the Field Feasibility of a Simple Method to Check for Radioactivity in Commodities and in the Environment. PLOS CURRENTS 2017; 9:ecurrents.dis.07059b54a787dcfcf53ac46ab5a6a809. [PMID: 28744409 PMCID: PMC5505753 DOI: 10.1371/currents.dis.07059b54a787dcfcf53ac46ab5a6a809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some release of radionuclides into the environment can be expected from the growing number of nuclear plants, either in or out of service. The citizen and the big organization could be both interested in simple and innovative methods for checking the radiological safety of their environment and of commodities, starting from foods. METHODS In this work three methods to detect radioactivity are briefly compared focusing on the most recent, which converts a smartphone into a radiation counter. RESULTS The results of a simple sensitivity test are presented showing the measure of the activity of reference sources put at different distances from each sensor. DISCUSSION The three methods are discussed in terms of availability, technology, sensitivity, resolution and usefulness. The reported results can be usefully transferred into a radiological emergency scenario and they also offer some interesting implication for our current everyday life, but show that the hardware of the tested smart-phone can detect only high levels of radioactivity. However the technology could be interesting to build a working detection and measurement chain which could start from a diffused and networked first screening before the final high resolution analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Alessandri
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications "Giuseppe Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Al-Azmi D. Outdoor dose rate mapping in Kuwait. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 169-170:109-115. [PMID: 28110197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.01.009] [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: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
As part of ongoing efforts to develop the data base required for the gamma dose rate baseline in Kuwait, a survey of ambient outdoor gamma-ray dose rates was carried out in 112 locations within the country. Measurements were performed, during the period from August 2013 to March 2016, in various undisturbed open areas in the desert using a NaI dosimeter/spectrometer. The dose rates were recorded along with the corresponding gamma-ray spectra for in-situ relative contribution of the primordial radionuclides and 137Cs in the outdoor environment. Soil samples were also collected from the surface layers in a few locations for laboratory gamma spectrometric analysis and dose rate calculations. The dose rates obtained range from 31 to 59 nSv/h with a mean value of 46.5 nSv/h. There was no anomaly in the relative contributions of the primordial radionuclides to the dose rate values, while 137Cs was not detected within the investigated locations. The significance of using the NaI-based dosimeter in the present survey is discussed in the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darwish Al-Azmi
- Department of Applied Sciences, College of Technological Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, P.O.Box 42325, Code 70654, Kuwait.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hung NQ, Chuong HD, Vuong LQ, Thanh TT, Tao CV. Intercomparison NaI(Tl) and HPGe spectrometry to studies of natural radioactivity on geological samples. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 164:197-201. [PMID: 27500857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, in situ gamma spectra using NaI(Tl) detector have been compared with the laboratory measurements by using HPGe detector on geological samples. The results for measuring naturally occurring terrestrial gamma radiation of 40K and the decay series of 232Th and, 238U respectively of both detectors show a maximum deviation about 5%. The mass activities series from both detectors were checked for coherence using proficiency test procedure from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The reliability and precision pass for final scores for all the analytical determinations of are received "acceptable" for all radionuclides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Quoc Hung
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Huynh Dinh Chuong
- Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Le Quang Vuong
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Thien Thanh
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Chau Van Tao
- Department of Nuclear Physics, Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Al-Azmi D. Indoor Gamma Dose Rates In Kuwait Using Handheld Gamma-ray Spectrometer. HEALTH PHYSICS 2016; 111:11-16. [PMID: 27218289 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A survey of indoor gamma dose rates was carried out in Kuwait using a NaI dosimeter/spectrometer. The measurements started from May 2013 until April 2015 and covered different locations within 200 dwellings: 158 halls, 26 rooms, 17 basements, and 43 kitchens (total of 244 locations). Alongside the dose rate measurements, gamma-ray spectra were also acquired to evaluate the relative contributions of K, Bi, and Tl and check the presence of Cs. The results show that the dose rates for all locations varied from 39.3 to 103.3 nSv h with a mean of 70.6 nSv h, indicating that the indoor dose rates are low and within the normal range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darwish Al-Azmi
- *Department of Applied Sciences, College of Technological Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, P.O. Box 42325, Code 70654, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bezuidenhout J. In situ gamma ray measurements of radionuclides at a disused phosphate mine on the West Coast of South Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 150:1-8. [PMID: 26254719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
