Measurement of Natural Radioactivity in Phosphogypsum by High Resolution Gamma Ray Spectrometry

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Phosphatic fertilizers are manufactured from phosphate ores which contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as 238 U and its daughter products. Large amounts of phosphogypsum is obtained and has 226 Ra. The natural radioactivity was measured by a gamma ray spectrometer. The activity concentration 226 Ra was 465 Bq/kg as a mean value. The natural external gamma radiation dose rate is estimated to be 205 nGy/h at 1 m above ground level when 1-1.5 kg of phosphogypsum is applied in 1 m 2 surface area of field.