scholarly journals In-situ assessment of natural terrestrial-radioactivity from Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th) and Potassium-40 (40K) in coastal urban-environment and its possible health implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Joel ◽  
M. Omeje ◽  
O. C. Olawole ◽  
G. A. Adeyemi ◽  
A. Akinpelu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Gamma Spectroscopy ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
Parent Radionuclide ◽  
Potassium 40 ◽  
Thorium 232

AbstractThe risk of natural terrestrial radioactivity on human health is often underestimated, and environmental safety awareness is necessary. Hence, this study aims to assess natural sources of gamma radiation emitter in coastal urban-environment using the radiometric technique. The dosage of gamma radiation from a parent radionuclide such as Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th) and Potassium-40 (40K) and were measured using portable gamma spectroscopy. The result showed that the measured value of 238U activity was between 10.81 $$\pm$$ ± 0.69 and 46.31 $$\pm$$ ± 1.43 Bqkg−1. The mean value was estimated to be 35.44 $$\pm$$ ± 0.97 Bqkg−1 which is slightly higher than the world average. Meanwhile, 232Th activity ranges from 28.42 $$\pm$$ ± 1.12 to 69.43 $$\pm$$ ± 1.76 Bqkg−1 with the calculated mean value of 92.57 $$\pm$$ ± 1.17 Bqkg−1 while 40K activity ranged between 31.30 ± 1.32 and 328.65 ± 2.32 Bqkg−1 with the estimated mean 137.59 $$\pm$$ ± 2.42 Bqkg−1. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent (Req), internal hazard (Hint) and external hazard (Hext) assessment were in the range of 66.00 Bqkg−1 to 141.76 Bqkg−1, 0.232 to 0.452 and 0.178 to 0.383, respectively. The measured values of gamma dose-rates ranged between 54.283 ± 0.78 and 117.531 ± 1.14 nGyh−1 with the calculated mean value of 84.770 ± 0.97 nGyh−1.

scholarly journals Using Gamma Spectroscopy to Calculate Radioactive Contaminants in Foreign and Local Tobacco Samples

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed F. Mkhaiber ◽  
Auday T. Al-Bayati ◽  
Enas A. Jawad ◽  
Khalid H. Mahdi
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Gamma Spectroscopy ◽  
Natural Radionuclide ◽  
Germanium Detector ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Radium Equivalent Activity ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
Potassium 40 ◽  
Thorium 232

The normal radioactivity levels of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 were calculated for ten types of foreign and local cigarettes available on the Iraqi market using a gamma-ray spectroscopy technique employing the germanium detector system. The results of this study showed that the average specific activity for each of Uranium-238, Thorium-232 and Potassium-40 were 21.689± 4.596, 18.906 ± 4.148, and 430.094 ± 19.449 (Bq/Kg) respectively. The annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity and excess lifetime cancer risk for the studied samples were also calculated, and their rates were 11.582 μsv/y, 81.841 Bq/Kg, and 40.538 people per million per year respectively. The outcomes indicate that the rate of concentration of uranium and thorium is lower than the permissible values, whereas the average concentration of potassium was slightly higher than the permissible values. This research is important because it warns against several types of cigarettes that contain high concentrations of radionuclides, which can lead to infection cancer and then lead to the death of the person who has used it profusely. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to evaluate the radiological risks of radionuclides in tobacco cigarette smoke by evaluating their natural radionuclide concentrations.

scholarly journals Estimation of Terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) dose rate in characteristic geological formations of Jos Plateau, Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 593-597
Author(s):  
Habu Tela Abba ◽  
Wan Muhammad Saridan Wan Hassan ◽  
Muneer Aziz Saleh ◽  
Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu ◽  
Ahmad Termizi Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Dose Rate ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Jos Plateau ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Geological Formation ◽  
Geological Formations

