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Radiological hazards assessment due to natural radioactivity in soils from Imereti region (Georgia)

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Abstract

The aim of the research is to investigate the spread of radioactive sources in the soils of the Dzirula crystalline massif (Western Georgia), taking into account its geological characteristics, as well as to determine the main radiological parameters that assess the risks of exposure to the population living in the study area. Using the gamma spectroscopy method, activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides 40K, 238U, and 232Th are measured in various samples. Activity concentrations of the technogenic radionuclide 137Cs are determined along with natural radionuclides, which makes it possible to assess the quality of artificial radioactive contamination of the study area. The measured activity concentrations vary in the range of 636–1260 for 40K, 33–54 for 238U, 34–82 for 232Th, and 12–46 Bq/kg for 137Cs. The gamma absorbed dose rates in the air are in the range of 66–122 nGy/h, with a mean value of 97 nGy/h, while the outdoor annual effective dose rates are in the range of 0.08–0.015 mSv/y. The average value of radium equivalent activity is 203 Bq/kg. The calculated values of the external hazard index (Hex) are in the range of 0.37–0.70. It has been shown with a significant degree of reliability that here soils with relatively increased natural radioactivity are products of the weathering of sialic (granite) rocks of the crystalline massif, while soils with low radioactivity are the product of sedimentary and mafic rocks. This data is well correlated with the results of a similar study of the other — Khrami crystalline massif of Georgia. Obtained results are compared with the studies conducted for some other regions of Georgia and the world, as well as with limitations and recommendations established by the relevant international organizations. Comparison of the results shows that the radioactive characteristics of the study area are slightly increased, but remain within the recommended limits.

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Funding

This work has been supported by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF) (grant number: PHDF-19-298; project title: Study of distribution of natural radionuclides in soils and assessment of radiation hazards on the example of Imereti region (Georgia)).

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Correspondence to Kakhaber Kapanadze.

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Responsible Editor: Amjad Kallel

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Kapanadze, K., Magalashvili, A. & Imnadze, P. Radiological hazards assessment due to natural radioactivity in soils from Imereti region (Georgia). Arab J Geosci 14, 1115 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07502-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07502-8

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