GEOLOGY, PETROGRAPHY AND RADIOCTIVITY AS WILL AS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AT WADI KAB Ar RAKAB Al SHAMALI ROCKS, SOUTHEASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

Abstract

This work discusses the geologic setting of Wadi Kab Ar Rakab Al Shamali area in the South Eastern Desert of Egypt, and the distribution of the natural radionuclides and assess the radiological hazard resulting from different rock types in the area. The background radiation levels, human exposure, dose rates, and potential radiation effects on the environment are all studied. The field geological investigation of the different rock units, with orientations to their mode of occurrence, common relationships, petrographic study and regional structure indicated that the investigated area is covered by Late Proterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks. These basement rocks are included metavolcanics, metagabbros , granodiorites , younger gabbros, monzogranites, syenogranites, alkaline granites and alkaline syenites. The studied rock types have low uranium and thorium contents. The yearly effective dose, external absorbed dose rate in both indoor and outdoor environments, internal absorbed dose rate in both indoor and outdoor environments, and radium equivalent activity are all estimated. The investigation indicates that all the environmental impacts dose rates values in the studied rocks are lower than the public permissible values in these rocks and they are within the safety range for the public and workers. So, these rocks are safe for the building materials and can be used as ornamental stones.