Natural radionuclide levels and the associated radiological risks in soils from the three mesoregions of Pernambuco state, Brazil

A large-scale survey of natural radionuclides in the soils is presented. 105 topsoil samples were collected and analysed by gamma spectrometry. The data indicated that climatic conditions might impact the content of natural radionuclides. Low-humidity conditions and igneous bedrock were associated w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 324; no. 2; pp. 521 - 531
Main Authors Leal, André L. C., Lauria, Dejanira C., Ribeiro, Fernando C. A.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Cham Springer International Publishing 01.05.2020
Springer
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Bedrock
Building materials
Chemistry
Chemistry and Materials Science
Construction materials
Diagnostic Radiology
Gamma rays
Hadrons
Heavy Ions
Inorganic Chemistry
Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear Physics
Physical Chemistry
Radiation, Background
Radioisotopes
Radium
Soils
Topsoil
Uranium
Brazil
Soil
Hazard indices
Effective dose
Natural radionuclides
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Summary:A large-scale survey of natural radionuclides in the soils is presented. 105 topsoil samples were collected and analysed by gamma spectrometry. The data indicated that climatic conditions might impact the content of natural radionuclides. Low-humidity conditions and igneous bedrock were associated with the highest median value of 40 K in the Agreste region (667 Bq kg −1 ). The humid climate of Zona da Mata was associated with the lowest median value of 40 K (39 Bq kg −1 ) and the highest levels of radium. Soils from most parts of the state may be used as building materials without presenting a radiological risk.
ISSN:0236-5731
1588-2780
DOI:10.1007/s10967-020-07124-6