Assessment of natural radioactivity in soil and water in the upper Himalayas region along the Manali –Leh highway, India

This study represents the findings of the measurement of natural radioactivity in soil and water samples collected from the upper Himalayas region along the Manali –Leh Highway. The activity concentration values of terrestrial radionuclides in soil samples are measured using an n-type HPGe detector. The radiological hazards are also estimated through the evaluation of radium equivalent activity (Req), external and internal hazard index (Hex, Hin), alpha index (Iα), gamma index (Iγ), air absorbed dose, and indoor and outdoor effective dose. The level of Uranium in surface and ground water samples collected from the region is determined using the LED Fluorimetry technique. Annual effective dose, radiological and chemical toxicity risk, and hazards quotient due to the presence of uranium in water samples are also calculated. The values of these parameters are compared with permissible limits.
Source: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Category: Nuclear Medicine Source Type: research