Radiological characterization of beach sediments along the Alexandria–Rosetta coasts of Egypt

In the present study, 52 sediment samples were collected from 14 sites along the area extending from west of Alexandria (El-MAX) to the eastern side of the Rosetta promontory (the terminal of the Nile River with the Mediterranean Sea). The collected samples were analyzed for radioactive contents. 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K and 137Cs were detected. The distribution of radionuclide activity and mass concentrations of Th and U displayed a specific pattern that reflects the mineralogical formations and beach stability. Radiological hazards were investigated by calculating the following radiological parameters: the radium equivalent, radiation hazard index and annual effective dose. It was observed that the levels of radiological parameter are higher in eastern locations than in western ones. In addition, the western side displayed radiological parameters higher than the recommended world-wide values.