An extended assessment of natural radioactivity in the sediments of the mid-region of the Egyptian Red Sea coast

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 171; p. 112658
• Main Authors: Zakaly, Hesham M.H., Uosif, M.A.M., Issa, Shams A.M., Tekin, H.O., Madkour, Hashim, Tammam, Mahmoud, El-Taher, Atef, Alharshan, Gharam A., Mostafa, Mostafa Y.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Beaches; Body organs; Coastal sediment; Dosage; Economic activities; Egyptian Red Sea coast; Fishers; International organizations; Marine sediments; Natural radioactivity; Natural radionuclides; Organs; Radiation; Radioactivity; Radiological hazard; Radium; Sailors; Sediment; Sediment samplers; Sediment samples; Sediments; Red Sea; Egyptian Red Sea coast; Radiological hazard; Natural radionuclides; Coastal sediment
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112658

In this study, nearly 84 marine sediment samples were collected from twelve points in four cities (Quseir, Safaga, Hurghada, and Ras Gharib) along the Egyptian Red Sea sectors. The collected samples were extensively examined to estimate the natural radioactivity level. The obtained results were compared to the reported ranges from other locations in different countries. Hazardous radiation parameters such as radium equivalent, annual dose, and external hazards were estimated and compared to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) recommended levels. The values were recorded in the first natural radioactivity database of coastal sediments from Egyptian Red Sea cities. The dose rate for certain organs was evaluated. The results showed that Red Sea beach sediments are safe in terms of natural radioactivity. It can be concluded that they do not pose a risk to tourists going to the beaches for recreation or to sailors and fishers involved in economic activities along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. •Marine sediment samples were collected along the Egyptian Red Sea sectors with extensively examined to estimate NORM.•The obtained results were compared to the reported ranges from other locations in different countries.•Hazardous radiation parameters such as Raeq, AEDE, Hex,in were estimated and compared to UNSCEAR recommended levels.•The results showed that Red Sea beach sediments are safe in terms of natural radioactivity.•They do not pose a risk to tourists going to the beaches for recreation.•or to sailors and fishers involved in economic activities along the Egyptian Red Sea coast.