Estimation of Natural Radionuclides and Rare Earth Elements Concentration of the Rocks of Abu Khuruq Ring Complex, Egypt

Abstract

The naturally occurring radionuclides (radium-226, thorium-232, potassium-40 and radon-222) were investigated in the alkaline rocks of Abu Khuruq Ring, southern Eastern Desert, Egypt. A high-resolution germanium detector was used for the detection of 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra (Canberra, GR4020 model) while 222Rn concentration was measured by the Alpha-Guard Saphymo GmbH system, model PQ 2000 (AG). Major and rare earth elements (REEs) were assessed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry techniques. Positive correlations were observed between REEs, indicating symmetrical chemical properties and their overall presence in the parent material—also, a positive correlation was observed between effective radium content and radon concentrations pointing to the strong linear dependency between both contents in the studied rocks. The average values of activity concentration of 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, and 222Rn were less than the suggested level by a factor of 1.38%, 3.16%, 2.09%, and 1.16%, respectively. Significant variations were found among the radiological hazards parameters, e.g., the mean value of the annual effective dose (0.55 mSv y−1) was more than the global reference value (0.41 mSv y−1) by a factor of 1.34. The calculated average value of the gamma index was 0.90, and that of the alpha index was 0.37. Hex, Hin and Raeq showed fewer average values than the standard values of unity and 370 Bq kg−1, respectively.

Estimation of Natural Radionuclides’ Concentration of the Plutonic Rocks in the Sakarya Zone, Turkey Using Multivariate Statistical Methods

“…"Natural radioactivity" is observed all around the world, particularly in the geological environment consisting of rocks, soils, plants, fluids, and gas as well as the artificial environment consisting of man-made structures [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. People living in environments containing natural radioactivity are exposed to different doses of radiation.…”

Investigation of the Effect of Hydrothermal Waters on Radionuclide Activity Concentrations in Natural Marble with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

“…Several studies have been conducted to reveal the reason why the radioactivity of the samples depends on the grain size. Some differences may be observed depending on the type of sample investigated [11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”