Vertical distributions and gamma dose rates of 40K, 232Th, 238U and 137Cs in the selected forest soils in Izmir, Turkey
Articles > Article · 2008
Authors: Oezlem Karadeniz, Günseli YAPRAK
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded, International, WoS, 2008, vol 131, pp 346-355
DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncn185
Summary
This paper presents the results obtained from a radioecological study carried out in the selected forest sites of Izmir, Turkey. The levels of gamma-emitting radionuclides, 40K, 232Th, 238U and 137Cs, in soils were determined using gamma spectroscopy. The activity profile for 40K, 232Th and 238U exhibits a uniform distribution with respect to depth. The depth distribution of 137Cs activity was established by fitting the experimental points to an exponential or a Gaussian function. About 42-97% of the 137Cs deposition was found in the first 10 cm of soil even after 18 y from Chernobyl accident. The dose-rate and annual-effective dose received from external irradiation were quantified. It is indicated that 137Cs from the fallout plays a less role in external radiation exposures in forest sites of Izmir than in potential exposures from naturally occurring radionuclides accounted for by soil.