Analysis of gamma emitting radionuclides (terrestrial and anthropogenic) in soil samples from Kilis province in south Anatolia, Turkey

Abstract

In recent years, there has been great concern about analysis of radionuclide content in environmental samples (soil, water, etc.) in many countries. The aim of the present study is to analyze the activity concentrations of terrestrial (Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40) and anthropogenic (Cs-137) radionuclides in surface soil samples collected from different locations in and around Kills province using the high-resolution gamma spectrometer with HPGe detector and evaluate external ionizing radiation exposure in outdoor air. The mean values of the activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232, K-40 and Cs-137 in the soil samples were analyzed as 16.1, 15.0, 206.0 and 9.5 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Evaluated values of absorbed gamma dose rate in outdoor air and the corresponding external annual effective dose varied from 5 to 75 nGy h(-1) with a mean value of 25 nGy h(-1) and 6-92 mu Sv with a mean value of 31 mu Sv, respectively. These mean values were found to be within acceptable limits. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.