Investigation of radioactivity and radiological effects in soil samples taken from ovit dağbaşı lake

Abstract

All living creatures in nature are constantly exposed to ionizing radiation, which is emitted from natural and artificial radiation sources. For this reason, it is important to monitor the levels of radioactivity in living spaces and visited areas. In this study, natural (226Ra,232Th,40K) and artificial (137Cs) radioactivity concentrations were determined using the high purity germanium detector (HPGe) in the soil samples taken from Ovit Dağbaşı Lake located on İkizdere-İspir highway in İkizdere district of Rize province. Radioisotope concentrations of226 Ra,232 Th,40K and137Cs in soil samples are 18.37-30.52 Bq/kg, 17.36-27.06 Bq/kg, 248.46-369.38 Bq/kg and 7.08-17.63 Bq/kg, respectively. Mean radioactivity concentrations were found as 23.86±2.31 Bq/kg for226Ra, 20.98±1.87 Bq/kg for232Th, 300.91±12.88 Bq/kg for40K, and 10.61±0.66 Bq/kg for137Cs. In addition, radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) and lifetime cancer risk rate (LCR) were calculated to assess radiological hazards caused by the natural radioactivity. These calculated radiological parameter values were compared with the values recommended by international organizations and were found to be lower than the recommended values. In conclusion, it has been determined that radiation does not pose a health risk in terms of the radioisotopes measured for visitors of Ovit Dağbaşı Lake. © 2020, TUBITAK. All rights reserved.