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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Radiological Health
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • Terrestrial radionuclides, including Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th), and Potassium-40 (40K), are naturally occurring and contribute to background radiation.
  • Understanding the distribution and concentration of these radionuclides in soil is crucial for assessing potential environmental and health impacts.
  • The absorbed dose rate (ADRA) in air at 1 meter above ground is a standard metric for evaluating external gamma radiation exposure from terrestrial sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples from Ortum.
  • To measure the absorbed dose rate (ADRA) in air at 1 meter above ground in Ortum.
  • To assess the suitability of local soil and rocks for use based on radionuclide concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Gamma-ray spectrometry was employed to measure the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples.
  • The absorbed dose rate (ADRA) in air was calculated based on the measured activity concentrations and established conversion factors.
  • Depth profiles of radionuclide concentrations were analyzed to understand their distribution within the soil.

Main Results:

  • Soil activity concentrations in Ortum ranged from 33-85 Bq kg-1 for 238U, 20-67 Bq kg-1 for 232Th, and 148-1019 Bq kg-1 for 40K.
  • Average activity concentrations were 40 ± 1.43 Bq kg-1 (238U), 56 ± 1.46 Bq kg-1 (232Th), and 425 ± 19.24 Bq kg-1 (40K).
  • The average ADRA in air at 1 m above ground was 112 ± 29.6 nGy h-1. Activity concentrations of 232Th and 238U decreased with depth, while 40K increased.
  • Average soil radionuclide concentrations were higher than global averages, but still below recommended safety thresholds.

Conclusions:

  • The soil and rocks in Ortum exhibit terrestrial radionuclide concentrations that are generally higher than world averages.
  • Despite higher-than-average concentrations, the measured activity levels for 238U, 232Th, and 40K remain below established safety thresholds.
  • The soil and rocks in Ortum are recommended for general use, as the radiological risk associated with their terrestrial radionuclide content is deemed acceptable.