High levels of uranium and its radioactive progeny like radium is normally associated with phosphate mining. In Situ gamma ray spectroscopy as a survey tool has been successfully applied to assess radionuclide concentrations in various geographical environments. A transportable and robust gamma ray detection system (GISPI) was therefore employed to determine the concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides at a disused phosphate mine on the West Coast of South Africa. The concentrations of radium, thorium and potassium were measured and plotted. The measurements showed fairly high concentrations with medians of 320 Bq/kg for (226)Ra, 64 Bq/kg for (232)Th and 390 Bq/kg for (40)K. The highest concentrations were however confined to specific areas of the mine. The effective dose due to gamma irradiation for the various areas of the mine was also estimated and the highest estimated level was 0.45 mSv/y. The article finally draws conclusions as to the origins and impact of the radiation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Determination of natural radioactivity and associated radiation hazard in building materials used in Weinan, China. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2014.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
21
|
Sahu P, Mishra DP, Panigrahi DC, Jha V, Patnaik RL. Radon emanation from low-grade uranium ore. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 126:104-114. [PMID: 23974076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Estimation of radon emanation in uranium mines is given top priority to minimize the risk of inhalation exposure due to short-lived radon progeny. This paper describes the radon emanation studies conducted in the laboratory as well as inside an operating underground uranium mine at Jaduguda, India. Some of the important parameters, such as grade/(226)Ra activity, moisture content, bulk density, porosity and emanation fraction of ore, governing the migration of radon through the ore were determined. Emanation from the ore samples in terms of emanation rate and emanation fraction was measured in the laboratory under airtight condition in glass jar. The in situ radon emanation rate inside the mine was measured from drill holes made in the ore body. The in situ(222)Rn emanation rate from the mine walls varied in the range of 0.22-51.84 × 10(-3) Bq m(-2) s(-1) with the geometric mean of 8.68 × 10(-3) Bq m(-2) s(-1). A significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.001) between in situ(222)Rn emanation rate and the ore grade was observed. The emanation fraction of the ore samples, which varied in the range of 0.004-0.089 with mean value of 0.025 ± 0.02, showed poor correlation with ore grade and porosity. Empirical relationships between radon emanation rate and the ore grade/(226)Ra were also established for quick prediction of radon emanation rate from the ore body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patitapaban Sahu
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad - 826 004, Jharkhand, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Measuring naturally occurring uranium in soil and minerals by analysing the 352keV gamma-ray peak of 214Pb using a NaI(Tl)-detector. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 80:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
23
|
Kovler K, Prilutskiy Z, Antropov S, Antropova N, Bozhko V, Alfassi ZB, Lavi N. Can scintillation detectors with low spectral resolution accurately determine radionuclides content of building materials? Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 77:76-83. [PMID: 23542118 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The current paper makes an attempt to check whether the scintillation NaI(Tl) detectors, in spite of their poor energy resolution, can determine accurately the content of NORM in building materials. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were measured using two types of detectors: (a) NaI(Tl) spectrometer equipped with the special software based on the matrix method of least squares, and (b) high-purity germanium spectrometer. Synthetic compositions with activity concentrations varying in a wide range, from 1/5 to 5 times median activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides available in the earth crust and the samples of popular building materials, such as concrete, pumice and gypsum, were tested, while the density of the tested samples changed in a wide range (from 860 up to 2,410 kg/m(3)). The results obtained in the NaI(Tl) system were similar to those obtained with the HPGe spectrometer, mostly within the uncertainty range. This comparison shows that scintillation spectrometers equipped with a special software aimed to compensate for the lower spectral resolution of NaI(Tl) detectors can be successfully used for the radiation control of mass construction products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Kovler
