The natural radioactivity of 226 Cs in soil and rock samples under investigation, are not radiologically important. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and external hazard index (Hex) of all samples are less than the limits of 370 Bq·kg −1 and unity, respectively. The average values of total absorbed dose rate due to three primordial radionuclides in soil and rock samples are 46.5 nGy/h and 138.36 nGy/h, respectively, where the absorbed average value of the granite is higher than the permitted limit. So, the local people must avoid using these granite samples as the interior decorative materials of dwelling without radioactivity control.
Ra
Measurements of gamma-emitting radionuclides were performed on soil samples collected at various depth levels from different locations in the Hadhramout region, Yemen. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were determined by gamma spectrometry detector. The measurement concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K in the soil samples ranged from 9.25 to 423.84 Bq/kg, 7.85 to 667.23 Bq/kg, and from 31.54 to 373.12 Bq/kg, respectively. The concentrations of these radionuclides are compared with the recommended values. According to the present lower concentration levels of 137Cs, it does not pose any radiological complication. However, this data may provide a general background level for the area studied and may also serve as a guideline for future measurement and assessment of possible radiological risks to human health in this region.
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