Assessment of Natural Radionuclide Concentrations (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in Soil Samples from Different Locations in Sohag Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

: The inherent levels of radioactivity present in the environment of uranium ( 238 U), thorium ( 232 Th), and potassium ( 40 K) along with radium equivalent, absorbed dose rates, and annual effective dose equivalent were analyzed in soil samples collected from various locations within Sohag Governorate, Egypt using an N-type HPGe coaxial detector with a relative efficiency of 40% and an energy resolution of 2.0 KeV at 1.33 MeV photons of 60 Co. The activity concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K ranged from 9.23±0.69 Bq/kg to 20.17±1.48 Bq/kg, 12.69±0.73 Bq/kg to 23.76±1.62 Bq/kg and 178.80±3.74 Bq/kg to 373.90±7.27 Bq/kg, respectively, with an approximate mean of 16.22±1.21 Bq/kg, 18.71±1.18 Bq/kg and 311.28±5.71 Bq/kg. The calculated radium equivalent values varied from 41.14 Bq/kg to 79.23 Bq/kg with an approximate mean of 66.94 Bq/kg. Absorbed dose rates caused by γ-ray ranged from 19.60 to 37.98 nGy/h, with an approximate mean of 32.09 nGy/h. Furthermore, the annual effective dose equivalent values ranged from 0.02 mSv/year to 0.05 mSv/year, with an approximate mean of 0.04 mSv/year. These findings provide valuable insights into the levels of natural radionuclides and radiation exposure in Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The results demonstrate compliance with international safety guidelines, signifying a diminished potential for radiation hazards among the inhabitants residing in the area. The study contributes to the overall understanding of environmental radioactivity and serves as a valuable reference for future assessments and radiological protection measures.