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Distributions and Risk Assessment of the Natural Radionuclides in the Soil of Shoubra El Kheima, South Nile Delta, Egypt

Authors :
Randa Osman
Yehia H. Dawood
Ahmed Melegy
Mohamed S. El-Bady
Ahmed Saleh
Ahmed Gad
Source :
Atmosphere, Vol 13, Iss 1, p 98 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

Abstract

Due to heightening concern about radiation hazards protection, activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K in forty soil samples collected from Shoubra El Kheima in the South Nile Delta were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra and 40K were higher in 20% of the considered samples than the world average values. A comprehensive comparison with up-to-date data was carried out. Spatial distribution maps of the measured radionuclides and radiological parameters were generated. The distributions of natural radionuclides were influenced by the soil organic matter, clay content, and scavenger metals oxides, as well as differences in the physical and chemical attributes and solubility of these radionuclides. The results revealed that industrial activity and agricultural practices in the study area caused an incremental increase in 226Ra and 40K activity concentrations. It can be deduced that although there are intensive industrial activities in this area, the natural radiation that comes from the soil is normal and does not pose a significant radiological hazard to the public. The natural radioactivity of soil in this area needs to be monitored periodically to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to inhabitants.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20734433
Volume :
13
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Atmosphere
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.8f9e90154b974f5a9683e8b69b011690
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010098