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Zhao F, Zhao L, Zhong L, Li D, Zheng Y, Jiang Z, Lu C, Zhou P. Radioactivity of inert construction and demolition waste from Hong Kong and environmental assessment for marine trial reclamation in Guanghai Bay. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118735. [PMID: 38518905 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118735] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Inert construction and demolition waste from Hong Kong (HK public fills) has been used for marine trial reclamation in the Guanghai Bay (GHWT) of the Chinese Mainland. However, an environmental assessment of HK public fills is necessary due to higher radioactivity in HK soils than typical global levels. Here, radiation dose rate, gamma radionuclides and gross beta of HK public fills were analyzed. The origin information was explored using natural primordial radionuclides as fingerprints. Our data show that radiation dose rate of HK public fills before disposal was 0.14-0.54 (0.33 ± 0.03) μSv/h (n = 16,722 data with 2787 ships) in 2014, which is less than the GHWT background. Monthly detection of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, 228Th, 40K, and gross beta in HK public fills was conducted on three random ships. Their specific activities were <6.27-155.5, 58.7-98.7, <7.83-238.2,97.9-168.6, 87.1-136.0, 463.1-1,018, and 1047-1658 Bq/kgDW, respectively. These results suggest that the radioactivity levels of HK public fills are essentially the same as the GHWT background. The study assessed potential risks using various indices icluding Raeq (Radium equivalent activity), Hex (External radiation hazard index), Hin (Internal radiation hazard index), Iγ (Gamma index), AUI (Activity utilization index), AUI (Activity utilization index), E (Annual effective dose), AGDE (Annual gonadal dose equivalent), RLI (Representative level index), Din (Indoor air absorbed dose rate), Dout (Outdoor air absorbed dose rate), and ELCR (Excess lifetime cancer risk). The study suggests that HK public fills should be used for the trial reclamation rather than building-house materials. This provides valuable insights for the resource utilization and minimizing environmental pollution of HK public fills. The aim is to offer fundamental technical assistance for future waste resource utilization, ecological protection, and restoration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Li Zhao
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Lifeng Zhong
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Yuanlai Zheng
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Zhongchen Jiang
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China.
| | - Chuqian Lu
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China.
| | - Peng Zhou
- South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application (MNR), Guangzhou, 510300, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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Sharma BA, Devi AR. Assessment of natural radioactivity in the RCC building materials used in the valley region of Manipur, India. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2024:ncae142. [PMID: 38855821 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
An assessment of radioactivity concentration of reinforced cement concrete types of house was conducted in the valley region of Manipur, India. The average radioactivity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K of portland cements are 39 (range: 32-52) Bqkg-1, 36 (range: 22-62) Bqkg-1, and 1812 (1254-2424) Bqkg-1; for concrete are 36 (range: 26-45) Bqkg-1, 65 (range: 45-86) Bqkg-1, and 660 (639-681) Bqkg-1; for sand are 45 (30-61) Bqkg-1, 114 (range: 55-212) Bqkg-1, and 1859 (range: 1413-2232) Bqkg-1; and for bricks are 30 (range: 24-37) Bqkg-1, 148 (range:79-184) Bqkg-1, and 1444 (range: 1093-2103) Bqkg-1, respectively. The annual effective dose was observed with an average value of 1.9 (range: 0.9-3.3) mSvy-1. However, gamma index was observed with an average value of 1.1 (range: 0.5-2.0).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angom Ronibala Devi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur 795004, India
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Estokova A, Singovszka E, Vertal M. Investigation of Building Materials' Radioactivity in a Historical Building-A Case Study. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15196876. [PMID: 36234216 PMCID: PMC9570568 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper investigates a possible hazard originating from natural radionuclides in building materials in a selected historical building being reconstructed for housing. Both outdoor and indoor risks were evaluated through the radiological indices and estimated doses, based on measured activities of natural radionuclides in stone and brick materials of the building. The average measured activity concentrations of radionuclides were 7.32 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 40.05 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 546.64 Bq/kg for 40K radionuclides. The average total activity concentration in building materials (594.0 Bq/kg) exceeded the world average value. A correlation was found between the potassium content in the building material samples and the total activity of radionuclides. The gamma indices, Iγ, calculated for the samples, ranged in an interval of 0.26-0.60, not exceeding the restricted limit for bulk materials Iγ = 1. The average annual effective dose due to building materials was 0.53 mSv/y, which does not exceed the limit (1 mSv/y), however, it contributes to a gamma dose excess that is higher than recommended (0.3 mSv/y at the most). The bricks were responsible for a higher level of natural radiation than natural stone material. Nevertheless, based on the radiation protection requirements, it can be concluded that the building can be used for residential purposes after the reconstruction, as no significant human health impact is expected due to the radioactivity of building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Estokova
- Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolská 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-602-4265
| | - Eva Singovszka
- Department of Strategic Development, Municipality of Kosice, Trieda SNP 48/A, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Marian Vertal
- Institute of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolská 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
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Assessment of Natural Radionuclide Distribution Pattern and Radiological Risk from Rocks in Precambrian Oban Massif, Southeastern Nigeria. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A gamma spectrometric analysis of rock samples collected from the Precambrian Oban Massif, southeastern Nigeria, was performed to determine some primordial radioelements’ activity concentrations: U-238, Th-232, and K-40, and their associated radiological hazards. The mean activity of the primordial radionuclides was determined to be 1073.06 ± 0.65, 160.74 ± 1.32, and 250.76 ± 0.91 Bq·kg−1 for 40K, 238U, and 232Th, respectively, showing that they are inhomogeneously distributed, with activity changing with the rock type and location. The activity concentrations are highest in biotite garnet schist, quartz diorite, and biotite gneiss rock domains. The mean values of the radiological hazards are 0.08 Bq·kg−1 (alpha index), 2.15 Bq·kg−1(gamma index), 2.06 Bq·kg−1(internal) and 1.63 Bq·kg−1 (external4.30 Bq·kg−1(representative level index6), 602.23 Bq·kg−1, (radium equivalent), 780 nGy·h−1 (total absorbed dose rate), 270.91 nGy·h−1 (indoor), 509.78 nGy·h−1 (outdoor), 624.99, 1329.07 and 1954.06 mSv·yr−1 (outdoor, indoor and total annual effective dose equivalent, respectively), 6448.40 (cumulative excess lifetime cancer risk) and 248.94–3761.47 Bq·kg−1 (annual gonadal dose equivalent). These results are higher than their various permissible limits (except at Ako Community) and suggest that rocks in the area may be unsuitable for constructing dwelling places. It is strongly advised that basic safety standards and precautionary measures recommended by the European Commission should be strictly adhered to while dealing with these rocks.
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Ahmed IK, Khalaf HNB, Ambrosino F, Mostafa MYA. Fly ash radiological characterization from thermal power plants in Iraq. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Alain MG, Huberson GBDL, Florentin BA, Antonin KA, Omer K. Assessment of the External and Internal Exposure Risk Index and the Annual Gonadals Equivalent Dose Due to Cement in Côte D'Ivoire. JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND RADIATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4046256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cement is the most used material in bulding activities in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, most of the radiation exposure from the building materials is due to the cement. This work is part of radiation protection logic and therefore to assess the level of exposure due to the cement used in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, samples of gray and white cement whose are sold on Ivorian territory were examined. To carry out this study, we analyzed these samples using a gamma spectrometer. This consisted mainly of a scintillation detector NaI (Tl) and an acquisition system both designed by the German group-LD Didactic. The specific activity of radionuclides that are 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was evaluated. The average values obtained are 29.66 Bq/kg for 226 Ra; 34.88 Bq/kg for the 232Th; 178.424 Bq/kg for 40K. These are all lower than the limit values recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). In order to assess the radiological impact of these activities, we estimated the external and internal exposure risk indices and the annual gonadals equivalent dose (AGED). The values obtained for these parameters are well below those recommended by UNSCEAR for internal and external exposure indices, and below the world average (except for CG3 sample) for the AGED. These results suggest that the risk to the use of these different cement brands is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnehan G. Alain
- Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et Radioprotection (LNPR), UFR SSMT, Université Felix Houphouet Boigny, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Boulevard de l' Université, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Autorité de Radioprotection, de Sûreté et Sécurité Nucléaires (ARSN), 08 BP 4028 Abidjan 08, Abidjan Cocody—Riviera Bonoumin Rond point Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gogon B. D. L. Huberson
- Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et Radioprotection (LNPR), UFR SSMT, Université Felix Houphouet Boigny, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Boulevard de l' Université, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Autorité de Radioprotection, de Sûreté et Sécurité Nucléaires (ARSN), 08 BP 4028 Abidjan 08, Abidjan Cocody—Riviera Bonoumin Rond point Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Braffo Ayo Florentin
- Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et Radioprotection (LNPR), UFR SSMT, Université Felix Houphouet Boigny, 22 BP 582 ABIDJAN 22, Boulevard de l' Université, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Koua A. Antonin
- Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et Radioprotection (LNPR), UFR SSMT, Université Felix Houphouet Boigny, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Boulevard de l' Université, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Autorité de Radioprotection, de Sûreté et Sécurité Nucléaires (ARSN), 08 BP 4028 Abidjan 08, Abidjan Cocody—Riviera Bonoumin Rond point Alassane Ouattara, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kouakou Omer
- Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et Radioprotection (LNPR), UFR SSMT, Université Felix Houphouet Boigny, 22 BP 582 ABIDJAN 22, Boulevard de l' Université, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
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8
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Elemental Analysis and Natural Radioactivity Levels of Clay by Gamma Ray Spectrometer and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS 2016. [DOI: 10.1155/2016/8726260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to increased global demand for clay, the present work involves the use of INAA for elemental analysis and pollutants concentration in clay. The samples were collected from Aswan in South Egypt. The samples were irradiated using the thermal neutrons “at the TRIGA Mainz research reactor” and at a neutron flux “of 7 × 10 n/cm s”. Twenty-six elements quantitatively and qualitatively were specified for the first time upon studying the samples. The elements determined are U, Th, Ta, Hf, Lu, Eu, Ce, Ba, Sn, Nb, Rb, Zn, Co, Fe, Cr, Sc, Sm, La, Yb, As, Ga, K, Mn, Na, Ti, and Mg. The concentrations of natural radionuclides232Th,226Ra, and40K were also calculated. Based on these concentrations, to estimate the exposure risk for using clay as raw materials in building materials, the radiation hazard indices such as radium equivalent activities, effective doses rate, and the external hazard indices have been computed. The obtained results were compared with analogous studies carried out in other countries and with the UNSCEAR reports.
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El-Mageed AIA, Farid MEA, Saleh EE, Mansour M, Mohammed AK. Natural radioactivity and radiological hazards of some building materials of Aden, Yemen. JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION 2014; 140:41-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Rahman SU, Rafique M, Jabbar A. Radiological hazards due to naturally occurring radionuclides in the selected building materials used for the construction of dwellings in four districts of the Punjab Province, Pakistan. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2013; 153:352-360. [PMID: 22798275 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncs109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the finding of a study undertaken to determine the naturally occurring radionuclides present in commonly used building materials for dwellings and workplaces in four districts of the Punjab Province, Pakistan. The concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured by using gamma-ray spectroscopy. A total of 80 samples of building materials were collected from various manufacturers and suppliers of the studied area. The specific activities of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in building samples, and results ranged from minimum values of 9 ± 1, 9 ± 2 and 27 ± 8 Bq kg(-1) to maximum values of 106 ± 5, 133 ± 5 and 914 ± 21 Bq kg(-1) with mean values of 42 ± 3, 48 ± 3 and 376 ± 16 Bq kg(-1), respectively. From the measured activity concentrations, equivalent radium (Ra(eq)), terrestrial absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose as well as external and internal hazard indices were calculated and found to range from 52 ± 7 to 274 ± 15 Bq kg(-1), 23 ± 3 to 130 6 nGy h(-1), 0.15 ± 0.02 to 0.80 ± 0.03 mSv, 0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.75 ± 0.04 and 0.2 ± 0.02 to 0.98 ± 0.05, respectively. These results were comparable to the results of similar studies undertaken locally and in other countries. The samples considered were safe for use in construction of dwellings in the study area and do not pose any significant source of radiation hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- S U Rahman
- Department of Medical Physics, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute, NORI, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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El-Taher A, Ibraheem AA, Abdelkawy S. Elemental analysis of marble used in Saudi Arabia by different nuclear analytical techniques. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 73:17-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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12
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Abstract
Activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in 45 samples of different building materials used in Iraq were measured using gamma-spectroscopy system based on high-purity germanium detector with an efficiency of 40 %. Radium equivalent activity, air-absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices and alpha index due to radon inhalation originating from building materials were measured to assess the potential radiological hazard associated with these building materials. The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (226)Ra, (232)Th and 40K were found to range from below detection limit (BDL) to 223.7 ± 9, BDL to 93.0 ± 3 and BDL to 343.1 ± 12, respectively. Values of average radium equivalent activity, air-absorbed dose rate, indoor and outdoor annual effective doses, external and internal hazard indices and alpha index ranged from 6.5 to 124.9, 16.2 to 89.5 (nGy h(-1)), 0.08 to 0.44 mSv, 0.02-0.11 mSv, 0.09 to 0.53, 0.13 to 0.69 and 0.03 to 0.62, respectively. These values indicate a low dose. Therefore, the building materials used in the current study are quite safe to be used as building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal K Ali
- College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
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El-Taher A. Terrestrial gamma radioactivity levels and their corresponding extent exposure of environmental samples from Wadi El Assuity protective area, Assuit, Upper Egypt. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2011; 145:405-410. [PMID: 21123240 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncq425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Representative environmental samples (sandy soil, limestone, marble and gravels) collected from Wadi El Assuity, protective area, Assuit governorate in Upper Egypt have been investigated radiometrically using NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. The specific activity of the radionuclides in Bq kg⁻¹ for soil ranged between 10.5 and 18.7 for ²²⁶Ra, 1.5 to 4.6 for ²³²Th and from 94 to 107 for ⁴⁰K, for limestone ranged between 19 and 27.1 for ²²⁶Ra, 32.9 to 50 for ²³²Th and from 49 to 7 3 for ⁴⁰K, where, for marble ranged between 12.2 and 30.7 for ²²⁶Ra, 32.6 to 59.5 for ²³²Th and 55 to 70 for ⁴⁰K and for gravels ranged between 7.8 and 21.8 for ²²⁶Ra, 19.8 to 30.0 for ²³²Th and from 151 to 260 for ⁴⁰K. The mean activity concentrations of measured radionuclides were compared with other literature values. The absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity and external hazard index were calculated and compared with internationally recommended values. The gamma absorbed dose rates in the samples ranged between 8.44 and 50.89 nGy h⁻¹. These dose rates are consistent with the accepted worldwide average 55 nGy h⁻¹ for the public. All values obtained for radium equivalent activity are < 370 Bq kg⁻¹, which are acceptable for safe use. The calculated values of external hazard index obtained varied from 0.12 to 0.24. Since these values are lower than unity, one can say that the radiation hazard is insignificant for the population living in the investigated area. This permits the use of these materials sediments as building materials in any probable development projects at this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- A El-Taher
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azher University, Assuit Branch, 71542 Assuit, Egypt.