- National Building Research Institute-Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lu X, Li N, Yang G, Zhao C. Assessment of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards in building materials used in Yan'an, China. HEALTH PHYSICS 2013; 104:325-331. [PMID: 23361428 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e31827a7ea2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of natural radionuclides in commonly used building materials collected from Yan'an, China, was determined using gamma ray spectroscopy with a NaI(Tl) detector. The activity concentration of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in the studied building materials ranges from 9.4-73.1, 11.5-86.9, and 258.9-1,055.1 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. The concentrations for these natural radionuclides were compared with the reported data of other countries and the world mean values for soil. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), indoor air absorbed dose rate, and annual effective dose rate due to natural radionuclides in samples were estimated to assess radiological hazards for people living in dwellings made of the studied building materials. The calculated Raeq values of all building materials (75.7-222.1 Bq kg⁻¹) are lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg⁻¹. The values of Hex and Hin are less than unity. The mean values of indoor air absorbed dose rates of all building materials (101.0 ± 14.1-177.0 ± 6.8 nGy h⁻¹) are higher than the world population-weighted average of 84 nGy h⁻¹, while the mean values of annual effective dose range from 0.50 ± 0.07-0.87 ± 0.03 mSv y⁻¹, which are lower than the recommended limit of 1 mSv y⁻¹. It is found that these materials may be used safely as construction materials and do not pose significant radiation hazards to inhabitants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Lu
- School of Tourism and Environment, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, P.R. China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Caciolli A, Baldoncini M, Bezzon GP, Broggini C, Buso GP, Callegari I, Colonna T, Fiorentini G, Guastaldi E, Mantovani F, Massa G, Menegazzo R, Mou L, Alvarez CR, Shyti M, Zanon A, Xhixha G. A new FSA approach for in situ γ ray spectroscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 414:639-645. [PMID: 22137648 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
An increasing demand of environmental radioactivity monitoring comes both from the scientific community and from the society. This requires accurate, reliable and fast response preferably from portable radiation detectors. Thanks to recent improvements in the technology, γ spectroscopy with sodium iodide scintillators has been proved to be an excellent tool for in-situ measurements for the identification and quantitative determination of γ ray emitting radioisotopes, reducing time and costs. Both for geological and civil purposes not only (40)K, (238)U, and (232)Th have to be measured, but there is also a growing interest to determine the abundances of anthropic elements, like (137)Cs and (131)I, which are used to monitor the effect of nuclear accidents or other human activities. The Full Spectrum Analysis (FSA) approach has been chosen to analyze the γ spectra. The Non Negative Least Square (NNLS) and the energy calibration adjustment have been implemented in this method for the first time in order to correct the intrinsic problem related with the χ(2) minimization which could lead to artifacts and non physical results in the analysis. A new calibration procedure has been developed for the FSA method by using in situ γ spectra instead of calibration pad spectra. Finally, the new method has been validated by acquiring γ spectra with a 10.16 cm × 10.16 cm sodium iodide detector in 80 different sites in the Ombrone basin, in Tuscany. The results from the FSA method have been compared with the laboratory measurements by using HPGe detectors on soil samples collected particular, the (137)Cs isotopes has been implemented in the analysis since it has been found not negligible during the in-situ measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Caciolli
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Padova Section, Via Marzolo 8-35131 Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Anjos RM, Juri Ayub J, Cid AS, Cardoso R, Lacerda T. External gamma-ray dose rate and radon concentration in indoor environments covered with Brazilian granites. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2011; 102:1055-1061. [PMID: 21729819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Health hazard from natural radioactivity in Brazilian granites, covering the walls and floor in a typical dwelling room, was assessed by indirect methods to predict external gamma-ray dose rates and radon concentrations. The gamma-ray dose rate was estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation method and validated by in-situ measurements with a NaI spectrometer. Activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra, and (40)K in an extensive selection of Brazilian commercial granite samples measured by using gamma-ray spectrometry were found to be 4.5-450 Bq kg(-1), 4.9-160 Bq kg(-1) and 190-2029 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The maximum external gamma-ray dose rate from floor and walls covered with the Brazilian granites in the typical dwelling room (5.0 m × 4.0 m area, 2.8 m height) was found to be 120 nGy h(-1), which is comparable with the average worldwide exposure to external terrestrial radiation of 80 nGy h(-1) due to natural sources, proposed by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Radon concentrations in the room were also estimated by a simple mass balance equation and exhalation rates calculated from the measured values of (226)Ra concentrations and the material properties. The results showed that the radon concentration in the room ventilated adequately (0.5 h(-1)) will be lower than 100 Bq m(-3), value recommended as a reference level by the World Health Organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Anjos
