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Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 May 2023) | Viewed by 36160

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Dr. Fernando P. Carvalho

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Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology, radiation protection and monitoring of the environment; organic pollutants (pesticides, hydrocarbons, PCBs), heavy metals, marine pollution, consumer water quality, analytical quality control
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Dear Colleagues,

The mining of minerals is the basis of a large part of the world economy, and provides the raw materials for most of the infrastructures and tools that we use in everyday life. These include base metals, fuel minerals, rare earth elements, and precious metals that are essential to the construction of bridges, trains, cars, airplanes, computers, cell phones, kitchen and office ware, among many other applications.

However, very frequently more than one chemical element is present in metallic ores, and primordial radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and their radioactive progenies may be present. This was reported to occur in gold mines in South Africa, metal mines in the copper belt, and in phosphate rock from Florida (USA), from Morocco, and from other locations. Primordial radioactive elements also occur in heavy mineral sands mining, in rare earth mining, in coal mining, in oil and gas exploitation, and in minerals processing activities often implemented by the mine sites. In addition, radionuclide and radiation exposure obviously occur in uranium mines. Significant radiation exposures may also occur in underground mines for non-radioactive ores because of the accumulation of radioactive radon gas in the mine atmosphere.

In the last few years, radiation protection authorities started paying more attention to the radionuclide and radiation exposure in mines, particularly mines for minerals that are not part of the nuclear fuel cycle. Progress in radiation protection in this field has been made slowly, and more investigation and identification of radiation issues was encouraged by the International Atomic Energy Agency, World Health Organization, and European Commission.

This Minerals Special Issue has the aim of compiling new information, case studies, and advances and needs in mine sites regarding radioactivity and radiation exposures of humans and non-human biota.

Submissions are welcome.

Dr. Fernando P. Carvalho
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

mines
radionuclides in ores
radiation exposure
radiation monitoring at mine sites
radioactive mining waste management
mitigation measures

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Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Minerals Extraction, Processing and Applications in Minerals

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Research

12 pages, 2294 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

New Evaluation Method of Exposure to Radon Gas in Mining Environments

by Diego Diegues Francisca, Wilson Siguemasa Iramina, Anna Luiza Marques Ayres da Silva and Giorgio de Tomi

Minerals 2023, 13(7), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070897 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1710

Abstract

Physical and chemical agents in workplace environments can be hazardous for employees. Much of the exposure to ionizing radiation can occur due to the presence of radon in the workplace. Mining environments are more susceptible to containing radon gas because it emanates from soil or rocks. Radon is known to be associated with lung cancer as it is a gaseous chemical agent under normal conditions and is also radioactive. Since there is little knowledge about radon in Brazilian mining workplaces, this study aims to measure occupational exposure to radon in mining environments through a proposed methodology and to verify its compliance with international standards to confirm the potential risk of exposure for employees. Radon concentration in open-pit mining work environments was measured and used as a basis for comparison to assess the proposed new evaluation method, which will consist of laboratory evaluations of samples taken from the same workplaces. The radon concentration data in the work environments were compared to laboratory tests for statistical correlation. The results, compared to reference values, tolerance limits, and action levels, showed that radon, in outdoor mining workplaces, can be considered a low risk to employees’ health. The application of the methodology also indicated that the laboratory tests and the field evaluations presented a statistical correlation with each other, being an indication that the laboratory tests can be used to estimate the risks in a preliminary way. Another important point is the fact that it was observed that measurements in the laboratory were more practical and faster to perform when compared to field evaluations. These facts can bring future gains in the number of tests performed and workplace evaluated in mining environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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13 pages, 2386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Different Radiological Risk Assessment Scenarios at a Coal Ash and Slag Disposal Site

by Ana Getaldić, Marija Surić Mihić, Želimir Veinović, Božena Skoko, Branko Petrinec and Ivica Prlić

Minerals 2023, 13(6), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13060832 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Coal fly ash and slag waste residuals from coal combustion are an issue of importance as one of the possible sources of environmental contamination and exposure to NORM. This study compares the results of different radiological risk assessment scenarios targeting terrestrial biota at a legacy site in Croatia that contains large quantities of coal ash with an enhanced content of radionuclides originating from previous industrial activities. The ERICA assessment tool was used for a risk assessment, which included data from borehole samples with a maximum depth of 6 m and trees as the primary reference organisms. The results of the risk assessments from various depth ranges found the radiological risk to the reference organisms to be negligible, regardless of the depth range, since the screening dose rate of 10 µGyh⁻¹ was not exceeded in any of the assessments. The risk assessment results from all depth ranges show higher total dose rate predictions when the tool’s default CR values are used, compared to the site-specific ones, which is in agreement with previous studies on the application of the ERICA tool. A comparison of results from different spatial radiological risk assessments showed that sample depth does not affect the estimated total dose rate to biota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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14 pages, 5577 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Baseline Uranium in Groundwater around a Proposed Uraninite Mine and Identification of a Nearby New Reserve

by Ravinder Bhavya, Kaveri Sivaraj and Lakshmanan Elango

Minerals 2023, 13(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13020157 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2390

