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Investigation of Conventional Radiation and Radionuclide at Ba‐Phalaborwa Roads, South Africa

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Road surface screening with the AT6101CE GPS detector was conducted in the Ba‐Phalaborwa area of South Africa to provide a thorough distribution map of radioactive pollution and absorbed dose rate contribution. The AT6101CE GPS detector detected radionuclides, including 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, 51 Cr, and 99 Mo. Six road surface soil samples were collected from a high dose rate location and analysed using an AT6101DR detector. The activity concertation ranged from 1.94 − 9.46 Bq/kg for 226 Ra, 1.78 − 3.63 Bq/kg for 232 Th and 11.20 − 19.78 Bq/kg for 40 K. The findings of the outdoor annual effective dosage on air did not exceed the world safe standards of 0.5 mSv/y. The average absorbed dose rate in the air at Ba‐Phalaborwa is 0.038 mSv/y for six sample points. It can be established that Namakgale A and B are more susceptible to gamma radiation than Ba‐Phalaborwa town. This study indicated that the average absorb dosage rate at Ba‐Phalaborwa in the air is 37 nGy/h, which is lower than the global average of 59 nGy/h. Consequently, Namakgale A and B residents, who spend more time on the road and surrounding residents, are more vulnerable to the health risks associated with long‐term gamma radiation exposure.

Source: Applied and Environmental Soil Science

DOI: 10.1155/aess/6385437

Authors: Fhulufhelo Nemangwele, Pfano Nemakonde, Thuso Mudau

Institution: University of Venda

Language: English

Topic: Radioactivity and Radon Measurements

Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000