Gamma-ray spectroscopic analysis of selected samples from Nile river sediments in upper Egypt

Selected sedimentary samples from different locations on the east and west banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt were analysed by natural radioactivity measurements to detect the presence of radioactive elements. From the analysis of radiations from 226Ra, 232Th and (40)K isotopes, the samples were found to contain Ra, Th and K in concentrations up to 52 +/- 7.3, 76.2 +/- 6.2 and 351.9 +/- 17.6 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The absorbed dose rate in air was found to be in the range of 9.6-84.8 nGyh(-1). The representative external hazard index values for the corresponding samples were also estimated.