Title: Evaluation of radiological parameters and their risks for soil near a uranium mine site: a case study

Authors: Ugur Emre Temelli

Addresses: Department of Property Protection and Safety, Civil Defence and Firefighting Pr., Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Buyukcekmece Campus, 34500, Buyukcekmece, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of natural radioactivity (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K), and their calculated radiological parameters and indices, including Ra_eq, D_R, AEDE, H_ex, AGDE, and ELCR in soil samples from all districts of Manisa province in Turkey (including a uranium mine in Koprubasi). The obtained results were compared with national and international (UNSCEAR) averages. The radiological parameter results of Manisa-Koprubasi were found as 185.35 Bq/kg, 91.50 nGy/h, 112.22 μSv/y, 0.50, 666.58 μSv/y, and 3.93 × 10^-4 for Ra_eq, D_R, AEDE, H_ex, AGDE, and ELCR, respectively. These values are higher than other districts in Manisa. Especially D_R, AEDE, AGDE, and ELCR values exceeded the UNSCEAR averages. Evaluating these parameters during the selection process of new settlements or any agricultural/industrial activities in Manisa-Koprubasi (including other districts with high-value counties) is crucial for safeguarding human health.

Keywords: environmental radioactivity; uranium mine; radiological parameters; radiological risk management; disaster management; building materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2023.133999

International Journal of Global Warming, 2023 Vol.31 No.2, pp.262 - 274

Received: 10 Apr 2023
Accepted: 07 Jul 2023
Published online: 09 Oct 2023 *

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