Abstract

The presence of uranium in groundwater is a cause of concern all over the world. In mineralized regions where elevated concentrations of uranium are possible in groundwater, mining activities can further degrade the water quality. Hence, it is essential to document the baseline uranium concentration in groundwater before the commencement of mining. This study was carried out with the objective of assessing the concentration of uranium in groundwater around a proposed uraninite mining site in the Gogi region, Karnataka, India. Gogi is a village in the Yadgir district of Karnataka where groundwater is the main source of water for domestic needs. The uranium mineralized zone in this region occurs along the major E-W trending Gogi-Kurlagere fault at a depth of about 150 m. Groundwater samples were collected every three months from January 2020 to October 2020 from 52 wells located in this area. The concentration of uranium in groundwater ranged from 1.5 ppb to 267 ppb. The USEPA and WHO have recommended a permissible limit of 30 ppb, while the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India has a limit of 60 ppb for the purpose of drinking water. Based on these permissible limits for uranium in drinking water, concentrations exceeded the limit in about 25% of wells within 20 km from the mineralized region. Wells present in the granitic and limestone terrain exhibited higher concentrations of uranium in this area. Uranium concentration in groundwater changes depending on the degree of weathering, lithology, and rainfall recharge. This study will serve as a baseline and will help to assess the impact of mining activities in this region in the future. In wells where the uranium concentration exceeds permissible limits, it is suggested not to use groundwater directly for drinking purposes. These sites need to be explored further for the possible presence of uranium-bearing minerals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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16 pages, 3168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Radionuclide Levels in Drinking Water from Communities near Active and Abandoned Gold Mines and Tailings in the West Rand Region, Gauteng, South Africa

by Seeke Carol Mohuba, Tamiru Abiye and Sifiso Nhleko

Minerals 2022, 12(11), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111370 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

The history of gold mining in the Witwatersrand Basin has led to exponential growth in the economy, residential development, and the abundance of radionuclides in the environment, including the water system. This study aimed to evaluate the radionuclide levels in drinking water (municipal water and groundwater) and the health risks associated with the ingestion of the water in the communities of the West Rand region of Gauteng Province. The activity concentrations of uranium, radium, and thorium radioisotopes were established through alpha spectrometry and the activities were subsequently used to assess the health impacts. The results indicated that the groundwaters contain elevated activities of most radionuclides owing to prolonged periods of water–rock interactions. Similarly, the highest annual effective doses were recorded in groundwaters with a range of 0.0237–0.3106 mSv/yr, with most samples exceeding the WHO- and EU-prescribed limits of 0.1 mSv/yr. Cancer morbidity and mortality risks were higher in females than in males due to the higher life expectancy of females. Nonetheless, all morbidity and mortality risks were well below the USEPA radiological risk limit of 0.001. Based on the findings of this study, continuous monitoring is paramount to ensure that the activities remain below recommended regulatory limits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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11 pages, 7668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Radionuclides in Soils of Natural-Technogenic Landscapes in the Impact Zone of Potassium Salt Mining

by Roman Perevoshchikov, Anna Perminova and Elena Menshikova

Minerals 2022, 12(11), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111352 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2408

Abstract

This study considers the contents of natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes in the Verkhnekamskoe potassium–magnesium salt deposit (Perm Krai, Russia). The purpose of the study is to assess the lateral activity distribution of natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in the soils of natural–technogenic landscapes of the mining areas on the territory of the Berezniki–Solikamsk industrial hub. Seventy-five soil samples from depths of 0–0.4 m are examined. The specific activities of the natural radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in the soil samples are measured using gamma spectrometry. The average values of the activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K are 11.78 Bq/kg, 8.11 Bq/kg, and 246.9 Bq/kg, respectively. A gamma survey is conducted using the MKS/SRP-08A search dosimeter–radiometer over a control point framework covering 50,000 hectares. The research shows that the migration of the studied natural radionuclides is limited to a radius of 10 km. The results of the gamma-radiation measurements in the study area fall within a range of 0.06–0.25 µSv/h, which does not exceed the permissible limits. According to the findings, there is an increase in the concentration of natural radionuclides in transit supra-floodplain terrace landscapes and accumulative floodplain landscapes in the area affected by potash mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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18 pages, 6076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Determination of Radioactivity Levels and Radiological Doses in and around the Gold Mine Tailing Dams, Gauteng Province, South Africa

by Paballo M. Moshupya, Seeke C. Mohuba, Tamiru A. Abiye, Ian Korir, Sifiso Nhleko and Margaret Mkhosi

Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101295 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2699

Abstract

The mining and processing of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) could result in elevated levels of natural radionuclides in the environment. The gold mining in the goldfields of the Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa has resulted in numerous tailing dams that have high concentrations of NORM bearing residue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioactivity levels in tailing dams, soils and rocks, and the consequential radiological exposure to the public in the gold mining areas of Gauteng Province, South Africa. The activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were assessed using a gamma ray spectrometer (RS-230), and the activity concentrations ranges in the mine tailings were 209.95–2578.68 Bq/kg, 19.49–108.00 Bq/kg, and 31.30–626.00 Bq/kg, respectively. The radionuclides show significant spatial variability in soils, with high activities recorded in soils located in close proximity to tailings although regionally, the soil radioactivity levels mainly depend on the chemistry of the underlying rocks. The estimated annual effective doses were higher than the recommended regulatory limit of 0.25 mSv/y in particular tailing dams and soil impacted by tailings. Therefore, to ensure the protection of people and the environment, further monitoring and regulatory control measures targeting these areas are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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16 pages, 1763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Environmental Radioactivity in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

by Emmanuel K. Atibu, Philippe Arpagaus, Crispin K. Mulaji, Pius T. Mpiana, John Poté, Jean-Luc Loizeau and Fernando P. Carvalho

Minerals 2022, 12(10), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101278 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3269

Abstract

The radioactivity associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities (ASM) carried out along the Ulindi River, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, was evaluated by gamma-ray spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry of soil and sediment samples. The results revealed that activity concentrations of ²³⁸U (up to 3127 ± 98 Bq kg⁻¹), ²²⁶Ra (up to 2710 ± 89 Bq kg⁻¹) and ²³²Th (up to 2142 ± 162 Bq kg⁻¹) were 71- to 89-fold higher than the worldwide average concentrations reported by UNSCEAR in soils. Primordial radionuclides are, thus, present in high concentrations in deposits of gold in that region and the average ambient effective radiation dose rate was determined at 8.4 mSv y⁻¹ (range 0.5 to 40 mSv y⁻¹). This area may be classified as a natural high background radiation area (HBRA). The radiation risk for artisanal miners and population members manipulating those geological materials were assessed through radiological parameters. such as the radium equivalent activity index (Ra_Eq), outdoor gamma absorbed dose rate (ODRA), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The mean values of these parameters were significantly elevated in comparison to the world average levels and indicated the existence of significant radiation risks for gold miners and members of the local population. A radiation safety policy seems needed to protect workers and the local population in this region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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14 pages, 6426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazard Effects from Granite Rocks in the Gabal Qash Amir Area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

by Bahaa M. Emad, M. I. Sayyed, Hamoud H. Somaily and Mohamed Y. Hanfi

Minerals 2022, 12(7), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12070884 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3221

Abstract

The existence of radioactivity linked to the heavy-bearing minerals in building materials—such as granite—has increased attention to the extraction procedure. Granite rocks play an essential economic role in various areas of Egypt. Thus, this study intended to detect the ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K activity concentrations in the examined granite samples and to determine the corresponding radiological risks associated with the granite. The studied rocks were collected in the Gabal Qash Amir area (south Eastern Desert, Egypt). The obtained results of the activity concentrations for ²³⁸U (193 ± 268) Bq/kg, ²³²Th (63 ± 29) Bq/kg, and ⁴⁰K (1034 ± 382) Bq/kg indicated that there were moderate concentrations in the investigated samples, which were greater than the worldwide average. The radioactivity levels in the studied granite samples are due to the secondary alteration of radioactive-bearing minerals associated with cracks of granites (secondary minerals in muscovite granites are wolframite, uraninite, uranophane, beta-uranophane, autunite, xenotime, columbite, zircon, and monazite). The radiological risk assessment for the public from the radionuclides that were associated with the studied granite samples was predicted via estimating the radiological hazard factors, such as the radium equivalent content (362 Bq kg⁻¹), compared with the recommended limit. The dosing rate D_air in the air (169.2 nGy/h), the annual effective dose both outdoors (AED_out ~ 0.21 ± 0.17 mSv) and indoors (AED_in ~ 0.83 ± 0.67 mSv), the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE ~ 1.18 ± 0.92 mSv), as well as the external (H_ex) and internal (H_in) hazard indices (>1), and another factor were associated with excess lifetime cancer risk. According to the statistical investigation, the studied granites were inappropriate for use in construction and infrastructure fields. They may induce health problems due to the radioactivity levels, which exceed the recommended limits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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10 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiological Hazard Related with Natural Radioactivity in Natural Gas Transportation—A Case Study from Poland

by Jakub Nowak, Paweł Jodłowski, Jan Macuda and Chau Nguyen Dinh

Minerals 2022, 12(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12060662 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1849