A study was conducted to estimate the terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) dose rates associated with the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K in the characteristic geological formations of Jos Plateau. A total of 51 surface soils from all the geological units were collected and measured using high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry system. From the measured activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K, TGR dose rates in air outdoors 1 m above ground surface, were estimated to be in the range of 36 nGy h-1 to 456 nGy h-1, depending on the geological formation, with an overall mean value of 143 nGy h-1. The estimated mean value is by a factor of two higher than the world average value of 59 nGy h-1. Geological formation G8 (Younger granites) appear to have the highest mean TGR dose rate while G7 (sandstone, clay and shale) show the lowest mean TGR dose rate. The results of this study inferred that, TGR dose rates outdoors for Jos Plateau differs with the different geological formations and significantly contributed by 232Th. An isodose map for the distribution of TGR and exposure rate to the public due to natural sources was also plotted using ArcGIS software. The data here presented can be used to evaluate public radiation dose and to produce radiological map for the country.

Natural radioactivity in marine sediment of Khor- Abdulla Northern west of the Arabian Gulf

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2340-2347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Subber ◽  
Munaf Qasim Jaber ◽  
Noori H.N. Al-Hashmi
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Spectroscopy ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Sediment Samples ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Naturally Occurring Radionuclides ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
The Mean

This work presents measurements of natural radionuclides (238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in the sea sediment using gamma spectroscopy. The sediment samples were collected from coastal and deep water using special equipment for this purpose. This work was performed in Khor-Abdulla, northern west of the Arabian Gulf to establish the baseline data level for naturally occurring radionuclides in the study area and will be useful for tracking and assessing any accentual pollution in the marine environment in the region. The average values of 232Th, 238U,226Ra, 40K are 5.6 Bq/kg, 7.2 Bq/kg, 44.4 Bq/kg  and 293.9 Bq/kg respectively. It is found that,the mean radium equivalent Raeq and effective dose rates are  84.5 Bq/kg and 0.046 mSv/y respectively and they are well below the recommended limit of international committees.

RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN BUILDING MATERIALS

2018 ◽  
Vol 185 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Madruga ◽  
C Miró ◽  
M Reis ◽  
L Silva
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Radium Equivalent Activity ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
Radiological Health ◽  
Hazard Parameters

Abstract Building materials from Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) were collected and analysed for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. The results show that the highest mean value of 226Ra and 232Th activities are 2168 and 390 Bq kg−1, respectively, measured in zircon. For 40K, this value is 1290 Bq kg−1, measured in granite. The mean concentrations of the three radionuclides in the different building materials, excluding the zircon and the industrial by-products (ashes, gypsum and phosphogypsum), are 62, 31 and 519 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The radiological health hazard parameters: radium equivalent activity (Raeq), activity concentration index (I) absorbed and effective dose rates, associated with these radionuclides, were evaluated. These values are within the EU recommended limits in building materials, except for same samples of aggregates, granites, ceramics, phosphogypsum and zircon. This study will contribute for the worldwide data pooling on the radioactivity of the building materials.

scholarly journals Evaluating the hazards of background radiation and cesium in the soil of greenhouses within the region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: تقييم مخاطر الإشعاعات الطبيعية وعنصر السيزيوم في التربة داخل البيوت المحمية في منطقة الرياض، المملكة العربية السعودية

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulwahed Mohamed Aboukarima, Ibrahim Soliman Tabash, Abdul
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Gamma Rays ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Absorbed Dose ◽  
Fiber Glass ◽  
Hazard Indices ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
Cesium 137 ◽  
Potassium 40 ◽  
Thorium 232

