The natural radioactivities of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th and the fallout of 137Cs in rock and soil samples collected
around Juban town in Yemen (south west of Asia) were measured. Concentrations of radionuclides in
samples were determined by gamma-ray spectrometer using HPGe detector with specially designed shield.
The average radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined expressed in Bq/kg. The
results show that these radionuclides were present in concentrations of (53.674, 12776.7, and
1742.8762 Bq/kg), (5574, 12176.6, and 2341778 Bq/kg), (212.878.7, 109 75.5, and 32.474.7 Bq/kg),
and (32.173, 22.372.9 and 190.9715 Bq/kg) for granite, gneiss, siltstone, and sandstone rocks,
respectively. For soil the corresponding values were 44.474.5, 58.275.1, and 822.7731 Bq/kg. Low
deposits of 137Cs were noted in investigation area, where the activity concentrations ranged from 0.170.1
to 23.271.2 Bq/kg. Also the radiological hazard of the natural radionuclides content, radium equivalent
activity, total dose rates, external hazard index, and gamma activity concentration index of the (rocks/soils)
samples in the area under consideration were calculated. The data were discussed and compared with
those given in the literature.
Research Abstract
Research Department
Research Journal
Radiation Physics and Chemistry
Research Member
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Vol. 80
Research Year
2011
Research Pages
PP. 710–715