Analysis of gamma emitting radionuclides (terrestrial and anthropogenic) in soil samples from Kilis province in south Anatolia, Turkey

In recent years, there has been great concern about analysis of radionuclide content in environmental samples (soil, water, etc.) in many countries. The aim of the present study is to analyze the activity concentrations of terrestrial (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and anthropogenic (137Cs) radionuclides in surface soil samples collected from different locations in and around Kilis province using the high-resolution gamma spectrometer with HPGe detector and evaluate external ionizing radiation exposure in outdoor air. The mean values of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in the soil samples were analyzed as 16.1, 15.0, 206.0 and 9.5 Bq kg−1, respectively. Evaluated values of absorbed gamma dose rate in outdoor air and the corresponding external annual effective dose varied from 5 to 75 nGy h−1 with a mean value of 25 nGy h−1 and 6-92 μSv with a mean value of 31 μSv, respectively. These mean values were found to be within acceptable limits.