Determination of Natural Radioactivity in The Koçarlı Region and Around Aydın
Project no. 199 · Status: Kapanmış · 2015
Summary
The soil is a covering layer formed by the combination of organic and inorganic materials that surround the earth, which is necessary for the existence of all living beings on earth. Radioactive elements such as uranium, potassium and thorium are present in the soil structure and dispersed in varying amounts throughout the world by the association and dissociation of the continents. There are more or less radioactive elements in the soil, which are formed by the breakdown and separation of the rocks and which contain organic and inorganic materials in the internal structure. These radioactive elements can interfere with the air from the soil, as well as vegetables, fruits and water consumed from the roots of the plants. If there is an increase in the number of radioactive substances contained in the consumed foods, it may have negative effects on human health. Within the scope of this study, it was aimed to determine the concentrations of natural radioactivity in the soil of Koçarlı Region and Around, Aydın. For this purpose, a statistical study was carried out between the concentrations of natural radioactivity and radon concentrations obtained from the soil taken from the region. The radon measurement method used in the study was performed with LR-115 detectors and a 3x3 inch NaI (Tl) scintillation detector gamma spectrometer system for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K concentration measurements in soil samples. Monthly average values of soil gas radon concentration measurements taken with LR-115 detectors were found to vary between 6.7-16.5 kBq/m3. The mean concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 34.69 Bq/kg, 25.82 Bq/kg and 625.48 Bq/kg, respectively. These values were compared with the average values given by UNSCEAR, and from time to time they appeared to be above the average. Keywords: Natural Radiation, Radon, LR-115 detector, NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, Soil