Environmental radioactivity assessment for Bayburt, Turkey

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiological Protection
• Nuclear Geophysics

Background:

• Understanding background radiation is crucial for assessing potential environmental and health risks.
• Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region's radiological status requires detailed investigation.
• Natural radionuclides and artificial contaminants can accumulate in soil, building materials, and water sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and evaluate the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (radium-226, thorium-232, potassium-40) and cesium-137 in Bayburt Province.
• To assess radioactivity levels in various building materials and drinking water sources.
• To determine indoor radon concentrations and compare all measured values with international safety guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Gamma-ray spectrometry was employed to analyze soil and building material samples.
• Activity concentrations in drinking water were measured, alongside gross alpha and beta radioactivity.
• Cr-39 detectors were used for indoor radon concentration measurements in dwellings.

Main Results:

• Activity concentrations for radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40 in building materials ranged from 16-54 Bq kg⁻¹, 10-21 Bq kg⁻¹, and 113-542 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively.
• Mean specific activity concentrations in drinking water were 93 mBq l⁻¹ for radium-226, 30 mBq l⁻¹ for thorium-232, and 504 mBq l⁻¹ for potassium-40.
• Gross alpha and beta activities in drinking water were below WHO screening levels, and indoor radon concentrations averaged 56 Bq m⁻³ (range 17-125 Bq m⁻³).

Conclusions:

• The environmental radioactivity levels in Bayburt Province are within the typical natural background range.
• Measured radioactivity in soil, building materials, drinking water, and indoor air does not indicate significant radiological risks.
• The findings suggest no substantial departure from national background radiation levels, supporting the region's safety.