Radioactivity concentrations in soils in the Qingdao area, China.
The specific activity concentrations of radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th, and (40)K of 2300 sampling points in the Qingdao area were measured by an FD-3022 gamma-ray spectrometer. The radioactivity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th, and (40)K ranged from 3.3 to 185.3, from 6.9 to 157.2, and from 115.8 to 7834.4 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The air-absorbed dose at 1 meter above ground, effective annual dose, external hazard index, and radium equivalent activity were also calculated to systematically evaluate the radiological hazards of the natural radioactivity in Qingdao. The air-absorbed dose, effective annual dose, external hazard index, and radium equivalent activity in the study area were 98.6 nGy h(-1), 0.12 mSv, 0.56, 197 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Compared with the worldwide value, the air-absorbed dose is slightly high, but the other factors are all lower than the recommended value. The natural external exposure will not pose significant radiological threat to the population. In conclusion, the Qingdao area is safe with regard to the radiological level and suitable for living.
Qu
Limei
L
Institute of Oceanology and Graduate School, CAS, Qingdao, China. qulimei2005@sohu.com
Yao
De
D
Cong
Pifu
P
Xia
Ning
N
D002681:China; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D011883:Radium / Q000032:analysis*; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D013053:Spectrophotometry / Q000379:methods; D013910:Thorium / Q000032:analysis; D014501:Uranium / Q000032:analysis
D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes; D011868:Radioisotopes; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D014501:Uranium; D013910:Thorium; D011883:Radium