Assessment of natural radiation levels in the forest ecosystem of Shankaraghatta-Shivamogga District, India.

The estimated mean value of activity of radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in the forest environment of Shankaraghatta are 11.52 ± 1.6, 19.94 ± 2.08 and 164.67 ± 3.2 Bq kg−1 for soil, and for building materials 48.53 ± 1.99, 63.20 ± 2.48 and 470.47 ± 6.59 Bq kg−1 respectively. The average indoor and outdoor Gamma Absorbed Dose rate and total Annual Effective Dose rate are less than the global average values. The forest ecosystem influenced in reducing the natural ambient gamma radiation levels. The constructions materials used for roads enhanced it. The entire measured hazard indices are far below the criterion limit of unity except pink granite and ceramic tiles contains higher activity of radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]