- LARA - Laboratório de Radioecologia, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Gal Milton Tavares de Souza, s/no, Gragoatá, 24210-340 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Llope WJ. Activity concentrations and dose rates from decorative granite countertops. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2011; 102:620-629. [PMID: 21507535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The gamma radiation emitted from a variety of commercial decorative granites available for use in U.S. homes has been measured with portable survey meters as well as an NaI(Th) gamma spectrometer. The (40)K, U-nat, and (232)Th activity concentrations were determined using a full-spectrum analysis. The dose rates that would result from two different arrangements of decorative granite slabs as countertops were explored in simulations involving an adult anthropomorphic phantom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W J Llope
- Rice University, 6100 S. Main St. - MS-315, Houston, TX 77005, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Carvalho C, Anjos RM, Veiga R, Macario K. Application of radiometric analysis in the study of provenance and transport processes of Brazilian coastal sediments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2011; 102:185-192. [PMID: 21147506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Natural gamma radiation of beach sand deposits was measured along the south coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, with the aim of studying the provenance and transport processes of sediments in this area. Concentrations of thorium, uranium and potassium were evaluated using γ-ray spectrometry and a behavioral study of eTh/eU and eTh/K cross plots was performed, reflecting the mineralogical properties of beach sands, as well as their history of transport and sorting processes. The results show that such technique can be efficiently used to map heavy mineral distributions and to distinguish the different origins of coastal sediments disclosing the influence of nearby rivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Carvalho
- Laboratório de Radioecologia (LARA), Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Gal. Milton Tavares de Souza s/n, Gragoatá, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mirashi NN, Chakraborty S, Aggarwal SK. Determination of 235U/238U ratio by low energy gamma rays: an experimental evaluation. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2011. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.2011.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Determination of the 235U/238U atom ratio is required for various applications. Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) is generally used for this purpose since the method gives most precise results. However, the method has limitations like elaborate sample preparation and high cost. Thus, an alternative methodology based on low energy photon spectrometry (LEPS) was developed and tested using routine samples. It involves the determination of gamma (γ) activity at gamma energies of 63.3, 92.8, 143.6, and 185.7 keV in isotopic standard solutions of uranium and different enriched uranium sample solutions. The method is fast as it does not involve chemical treatment as in TIMS. In this paper, a comparative evaluation of thermal ionization mass spectrometry and low energy photon spectrometry is reported for the determination of the 235U/238U atom ratio. The results obtained by the two systems compare well with each other within the statistical uncertainties of each system. Between the two, low energy photon spectrometry will be useful for rapid analysis of routine samples of enriched uranium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumana Chakraborty
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Fuel Chemistry Division, Mumbai 400 085, Indien
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abbady AG. Evaluation of heat generation by radioactive decay of sedimentary rocks in Eastern Desert and Nile Valley, Egypt. Appl Radiat Isot 2010; 68:2020-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2010.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
31
|
Anjos RM, Macario KD, Lima TA, Veiga R, Carvalho C, Fernandes PJF, Vezzone M, Bastos J. Correlations between radiometric analysis of Quaternary deposits and the chronology of prehistoric settlements from the southeastern Brazilian coast. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2010; 101:75-81. [PMID: 19800154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/30/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Natural gamma radiation measurements of sand deposits were carried out in order to study the chronology of prehistoric colonization of the Brazilian coast during the Holocene. The method employs thorium, uranium and potassium as tracers of the geological provenance of Quaternary deposits, where artificial shellmounds are found. The so-called sambaquis are archaeological settlements, characteristic of fisher-gatherers, specialized in the exploitation of shellfish. Our results show a considerable positive correlation between the formation of coastal deposits, based on cross plots of eTh/eU and eTh/K, and the antiquity of its prehistoric human occupation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Anjos
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Gal. Milton Tavares de Souza, s/no, Gragoatá, 24210-346 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Estimation of heat generation by radioactive decay of some phosphate rocks in Egypt. Appl Radiat Isot 2009; 67:2033-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2008.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
33
|
Verdoya M, Chiozzi P, De Felice P, Pasquale V, Bochiolo M, Genovesi I. Natural gamma-ray spectrometry as a tool for radiation dose and radon hazard modelling. Appl Radiat Isot 2009; 67:964-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
34
|
Measurement of natural radioactivity in sand samples collected from the Baoji Weihe Sands Park, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00254-006-0266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
35
|
|
36
|
|
37
|
