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Typical HPGe gamma ray spectrum due to the naturally occurring gamma-emitting radionuclides in the Margalla Hills limestone. The 226 Ra has been identified by spectrum peaks of
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Studies on naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in the limestone from the Margalla Hills have been carried out by measuring gamma activity and to access its radiological implications if any. For data acquisition, a High-Purity Germanium detector was employed. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K were found to be 14....
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Context 1
... reference materials were collected for 30,000 s. Efficiencies ( η ) of the spectra peaks were determined for the energies given in Table 1. A polynomial log( η ) vs. log( E ) was fitted and stored in the PC . Spectrum acquisition for every sample of limestone was carried out for 30,000 s and the spectra were stored in the PC. Typical spectrum of one of the samples of limestone is shown in Fig. 3. Spectrum analysis was performed by applying GAMMA-W software. Activity concentrations were determined after subtracting the background from the spectra of the samples. The analyses of the radionuclides were carried out on the basis of peaks of the daughter products given in Table 1 ( 214 Bi, & 214 Pb for 226 Ra; 228 Ac & 208 Tl for 232 Th) in equilibrium with their parent nuclides (Matiullah et al. 2004). The analysis of 40 K was based upon its single peak of 1,460 keV. Details on activity concentration measurements are given in references (Tufail et al. ...
Citations
... The term "absorbed gamma dose rate" describes the radiation energy that a unit mass of material or a human body absorbs per unit of time as a result of exposure to gamma rays 53 . The unit of absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of material. ...
This study assessed the radioactivity levels and associated risks in the black sand-separated products obtained from the black sand separation plant in Delta, Egypt. A total of sixteen samples were taken from hot spots during and after the separation process. These include water samples and other samples that represent monazite, rutile, zircon, granite, ilmenite, and silica products. The hot spots included the area where the ore was stored. The activity concentrations of 232 Th , 226 Ra , and 40 K were determined in these samples using a p-type HPGe detector. Based on gamma spectrometric analysis, samples of rutile, zircon, and monazite had the highest amounts of radioactivity because they contained the highest NORM's activity concentrations. In addition, it indicated that the radiological hazard indices of the collected samples were higher than the average world limits for sand texture. These findings suggest that the black sand separation process reveals potential risks to human health and the environment, and therefore, appropriate measures need to be taken to mitigate these risks, especially for the safety of the workers on-site. Reducing the risk associated with those sites should be controlled by implementing the recommendations declared for the series of International Basic Safety Standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (GSR) Part 3, as affirmed in Document No. 103 of 2007 by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) as will be presented in the paper body.
... This relation indicates that 226 Ra and 232 Th should have been derived from similar origins whereas 40 K should have a different origin. The ratio of 232 Th/ 226 Ra greater than the unity ensures that there is the presence of monazite material in the sand samples (22,23) . The order of the radioactive concentration of these radionuclides followed the order 40 K > 232 Th > 226 Ra. ...
This study was conducted to investigate the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the sand samples and the health hazards associated with them utilizing a NaI (Tl) gamma spectrometer. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 24.8 ± 10.1, 39.8 ± 16.4 and 531.3 ± 52.8 Bq kg−1, respectively. The calculated radiological hazard parameters, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed gamma dose and effective dose rate, were found to be 122.7 ± 34.0 Bq kg−1, 57.7 ± 14.9 nGy h−1 and 0.3 ± 0.1 mSv y−1, respectively. Notably, these results were observed to be below the recommended thresholds. Other measured hazard indices were also lower than the prescribed values. From a radiological perspective, the present study concludes that the sand samples do not pose any threat to human health when utilized as a building material.
... Concerning radioactivity, about 70 radionuclides are present in the Earth's crust and are naturally found in air, water, soil, and building materials. Some have applications in many fields (e.g., agriculture, medicine, sterilization), but many others can have serious health implications (Ali et al., 2012;Paschoa and Steinhäusler, 2010). For example, 222 Rn and two of its short-lived progeny 218 Po and 214 Po (all alpha emitters) represent most of the risks for inhalation exposure (NRC, 1999;Vengosh et al., 2022). ...
