Exploration of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards due to radioisotopes in some marble commercially sold in Türkiye

Abstract

Natural stones have been the most important material used in both the building sector and art since ancient times. One of the natural stones frequently used in human life is marble. Natural stones contain various concentrations of natural radionuclides due to their underground origin. Therefore, it is critical to determine the radioactivity in natural stones, which are indispensable for human life. In this context, the levels of natural radioactivity (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in commercial marbles collected from different regions of Türkiye were determined, and potential radiological hazards were evaluated. The natural radioactivity levels in the marble samples were measured using high-purity germanium detector system (HPGe). The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the marble samples range from 0.38 ± 0.11 to 63.38 ± 2.13 Bq/kg for 226Ra, from 3.67 ± 1.30 to 112.20 ± 3.36 Bq/kg for 232Th, and from 8.13 ± 2.21 to 961.06 ± 17.36 Bq/kg for 40K. Also, some radiological hazard parameters (Raeq, Hex, Iγ, ADR, AED and CR) for marble samples were calculated and evaluated. Based on the results obtained, this study indicates that the marble samples examined can be used safely in construction and will not create a significant radiological hazard when used anywhere.