Measurement of natural radioactivity and evaluation of radiation hazards in coastal sediments of east coast of Tamilnadu using statistical approach

The concentrations of natural radionuclides in the sediments from Thazhankuda (Cuddalore) to Kodiyakkarai of east coast of Tamilnadu have been measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. Using the activity concentrations of these radionuclides, radiological hazard indices were evaluated in order to determine the effects of the sediments. The calculated average value of uranium, thorium and potassium are 3.8, 26.23 and 328.68 Bq kg−1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate, activity utilization index, internal and external radiation hazard indices were calculated to study the hazardous nature. These values obtained from the coastal sediments were less than the recommended safe and criterion limits given by UNSCEAR. Results of the study could serve as an important baseline radiometric data for future epidemiological studies and monitoring initiatives in the study area. The statistical methods were applied to study the relationship between all the calculated natural radionuclides.