Natural radioactivity analysis of soil samples from Ganos fault (GF)

Abstract

Natural radioactivity is widespread in the earth and is present in different environment geological formations in the soil and rocks. Natural radionuclides in soil originate from the members of U-238 and Th-232 series, and K-40 radionuclide is the main external source of radiation to the human body. In this study, concentrations of the natural radioactivity Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 are measured in soil samples collected along the Ganos fault. The radioactivity levels of the soil samples for the study are determined by scintillation gamma spectroscopy. Concentrations of Ra-226 in the soil samples ranged from ND to 24.1 Bq kg(-1), Th-232 concentrations from ND to 40.2 Bq kg(-1), and K-40 concentrations from 315.9 to 748.9 Bq kg(-1). Obtained results were compared with the literature data.