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Oni OM, Farai IP, Awodugba AO. Natural Radionuclide Concentrations and Radiological Impact Assessment of River Sediments of the Coastal Areas of Nigeria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/jep.2011.24047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Al-Jundi J, Ulanovsky A, Pröhl G. Doses of external exposure in Jordan house due to gamma-emitting natural radionuclides in building materials. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2009; 100:841-846. [PMID: 19628312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of building materials containing naturally occurring radionuclides as (40)K, (232)Th, and (238)U and their progeny results in external exposures of the residents of such buildings. In the present study, indoor dose rates for a typical Jordan concrete room are calculated using Monte Carlo method. Uniform chemical composition of the walls, floor and ceiling as well as uniform mass concentrations of the radionuclides in walls, floor and ceiling are assumed. Using activity concentrations of natural radionuclides typical for the Jordan houses and assuming them to be in secular equilibrium with their progeny, the maximum annual effective doses are estimated to be 0.16, 0.12 and 0.22 mSv a(-1) for (40)K, (232)Th- and (238)U-series, respectively. In a total, the maximum annual effective indoor dose due to external gamma-radiation is 0.50 mSv a(-1). Additionally, organ dose coefficients are calculated for all organs considered in ICRP Publication 74. Breast, skin and eye lenses have the maximum equivalent dose rate values due to indoor exposures caused by the natural radionuclides, while equivalent dose rates for uterus, colon (LLI) and small intestine are found to be the smallest. More specifically, organ dose rates (nSv a(-1)per Bq kg(-1)) vary from 0.044 to 0.060 for (40)K, from 0.44 to 0.60 for radionuclides from (238)U-series and from 0.60 to 0.81 for radionuclides from (232)Th-series. The obtained organ and effective dose conversion coefficients can be conveniently used in practical dose assessment tasks for the rooms of similar geometry and varying activity concentrations and local-specific occupancy factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Al-Jundi
- The Hashemite University, Department of Physics, Zarqa, Jordan
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Hassan NM, Ishikawa T, Hosoda M, Sorimachi A, Tokonami S, Fukushi M, Sahoo SK. Assessment of the natural radioactivity using two techniques for the measurement of radionuclide concentration in building materials used in Japan. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-009-0050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Farai IP, Isinkaye MO. Radiological safety assessment of surface-water dam sediments used as building material in southwestern Nigeria. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2009; 29:85-93. [PMID: 19225186 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/29/1/006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-ray spectrometric measurements were performed on sediment samples collected from surface-water dams in five southwestern states of Nigeria with the aim of estimating the background radiation levels and assessing the radiological hazards associated with the use of sediments in building construction. The weighted mean concentration of (40)K varied from 199.1 to 796.7 Bq kg(-1), whereas that of (238)U varied from 22.6 to 27.6 Bq kg(-1) and that of (232)Th varied from 36.4 to 76.1 Bq kg(-1) in the five states where samples were collected. The radiological hazards due to the natural radioactivity in samples were inferred from calculations of radium equivalent activities, internal and external indices, and effective dose rates in indoor air. The values obtained are lower than internationally recommended limits for building materials. The results indicate an acceptably low radiological risk arising from the use of the sediments in the construction of buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- I P Farai
- Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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Ademola JA. Assessment of natural radionuclide content of cements used in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2008; 28:581-588. [PMID: 19029592 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/28/4/010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in seven brands of Portland cement used in Nigeria have been determined using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a hyperpure germanium detector. A total of 22 samples were collected from suppliers. The mean activity concentrations varied between 19.2 and 85.1 Bq kg(-1), 12.9 and 31.7 Bq kg(-1), and 31.5 and 116 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K, respectively, which are lower than the world averages for building materials. The average values of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K content of all the cement samples are 43.8, 21.5 and 71.7 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The results of the radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, gamma activity index and alpha index calculated were all within the recommended limits for safety, and compare well with results obtained in some other countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Ademola
- Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Assessment of radiological hazards due to the natural radioactivity in soil and building material samples collected from six districts of the Punjab province-Pakistan. RADIAT MEAS 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2008.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ademola JA. Determination of natural radionuclides content in some building materials in Nigeria by gamma-ray spectrometry. HEALTH PHYSICS 2008; 94:43-48. [PMID: 18091150 DOI: 10.1097/01.hp.0000279601.26386.af] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a study undertaken to determine the natural radioactivity present in some building materials in Nigeria using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a hyper pure germanium detector. A total of 118 samples of commonly used building materials were collected from manufacturers and suppliers of these materials. The mean radioactivity concentrations measured in the different building materials varied from 9.4 to 62.9, 1.3 to 88.4, and 21.5 to 762.4 Bq kg(-1), respectively, for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K. The average contents of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K for all the samples were 36.3, 46.5, and 320.9 Bq kg(-1), respectively, lower than the world average for building materials (50, 50, and 500 Bq kg(-1)). The calculated mean radium equivalent activity and external and internal hazard indices for the entire sample were lower than United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation recommended limits and comparable with results of similar studies undertaken in other countries. The mean annual gonadal equivalent doses of some of the samples were higher than the world average value for soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Ademola
- Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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