Measurement of Natural Radioactivity in Sand Samples Collected from Ad-Dahna Desert in Saudi Arabia
Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Natural radioactivity is a source of continuous exposure to human beings.The natural radioactivity due to the presence of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in sand samples collected from Ad-Dahna was measured by means of HPGe.The measured activity concentrations of radionuclides were compared with the worldwide reported data.Mean measured activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K varied between 16.2 -30.6, 15.8 -36.7 and 285.3 -533.2Bq•kg -1 respectively with a mean value of 23.4 ± 4.3 Bq•kg -1 , 29.7 ± 5.9 Bq•kg -1 and 380 ± 65 Bq•kg -1 respectively.Mean values of radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate and external radiation hazard index were 106 ± 8 Bq•kg -1 , 51.4 nGy•h -1 and 0.29 respectively.The annual effective radiation dose was calculated to be 0.32 mSv•y -1 .The Ra eq values of sand samples are lower than the limit of 370 Bq•kg -1 , equivalent to a gamma dose of 1.5 mSv•yr -1 .This study shows that the measured sand samples do not pose any significant source of radiation hazard and are safe for use in building materials.
Author: Abdulaziz S. Alaamer
Institution: Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Language: English
Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W1997263265