Assessment of Radiological Doses Associated with Natural Radionuclides in Soil From Al-Marj Region—Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61952/jlabw.v2i2.553Keywords:
Annual effective dose, Excess life cancer risk, NaI(Tl)gamma spectrometer, Organ dose, Radiological doseAbstract
Background: Naturally occurring radionuclides are the primary contributors to ionizing radiation exposure in the human environment. Monitoring their levels in soil is essential for assessing radiological baselines and ensuring public health safety, particularly in agricultural and residential regions. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the specific activity levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples collected from the Al-Marj region of Libya and to evaluate potential radiological hazards and health risks associated with these radionuclides. Methods: Ten representative soil samples were collected from various farms at a depth of 0–20 cm using a stainless steel auger. The samples were analyzed using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy to determine activity concentrations. Radiological indices, including absorbed dose rates, annual effective dose equivalents (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), were calculated to assess the radiation profile. Results: The mean activity concentrations were 44.00, 43.62, and 140.62 Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. While indoor and outdoor absorbed dose rates exceeded global limits in most samples, the AEDE remained within the safety thresholds established by UNSCEAR and ICRP. Notably, the indoor ELCR was higher than the world average (1.16× 10-3), indicating a need for further environmental monitoring. Conclusion: Although the elevated ELCR suggests a potential long-term risk, the effective doses to specific organs were well below permissible limits. Consequently, the Al-Marj region is generally considered radiologically safe for the public. These findings provide a crucial reference for future radiological impact assessments in the area.
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