The study evaluates the hazards of background radiation and Cesium- 137 in the soil of greenhouses within the region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Mole detector was utilized. It renders readings for the concentration of Uranium- 238, Thorium- 232, Potassium- 40 and Cesium- 137. Field measures were conducted at Alkharj at Nowara Farm Nurseries, Saudi Arabia. Measures were taken at three different greenhouses (plastic covered, glass covered and fiber glass covered). The plants at the plastic- covered greenhouse were cucumber, pepper and eggplant while in the glass and fiber glass- covered greenhouse, the vegetation were ornamental plants and flowers. The average concentration of Uranium- 238 recorded (19.33 Bq/ kg), Thorium- 232 (14.09 Bq/ kg), Potassium- 40 (130.77 Bq/ kg) and Cesium- 137 (1.81 Bq/ kg). These values are less than the world rates. Some radiation hazard indices were also calculated like Radium Equivalent (Raeq), the absorbed dose of Gamma rays in the air, external and internal hazard indices with the purpose of evaluating the dangers of the radiations existing in the greenhouse soil on health. The average radium equivalent activity (Raeq) recorded (49.56 Bq/ kg) which is less than the permissible world rates (370 Bq/ kg). The absorbed dose of Gamma rays in the air recorded (22.94 nGy/ hr) which is again less than the permissible world rates (59 nGy/ h). The average internal and external hazard indices recorded less than one and came within the world permissible limits.

Urban Environment Design: New Methodological Approaches Based on the Biosphere Compatibility Paradigm (Part 1)

2020 ◽  
pp. 121-133
Author(s):  
В. А. Ильичев ◽  
В. И. Колчунов ◽  
Г. А. Птичникова ◽  
А. А. Кормина
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Town Planning ◽  
Environment Design ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
Design Solutions ◽  
Four Blocks ◽  
Architectural Organization

Постановка задачи. Ставится вопрос о необходимости развития методологических подходов градостроительного проектирования на микротерриториальном уровне, направленных на создание комфортной и безопасной среды жизнедеятельности в городах и поселениях. Результаты. Получила развитие методология разработки проектов планировки территории - градостроительной документации элементов планировочной структуры (кварталов, микрорайонов, жилых районов) - на основе разрабатываемой в РААСН парадигмы биосферной совместимости городов и поселений, развивающих человека. Предлагается методика оценки вариантов проектов планировки на основе сравнения четырех блоков индикаторов: экологической безопасности жилых территорий, пространственно-территориальных ресурсов, структурно-планировочной и архитектурной организации территории и обеспеченности городскими функциями. По каждому из этих блоков определен необходимый и достаточный состав индикаторов оценки проектных решений. Показаны перспективы развития количественной оценки проектных решений с использованием принципов парадигмы биосферной совместимости на микротерриториальном уровне. Выводы. Выполненная численная оценка проектных решений жилых кварталов показывает прежде всего социальное с точки зрения предоставления необходимых условий жизнедеятельности и развития человека содержание проектов планировки территории, а также их экологический императив. Statement of the problem. The question is raised about the need to develop methodological approaches to urban planning at the microterritorial level aimed at creating a comfortable and safe environment for life in cities and settlements. Results. The authors propose a methodology development project plan for the area - planning documentation of the town-planning elements of the planning structure (blocks, neighborhoods, residential areas) based on the paradigm developed in RAACS of biosphere compatibility of man-made cities and settlements. The method of evaluating variants of planning projects based on a comparison of four blocks of indicators: environmental safety of residential areas, spatial and territorial resources, structural planning and architectural organization of the territory and provision of urban functions. For each of these blocks, the necessary and sufficient composition of indicators is determined, which are calculated based on the design solutions. The prospects for the development of quantitative evaluation of design solutions using the principles of the biosphere compatibility paradigm at the microterritorial level are shown. Conclusion. The numerical evaluation of the design solutions shows the social content of the territory planning projects and reflects the decisions on the urban environment of the city.

scholarly journals Analysis of the 40K levels in soil using gamma spectrometry

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (spe2) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Araújo dos Santos Júnior ◽  
Jorge João Ricardo Ferreira Cardoso ◽  
Cleomacio Miguel da Silva ◽  
Suêldo Vita Silveira ◽  
Romilton dos Santos Amaral
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Spectrometry ◽  
Absorbed Dose ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Spectrometry Method ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Elemental Concentrations ◽  
High Purity Germanium ◽  
Specific Activities ◽  
Potassium 40