Abstract

Activity concentration of ²¹⁰Pb in black powder and gamma radiation dose rate related to natural gas transportation were discussed. As part of the research, the content of radiolead (²¹⁰Pb) in black powder, spent filter containers, radon (²²²Rn) activity concentration in natural gas and gamma radiation dose were measured around selected points of natural gas transportation infrastructure in Poland. The content of some heavy metals was also analyzed. The average concentrations of ²²²Rn and ²¹⁰Pb ranged from 30 to 1400 Bq/m³ and from around 450 to 16,000 Bq/kg, respectively. The external exposure to gamma radiation was low; the gamma radiation dose rate was at the level of background radiation or slightly exceeded it. The research demonstrated that the content of ²¹⁰Pb in black powder is strongly related to radon concentration in natural gas, the volumetric flow rate of the transported natural gas and solid fraction content. Some black powder samples should be classified based on ²¹⁰Pb content as low-radioactive waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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29 pages, 5822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cancer Risk Assessment and Geochemical Features of Granitoids at Nikeiba, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

by Ahmed E. Abdel Gawad, Hassan Eliwa, Khaled G. Ali, Khalid Alsafi, Mamoru Murata, Masoud S. Salah and Mohamed Y. Hanfi

Minerals 2022, 12(5), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12050621 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3040

Abstract

Different rock types (syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite intruded by microgranite dikes and quartz veins) were investigated in the Nikeiba region in Egypt. The main components of the studied intrusive rocks, comprised of granites and quartz syenite, are plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, quartz and K-feldspar in different proportions. Ground gamma ray measurements show that syenogranite, quartz syenite and microgranite dikes have the highest radioactivity (K, eU, eTh and their ratios) in comparison with alkali feldspar granite. Geochemically, syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite are enriched with large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; Ba, Rb, Sr) and high field-strength elements (HFSE; Y, Zr and Nb), but have decreased Ce, reflecting their alkaline affinity. These rocks reveal calc–alkaline affinity, metaluminous characteristics, A-type granites and post-collision geochemical signatures, which indicates emplacement in within-plate environments under an extensional regime. U and Th are increased in syenogranite and quartz syenite, whereas alkali feldspar granite shows a marked decrease in U and Th. The highest average values of A_U (131 ± 49 Bq·kg⁻¹), A_Th (164 ± 35) and A_K (1402 ± 239) in the syenogranite samples are higher than the recommended worldwide average. The radioactivity levels found in the samples are the result of the alteration of radioactive carrying minerals found inside granite faults. The public’s radioactive risk from the radionuclides found in the investigated granitoid samples is estimated by calculating radiological risks. The excess lifetime cancer (ELCR) values exceed the permissible limit. Therefore, the granitoids are unsuitable for use as infrastructure materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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18 pages, 5119 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Natural Radionuclide Levels and Radiological Hazards of Khour Abalea Mineralized Pegmatites, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

by Reham M. Abd El Rahman, Sherif A. Taalab, Zainab Z. Al Full, Mostafa S. Mohamed, M. I. Sayyed, Nouf Almousa and Mohamed Y. Hanfi

