Natural radioactivity profile in marine subtidal sediments along the Kerala coast: Ecological and human risk...

This study examined the distribution, behaviour and ecological implications of naturally occurring radionuclides (²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb) in subtidal (tidal-flat) sediments along the Kerala coast, India. Activity concentrations exhibited pronounced spatial variability, governed by local geology, sediment texture, organic matter content and the occurrence of heavy-mineral assemblages. Kollam (sector S2) emerged as a distinct hotspot of natural radioactivity, associated with polymetallic placer deposits dominated by thorium-rich monazite and supplemented by zircon, xenotime and other REE-bearing accessory minerals. While monazite exerted a primary control on ²³²Th enrichment, ²³⁸U enrichment was secondary and reflected trace incorporation within zircon and accessory phases, together with uranium's greater geochemical mobility. Consequently, activity concentrations in sector S2 ranged from 8.5 to 421.5 Bq kg^-1 for ²³⁸U and 2.1-925.6 Bq kg^-1 for ²³²Th. Elevated levels of ²¹⁰Po (up to 32.1 Bq kg^-1) and ²¹⁰Pb (up to 18.9 Bq kg^-1) further highlighted the influence of particle-reactive radionuclides in this sector. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant relationships between radionuclide concentrations and sediment properties, with finer-grained sediments preferentially accumulating higher activities. Radiological hazard indices were generally within recommended reference levels across the coast, although sector-specific exceedances in Kollam underscored spatial heterogeneity in natural radiological conditions. Estimated dose rates for marine biota, particularly benthic organisms, remained below critical thresholds, indicating limited ecological risk under present conditions. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for sustained monitoring in high-background radiation sectors to support informed coastal management and radiological protection.