Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University
2
Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
3
Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Egypt.
Abstract
The main aims of the present study are to analyze and internationally comparing the radioactivity contents of (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in marbles, granites, and product and raw materials of ceramics utilized in different construction purposes in Alexandria city, additionally, the associated radiological hazard indices have been assessed. Measurements have been performed by using high-resolution gamma rays spectrometer equipped with (HPGe) detector. The mean levels of the radioactivity of (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in marbles were 26.87, 4.30 and 19.13 Bqkg-1; respectively, and in granites were 42.90, 58.40, and 933.36 Bqkg-1; respectively, while in ceramic were 47.73, 66.09, and 385.59 BqKg-1; respectively. Results of ceramic raw materials showed the highest levels for 226Ra and 232Th as 16307.46, and 1738.69 Bqkg-1 both are recorded in zirconium, while the highest of 40K as 1760.62 Bqkg-1 in feldspar. Radiological hazards were assessed by radium equivalent activity, external and internal radiation hazard indices as well as the annual effective dose. The maximum values of indices were observed in Baltic Brown granite samples to be 425.92 Bqkg-1, 1.15, and 1, 48 for radium equivalent, external and internal hazard indices; respectively. The observed highest external effective doses in marble, granite, and ceramic were 396.53, 2109.81, and 1495.06 µSvy-1; respectively. From the obtained results is clear that granite may pose health risks as well, additional regulating the amount of zircon adding to ceramic industries is highly required.
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