Natural fibrous epsomite crystals containing high amounts of toxic and radioactive elements have recently been discovered in the abandoned sulphur mine of Perticara (Italy). In the present study, all the different matrices that characterize the Perticara mine (air, water, host-rock, minerals, and bitumen) were sampled and investigated employing a multi-analytical approach to define the distribution and origin of these hazardous elements. Water samples showed high Al, Fe, Pb, Mg, and Mn content but not radioactive elements. The bitumen sample showed a higher amount of 210Po and 210Pb (0.12 Bq/g and 0.11 Bq/g, respectively), compared to the host-rock and fibrous sericolite samples, but lower than fibrous epsomite crystals (210Po 5.59 Bq/g; 210Pb 5.93 Bq/g). A high 222Rn concentration was also detected in the tunnels and it is likely the source of both 210Po and 210Pb, which are in radioactive equilibrium, especially in epsomite. This latter mineral, being capable of capturing 210Po and 210Pb, can be used as a helpful mineral indicator for the presence of radioactive elements in similar environmental conditions.
Moreover, our results also highlight a slight anomaly in the 40K and 226Ra content of the host-rock, probably derived from the evaporitic sediments of the rock succession. The current risk for humans linked to the mine environment is minor since the activity of the mine ended several decades ago. However, the results of this study must be taken into serious consideration for any future development of this area (e.g., industrial archaeology, farming, educational, scientific and touristic purposes), and represent the basis for the calculation of radiotoxicity and dose assessment, which is fundamental for the correct and safe management of the mining environment and neighbouring areas.
... On one hand, radium and thorium are strongly correlated, on the other hand, the ratio of 232 Th/ 226 Ra is greater than the unity. It clearly indicates the presence of monazite material in the cement samples [35,36]. The estimated value of radium equivalent activity is also strongly correlated with 232 Th ( r = 0.859 ) rather than with 226 Ra (r = 0.673) as it is governed by Eq. (3). ...
This study was undertaken to determine natural radioactivity and potential radiological hazards associated with cement. A NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer run with gamma vision software was used to analyze the samples. The average value of activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K were 22.9 ± 7.7, 27.3 ± 8.3, and 336.5 ± 44.9 Bq/kg respectively. These values are well below the global average value for building materials. All the radiological hazard parameters are also lower than the recommended value for safe use. From a radiological point of view, they are therefore suitable for use as building materials.
... On one hand, radium and thorium are strongly correlated, on the other hand, the ratio of 232 Th/ 226 Ra is greater than the unity. It clearly indicates the presence of monazite material in the cement samples [35,36]. The estimated value of radium equivalent activity is also strongly correlated with 232 Th ( r = 0.859 ) rather than with 226 Ra (r = 0.673) as it is governed by Eq. (3). ...
... Based on the calculated Ḋo ut , outdoor annual effective dose, OAED, in mSv/year, can be obtained from the following relation (Radiation 2008, Ali et al. 2012): ...
... The zircon and rutile are higher than the raw black sand due to concentration processes (European Commission 1999;Radiation 2008). The specific activity of 40 K contained in zircon and rutile was lower than that for natural black sand and the mean international value in soil, was 400 Bq/kg (Radiation 2000; Ali et al. 2012), while ilmenite and magnetite were equal or slightly higher than that for raw sand. ...
... permissible dose limit for those people who may be in direct and prolonged contact with these investigated materials (European Commission 1999;Radiation 2008;Ali et al. 2012). ...
