Radiological assessment of soil and rock samples from Stubla Village, Kosovo

Abstract

Background: This study represents a thorough exploration of the radioactivity levels in soil and rock samples collected from Stubla Village, Kosovo. The main aim is to evaluate the potential hazards and risks associated with using these materials in construction, and this is a common practice among residents when building homes. Materials and Methods: Gamma spectrometry was employed to analyze 19 soil samples and seven rock samples, followed by the calculation of the primary radiological parameters. Results and Discussion: The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs was determined in soil samples (95.84±67.5, 75.51±35.5, 12.87±23.5, and 738.87±186.7 Bq/kg, respectively) and natural rock samples (199.8±190.2, 147.0±14.3, 967.1±47.4 Bq/kg, and not detected, respectively). Almost all the calculated health radiological hazard factors exceeded the recommended limits by international professional organizations. Conclusion: The rocks from this specific region are unsuitable for construction work due to their high radioactivity levels. This emphasizes potential environmental and health risks. The findings underscore the importance of implementing alternative materials for construction. Additionally, further investigations into radioactivity risks in the area under study should be conducted, such as assessing radioactivity concentrations in drinking water, food, and indoor radon exposures, to ensure the safety and well-being of the community and the environment.