Minerals 2022, 12(3), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12030353 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Arranged from oldest to youngest, the main granitic rock units exposed in Khour Abalea are metagabbros, cataclastic rocks, ophiolitic melange, granitic rocks, pegmatite and lamprophyre dykes. The presence of radioactivity associated with the heavy bearing minerals in construction materials—like granite—increased interest in the extraction process. As it turns out, granitic rocks play an important economic part in the examination of an area’s surroundings. The radionuclide content is measured by using an NaI (Tl)-detector. In the mineralized pegmatites, U (326 to 2667 ppm), Th (562 to 4010 ppm), RaeU (495 to 1544 ppm) and K (1.38 to 9.12%) ranged considerably with an average of 1700 ppm, 2881.86 ppm, 1171.82 ppm and 5.04%, respectively. Relationships among radioelements clarify that radioactive mineralization in the studied pegmatites is magmatic and hydrothermal. A positive equilibrium condition confirms uranium addition to the studied rocks. This study determined ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K activity concentrations in pegmatites samples and assessed the radiological risks associated with these rocks. The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra (13,176 ± 4394 Bq kg⁻¹), ²³²Th (11,883 ± 5644 Bq kg⁻¹) and ⁴⁰K (1573 ± 607 Bq kg⁻¹) in pegmatites samples (P) are greater than the global average. The high activity of the mineralized pegmatite is mainly attributed to the presence of uranium mineral (autunite), uranophane, kasolite and carnotite, thorium minerals (thorite, thorianite and uranothorite) as well as accessories minerals—such as zircon and monazite. To assess the dangerous effects of pegmatites in the studied area, various radiological hazard factors (external, internal hazard indices, radium equivalent activity and annual effective dose) are estimated. The investigated samples almost surpassed the recommended allowable thresholds for all of the environmental factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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20 pages, 3876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Radionuclide Concentrations by γ-Ray Spectrometry in Granitic Rocks of the Sol Hamed Area, Southeastern Desert of Egypt, and Their Radiological Implications

by El-Afandy H. Adel, Mohamed G. El-Feky, Samia H. Taha, Salwa M. El Minyawi, Hanaa A. Sallam, Osama A. Ebyan, El-Sayed Yousef and Mohamed Y. Hanfi

Minerals 2022, 12(3), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12030294 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2176

Abstract

The occurrence of heavy radioactive minerals in construction supplies such as granite has drawn attention to the extraction of heavy radioactive minerals. Granitic rocks were identified to serve an essential economic role in the study area’s surrounding locations. As a result, the current study attempted to detect the activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in the granitic rock samples tested and estimate the radiological dangers associated with these rocks. The obtained data on activity concentrations for ²³⁸U (610 ± 1730 Bq kg⁻¹), ²³²Th (110 ± 69 Bq kg⁻¹) and ⁴⁰K (1157 ± 467 Bq kg⁻¹) in the granitic samples (GR) were higher than the recommended worldwide average. The radioactive levels found in the samples were caused by radioactive materials being altered and trapped inside granite faults. The exposure to gamma radiation from the granitic rocks were assessed via various radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent content (856 Bq kg⁻¹), absorbed dose rate (Dair) in the air (396 nGy/h), and annual effective dose for either outdoor (0.48 mSv y⁻¹) or indoor (1.9 mSv y⁻¹). Statistical analysis was performed to detect the correlations between radioactive concentrations and radiological parameters. The radioactive effects contributed by the uranium minerals were associated with the granitic rocks. Based on the analysis, the radioactive levels in the examined granitic surpassed the acceptable limits; therefore, they are not safe to use in building and infrastructure applications and may cause adverse health effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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18 pages, 4106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Radioactive Materials in Albite Granites from Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

by Ibrahim Gaafar, Mona Elbarbary, M. I. Sayyed, Abdelmoneim Sulieman, Nissren Tamam, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, David A. Bradley and Mohamed. Y. Hanfi

Minerals 2022, 12(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12020120 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3720

Abstract

The present study aims to assess Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat albite granite’s natural radioactivity in the Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, using an HPGe laboratory spectrometer. A total of 17 albite granite samples were detected for this study. The activity concentrations were estimated for ²³⁸U (range from 204 to 1127 Bq/kg), ²²⁶Ra (range from 215 to 1300 Bq/kg), ²³²Th (from 130 to 1424 Bq/kg) and ⁴⁰K (from 1108 to 2167 Bq/kg) for Abu Rusheid area. Furthermore ²³⁸U (range from 80 to 800 Bq/kg), ²²⁶Ra (range from 118 to 1017 Bq/kg), ²³²Th (from 58 to 674 Bq/kg) and ⁴⁰K (from 567 to 2329 Bq/kg) for the Um Naggat area. The absorbed dose rates in the outdoor air were measured with average values of 740 nGy/h for Abu Rusheid albite granite and 429 nGy/h for Um Naggat albite granite. The activity concentration and gamma-ray exposure dose rates of the radioactive elements ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K at Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat exceeded the worldwide average values that recommend the necessity of radiation protection regulation. Moreover, the corresponding outdoor annual effective dose (AED_out) was calculated to be 0.9 and 0.5 mSv y⁻¹ for Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat albite granite, respectively, which are lower than the permissible level (1 mSv y⁻¹). By contrast, the indoor annual effective dose (AED_in) exceeded the recommended limit (3.6 and 2.1 for Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat, respectively). Therefore, the two areas are slightly saving for development projects concerning the use of the studied rocks. The statistical analysis displays that the effects of the radiological hazard are associated with the uranium and thorium activity concentrations in Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat albite granites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites)

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