Determination of radioactivity levels in Akhisar, Gordes, Golmarmara and Sindirgi regions, Western Turkey

WOS: 000330780800008In this study, radioactivity measurements in the environment of Akhisar, Golmarmara, Gordes and Sindirgi regions in Western Turkey were investigated in order to evaluate the implications of any excess radioactivity in the environment of geological formation. The radioactivity concentrations of K-40, U-238 and Th-232 radionuclides in the soil samples were measured by a NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer system, and the radium activity concentrations in the water samples were also analyzed by an ZnS(Ag) alpha counter by the collector chamber method. The radioactivity of K-40, U-238 and Th-232 in soils ranged 2.80-2,347.77, 9.90-256.19 and 9.66-106.53 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity of Ra-226 in the water samples ranged from 0.03 Bq L-1 (0.89pCi/L) to 0.80 Bq L-1 (21.58pCi/L). In addition, the external terrestrial gamma dose rate in air (nGy h(-1)), annual effective dose rate (mSv year(-1)) and radium equivalent activity (Bq kg(-1)) were calculated and compared with international standard values.Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP)Celal Bayar University [2010/10]In this study, Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP) No. 2010/10 with the Project is supported

Radioactivity levels and heavy metals in the urban soil of Central Serbia

Radioactivity concentrations and heavy metal content were measured in soil samples collected from the area of Kragujevac, one of the largest cities in Serbia. The specific activities of Ra-226, Th-232, K-40 and Cs-137 in 30 samples were measured by gamma spectrometry using an HPGe semiconductor detector. The average values +/- standard deviations were 33.5 +/- 8.2, 50.3 +/- 10.6, 425.8 +/- 75.7 and 40.2 +/- 26.3 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and Cs-137 have shown normal distribution. The annual effective doses, radium equivalent activities, external hazard indexes and excess lifetime cancer risk were also estimated. A RAD7 device was used for measuring radon exhalation rates from several samples with highest content of Ra-226. The concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured, as well as their EDTA extractable concentrations. Wide ranges of values were obtained, especially for Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The absence of normal distribution indicates anthropogenic origin of Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. Correlations between radionuclide activities, heavy metal contents and physicochemical properties of analysed soil were determined by Spearman correlation coefficient. Strong positive correlation between Ra-226 and Th-232 was found