Potassium-40 was determined in soil in an area with 40,000 m² situated in the western State of Pernambuco, Brazil. For radiometric measurements, the gamma spectrometry method with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used. Sampling of 78 soil samples has been performed at intervals of 25 m. The specific activities of 40K were calculated based on the photopeak of 1.46 MeV. Values from 541 to 3,572 Bq kg-1 were obtained (mean of 1,827 Bq kg-1). These values allowed the determination of the elemental concentrations as well as the absorbed dose rates in air, 1 m above the ground. The values varied from 1.7 to 11.5% (mean of 6%) and from 23.4 to 154.3 nGy h-1 (mean of 79 nGy h-1), respectively.

scholarly journals Differential expression of NPM, GSTA3, and GNMT in mouse liver following long-term in vivo irradiation by means of uranium tailings

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lan Yi ◽  
Hongxiang Mu ◽  
Nan Hu ◽  
Jing Sun ◽  
Jie Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Central Vein ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Γ Radiation ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Uranium Tailings

Uranium tailings (UT) are formed as a byproduct of uranium mining and are of potential risk to living organisms. In the present study, we sought to identify potential biomarkers associated with chronic exposure to low dose rate γ radiation originating from UT. We exposed C57BL/6J mice to 30, 100, or 250 μGy/h of gamma radiation originating from UT samples. Nine animals were included in each treatment group. We observed that the liver central vein was significantly enlarged in mice exposed to dose rates of 100 and 250 μGy/h, when compared with nonirradiated controls. Using proteomic techniques, we identified 18 proteins that were differentially expressed (by a factor of at least 2.5-fold) in exposed animals, when compared with controls. We chose glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), glutathione S-transferase A3 (GSTA3), and nucleophosmin (NPM) for further investigations. Our data showed that GNMT (at 100 and 250 μGy/h) and NPM (at 250 μGy/h) were up-regulated, and GSTA3 was down-regulated in all of the irradiated groups, indicating that their expression is modulated by chronic gamma radiation exposure. GNMT, GSTA3, and NPM may therefore prove useful as biomarkers of gamma radiation exposure associated with UT. The mechanisms underlying those changes need to be further studied.

scholarly journals Evaluation of environmental natural radioactivity levels in soil and ground water of Barkin Ladi, Plateau state, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-342
Author(s):  
Habu Tela Abba ◽  
Wan Muhammad Saridan Wan Hassan ◽  
Muneer Aziz saleh
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Gamma Dose ◽  
Chemical Toxicity ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Plateau State ◽  
Geochemical Investigation

Gamma spectrometry was used to measure gamma dose rate in air and to determine the activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides viz. 226Ra 232Th and 40K in soil samples collected across the geological formations of Barkin Ladi. Dose rates measured in-situ ranged from 5 nGy h−1 to 1265 nGy h−1 with a mean value of 325 nGy h−1. The activity concentrations of 226Ra ranged from 27 to 327 Bq kg−1, 34 to 457 Bq kg−1 for 232Th and 43 to 1055 Bq kg−1 for 40K. Their mean values are significantly higher than their corresponding global average values. Annual effective dose due to exposure to gamma dose is calculated at 0.34 mSv y−1. Mass concentrations of uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th) determined in groundwater samples using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) ranged from 2.5 to 35 µg l−1 for 238U and 0.5 to 15 µg l−1 for 232Th. Ingestion effective dose varies between 10.5 and 142 mSv y−1 for 238U and between 0.34 and 10.2 mSv y−1 for 232Th. Mass concentration of three water samples exceed the toxicity limit of U in groundwater provided by WHO. The result revealed that human risk due to ingestion of groundwater is from chemical toxicity rather than radiological effects.  The results of this work will be useful for radio-geochemical investigation and groundwater resources management.

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