Black sands represent a good source of economic minerals with various industrial applications. However, their radioactive properties may prevent their use in specific applications. In this study, zircon, ilmenite, magnetite, and rutile are four minerals represent more than 75% of the black sand content, were selected to evaluate their Intrinsic radiological properties. The chemical composition of these minerals was determined along with their density and particle size. Then, the activity concentrations of the naturally occurring radioactive nuclides were experimentally determined and the most important radiological hazard indices were calculated. The results indicated that the upgrading process concentrates the natural radioisotopes in some minerals like the zircon and rutile leaving the magnetite and ilmenite with lower content than permissible limits. Moreover, the risk analysis identified the dangerous conditions and situations and suggest possible solutions to reduce these hazardous situations to a minimum and to keep a safe environment for the workers. ARTICLE HISTORY
... A review of the literature shows that several studies on natural radioactivity were conducted in various hilly areas in the world (Elephant Hills, Tamilnadu, India (Jananee et al., 2021); Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India (Ravisankar et al., 2012); Aravali Hills, India (Kumari et al., 2017); Bajaur District in the Himalayan tectonic zone of Northern Pakistan (Younis et al., 2021); Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia (Bakar et al., 2017); Margalla Hills, Islamabad, Pakistan (Ali et al., 2012); Phosphate hills, Russaifa region, Jordan (Hamideen & Sharaf, 2012); Highlands of northern Jordan (Al-Hamarneh & Awadallah, 2009); Euganean Hills, Italy (Cinelli et al., 2020); Homa Mountain, Homa Bay County, Kenya (Otwoma et al., 2012)), but a similar data is scarce in the hilly areas in Bangladesh. Consequently, a comprehensive study of the concentrations of NORMs in the hilly areas of Bangladesh, as well as the calculation of the annual effective dose equivalent for tourists and local residents, shows utmost importance. ...
... Limestone collected from the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan, exhibited low levels of radioactivity (Ali et al., 2012) because the Margalla Hill Formation is primarily composed of fine-to medium-grained limestone (limestone is a sedimentary rock) with subordinate marl and shale, and sedimentary rocks have lower radioactivity levels. ...
This is the first attempt in the world to depict the vertical distribution of radionuclides in the soil samples along several heights (900 feet, 1550 feet, and 1650 feet) of Marayon Tong hill in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bandarban by HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of 232 Th, 226 Ra, and 40 K were found to be 37.15 ± 3.76 Bqkg −1 , 19.69 ± 2.15 Bqkg −1 , and 347.82 ± 24.50 Bqkg −1 , respectively, where in most cases, 232 Th exceeded the world average value of 30 Bqkg −1. According to soil characterization, soils ranged from slightly acidic to moderately acidic, with low soluble salts. The radium equivalent activity, outdoor and indoor absorbed dose rate, external and internal hazard indices, external and internal effective dose rates, gamma level index, and excess lifetime cancer risk were evaluated and found to be below the recommended or world average values; but a measurable activity of 137 Cs was found at soils collected from ground level and at an altitude of 1550 feet, which possibly arises from the nuclear fallout. The evaluation of cumulative radiation doses to the inhabitants via periodic measurement is recommended due to the elevated levels of 232 Th. This pioneering work in mapping the vertical distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) can be an essential factual baseline data for the scientific community that may be used to evaluate the variation in NORMs in the future, especially after the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh in 2024.
... The specific activity of 40 K contained in both minerals is lower than the mean international value in soil, 400 Bq/kg [21][22]. Table 4 shows the results of the statistical design of magnetite and ilmenite percentages and the effect of different mixture combinations on the mixture density and radioactive concentrations. ...
Heavy minerals proved to be a good candidate as an additive to concrete to produce shielding material. The higher the density is the better the shielding properties. In this study, the heaviest two minerals of the black sand beneficiation products; namely ilmenite and magnetite, were in preparing a mixture with a high specific gravity. However, such minerals in black sand are known by their radioactivity, thus, the radiation activity of each mineral was determined. in addition, the statistical design was used to indicate the importance of the mixture on the produced density and radioactive concentration. Furthermore, the resulting mixture was optimized to produce a mixture with the highest density and radioactive concentrations that do not exceed the standard limits. The results indicated the higher the content of both minerals is the higher the density. On the other hand, the radioactive activity of ilmenite is found to exceed the allowable limits contrary to magnetite which has a lower activity than standard values. Using the optimization process generated eight mixtures with a specific Journal of Namibian Studies, 34 S2(2023): 1731-1742 ISSN: 2197-5523 (online) 1732 gravity between 4.7-4.8 and radioactive concentrations of 16, 15, and 58 Bq/kg for 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K, respectively
... The main natural radioactive sources of ionizing radiation are the long-lived 238 U, 232 Th, and their decay series and 40 K (Salih 2018a). Human beings were subjected to radioactivity when ingesting and inhaling radionuclides tagged with food, water, and air (Ali et al. 2012). About 87% of human exposure to radiation is from natural sources of radioactivity (USNRC 2010;Muhammad 2012), specifically, potassium, uranium, and thorium; and progeny of the 238 U and 232 Th are decay series through inhalation or ingestion of those radionuclides into the body (Abdul et al. 2010;Pöschl and Nollet 2006). ...
