Assessment of NORMs (238U, 232Th, 40K) and radiation hazard indices in Beldih apatite mine region of Purulia district, West Bengal, India

This study is primarily focused on the determination of238U,232Th and40K activities in the sub-surface soil of the study area. The measurements were carried out using a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer with a relative efficiency of 80%. To achieve uniformity in exposure estimations, radium equivalent activity has been calculated. Additionally, the internal hazard index, external hazard index, radioactivity level index and gamma dose rates have been evaluated to estimate the radiation hazard levels in the study area. The comparison of obtained concentrations and hazard indices with global data (UNSCEAR. (2008). Sources, effects and risks of ionizing radiation. United nations scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation (report to the general assembly, with Annexes).) suggests that this region lies in a relatively high background radiation zone.
Source: Environmental Geochemistry and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research