Anjos R, Veiga R, Soares T, Santos A, Aguiar J, Frascá M, Brage J, Uzêda D, Mangia L, Facure A, Mosquera B, Carvalho C, Gomes P. Natural radionuclide distribution in Brazilian commercial granites. RADIAT MEAS 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2004.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
38
|
Swakoń J, Kozak K, Paszkowski M, Gradziński R, Łoskiewicz J, Mazur J, Janik M, Bogacz J, Horwacik T, Olko P. Radon concentration in soil gas around local disjunctive tectonic zones in the Krakow area. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2005; 78:137-149. [PMID: 15511556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2003] [Revised: 04/10/2004] [Accepted: 04/21/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate radon in the vicinity of geologic fault zones within the Krakow region of Poland, and to determine the influence of such formations on enhanced radon concentrations in soil. Radon ((222)Rn and (220)Rn) concentration measurements in soil gas (using ionization chamber AlphaGUARD PQ2000 PRO and diffusion chambers with CR-39 detectors), as well as radioactive natural isotopes of radium, thorium and potassium in soil samples (using gamma ray spectrometry with NaI(Tl) and HPGe detectors), were performed. Site selection was based on a geological map of Krakow. Geophysical methods (ground penetrating radar and shallow acoustic seismic) were applied to recognize the geological structure of the area and to locate the predicted courses of faults. Elevated levels of radon and thoron in soil gas were found in the study area when compared with those observed in an earlier survey covering Krakow agglomeration. For (222)Rn, the arithmetic mean of registered concentration values was 39 kBq/m(3) (median: 35.5 kBq/m(3)). For (220)Rn, the arithmetic mean was 10.8 kBq/m(3) and median 11.8 kBq/m(3).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Swakoń
- The Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences Radzikowskiego 152 Str., 31-342 Krakow, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chiozzi P, Pasquale V, Verdoya M, Minato S. Gamma-ray activity in the volcanic islands of the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2003; 67:235-246. [PMID: 12691721 DOI: 10.1016/s0265-931x(03)00026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Field gamma-ray spectrometry was used for the quantitative assessment of U, Th and K of rocks of Stromboli, Salina, Filicuidi and Panarea (Aeolian arc of the Southern Tyrrhenian, Italy). The air absorbed dose rate was calculated from radioelement concentrations. For some rocks the gamma-ray spectra were analysed with the three photo-peak methods and the response matrix method, which converts the pulse height distribution into the true incident gamma-ray energy spectrum. The higher values of U (8.2-9.8 ppm) coincide with higher Th (20.6-27.8 ppm) concentrations associated with rocks of shoshonitic composition. The spatial variation in radioelement concentration reflects the geochemical differences among the rocks. The air absorbed dose rate varies from 25 to 215 nGy h(-1). The highest values correspond to outcrops located in the eastern part of Stromboli, where the annual effective dose equivalent reaches a value of 264 microSv.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Chiozzi
- Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse, Settore di Geofisica, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chiozzi P, Pasquale V, Verdoya M, Minato S. Natural gamma-radiation in the Aeolian volcanic arc. Appl Radiat Isot 2001; 55:737-44. [PMID: 11573810 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(01)00127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pulse-height distributions of gamma-rays, obtained with a field NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer in numerous sites of the Lipari and Vulcano islands (Aeolian volcanic arc, Italy), were measured to determine the U, Th and K concentrations of the bedrock and the relative values of the air absorbed dose rate. U is spatially related to both Th and K and the Th/U ratio is on average 3.1-3.5. The magmatic evolution is reflected by the concentration of the three radioelements, as they are more abundant within the more felsic units of the volcanic series. The higher values of U (15.7-20.0 ppm) coincide with higher Th (48.3-65.9 ppm) and K (4.9-6.1%) concentrations associated with rhyolitic rocks of the third cycle (< 50 ky). The air absorbed dose rate varies from 20 to 470 nGy h(-1). The highest values (> 350 nGy h(-1)) are observed on outcrops of rhyolitic obsidian lava flows. The cosmic-ray contribution is also evaluated to estimate the total background radiation dose rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Chiozzi
- Dipartimento Studio Territorio e Risorse, Settore di Geofisica, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Practical applicability of field gamma-ray scintillation spectrometry in geophysical surveys. Appl Radiat Isot 2000; 53:215-20. [PMID: 10879864 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(00)00136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We discuss the problems and calibration procedures for a portable gamma-ray scintillation spectrometer for determinations of potassium, uranium and thorium concentration in rocks. Particular emphasis was given to the evaluation of the background radiation. The apparatus was tested in the field at two selected areas in NW Italy. We found appropriate sites which could be used as reference targets to frequently check the gamma-ray equipment. An area formed by serpentinitic rocks showed such a low measured radioactivity that it could be used as a reference for the local background effect. An anomalously high uranium amount against negligible potassium and thorium concentrations were found in outcrops of dolomitic rocks, which can be used to detect possible changes in the instrument calibration constants.
Collapse
|