... Outdoor external dose, Dout is given as Eq. (6) (Ali et al. 2012). ...
... Alpha index was calculated from Eq. (7) Internal hazard index, Hin is given as Eq. (8) (Ali et al. 2012;Salih 2018b). ...
This study was carried out to measure the radioactivity of radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K) in tap water (drinking water) of 18 houses in Chamchamal town, Kurdistan Iraqi region by using the gamma-ray spectrometry (HPGe detector). The concentrations of 226Ra in drinking water sample varied from 42.335 Bq·L−1 in TW3 to 102.209 Bq·L−1 in TW13 with an average of 75.675 Bq·L−1; the concentrations of 232Th varied from 35.895 Bq·L−1 in TW3 to 96.269 Bq·L−1 in TW13 with an average of 68.678 Bq·L−1; and the concentrations of 40 K ranged from 367.885 Bq·L−1 in TW3 to 527.759 Bq·L−1 in TW13 with an average of 447.058 Bq·L−1. Thus, the highest activity concentration ratio was found in TW13 (40 K (74%) > 226Ra (14%) > 232Th (12%)). Nonetheless, the maximum concentration of 226Ra (102.209 Bq·L−1) was relatively lower than the maximal admissible value of 370 Bq·L−1, as suggested by UNSCEAR. The maximum values of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), outdoor external dose (Dout), and indoor absorbed dose (Din) rate in the drinking water samples were determined to be 280.511 Bq·L−1, (0.757, 1.033, 127.37) nGyh−1 and 242.14 nGyh−1, respectively. Iγ of gamma and Iα of gamma were measured to be 0.998 and 0.511, respectively. Strong correlation was found between the activity concentrations of Ra-226 and Raeq in the drinking water. Natural radionuclide in drinking water is 0.1 mSv·year−1 established by the WHO. Therefore, drinking water samples in location under study are considered safe from radiological health hazard.
... I = (C Ra /300) + (C Th /200) + (C K /3000) [25], (3) H ex = (C Ra /370) + (C Th /259) + (C K /4810), (4) D out = 0.462C Ra + 0.604C Th + 0.0417C K [26]. ...
Abstract
Radioactive concentration of the 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides evaluated in the samples of beach sand using high purity germanium (HPGe) detector for 15 locations. Health risks have been determined regarded on the levels of radioactivity concentration of each sample. Sand samples have been processed using standard procedures of the radionuclide concentrations being determined using a HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. Average measured activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varied between (18.5±2.12) to (42.1±3.65), (25.2±2.02) to (50.6±4.32), and (264.2±8.66) to (542.6±11.26) Bq/kg, respectively with average value of (29.2±2.18)Bq/kg, (36.4±2.72) Bq/kg and (364.4±9.62) Bq/kg, respectively.
Minimum values of radioactive concentration of 232Th, 226Ra, & 40K and their health risks found in the samples of the Askikalak location on the great zab river. Elevated values of radioactivity concentration of 40K, and recorded in the location of Dukan sand samples on the Little Zab River. Maximum radioactive concentration of 226Ra was found in the samples of locations of Rezan on the great zab river. Present results are compared with the other researchers and the international reports; it was under the average value that has reported by UNSCEAR (2000). As well as, risks of radioactive elements estimated for each sample regarded radium equivalent activities, external and internal hazard indices, and absorbed dose.
