The concentrations and distribution of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soils from around the Kestanbol (Canakkale), Turkey were investigated with an aim of evaluating the environmental radioactivity and radiological health hazard. Concentrations of radionuclides in the samples were determined by gamma ray spectrometer using HPGe detector. In the soils in general, the concentration of (232)Th was found to be higher than that of the (238)U and the activities of (232)Th and (238)U in this area are higher than the world average. (137)Cs was observed in all the samples, ranging from 0.37 +/- 0.22 to 36.03 +/- 0.54 Bq kg(-1). The mean radium equivalent activity, external hazard index and terrestrial absorbed dose rate for the area under study are 498 Bq kg(-1), 1.4 and 219 nGy h(-1), respectively. The annual effective dose to the public was found to be 269 muSv. The present data were compared with data obtained from different countries.

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The study was carried out to determine radioactivity concentrations in surface soil samples of the city of Edirne in connection with the potential radiological hazards due to Chernobyl event. The natural radionuclide ((226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K) contents were determined for nine different locations in nine different towns of the Edirne city. Radiation levels were measured. Natural beta-ray activity was also determined for the same locations. The average estimated activity values were determined and compared with reported values for other cities in Turkey and also for many countries of the world. The studied areas do not pose radiological risks to the inhabitants due to harmful effects of the ionizing radiation from the natural radioactivity of the soil.

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