| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1881139 | Radiation Measurements | 2010 | 5 Pages |
The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been measured by gamma spectroscopy in samples of soil collected from the different zones of around Huelva (Spain). The average activity concentrations of 226Ra (Bq kg−1) in the active phosphogypsum (PG) stacks, unrestored and restored zones were 647, 573 and 83 respectively. The corresponding values for 232Th and 40K (Bq kg−1) were 8, 10 and 25 and 33, 47 and 225 respectively. As a measure of radiation hazard to the occupational workers and public, the Ra equivalent activities, representative level index and dose rates due to natural radionuclides at 1 m above the ground surface were estimated. The average of absorbed dose rates due to 226Ra, 232Th and 40K (nGy/h) from active PG stacks, unrestored and restored zones are 284, 255 and 55.The calculated external γ-radiation average dose (mSv/y) received by the workers of the phosphogypsum piles are estimated to be 0.293, 0.262 and 0.057 which is far below the international agreed dose limit of 20 mSv/y (ICRP-60, 1990) for workers. Also, the radiation dose to a member of the public resulting from the use of PG is negligible compared to the average annual effective dose from natural sources (2.4 mSv/y).
