Assessment of natural radioactivity and gamma-ray dose in monazite rich black Sand Beach of Penang Island, Malaysia.
Activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides in sand samples collected from the coastal beaches surrounding Penang Island have been measured using conventional γ-ray spectrometry, while in-situ γ-ray doses have been measured through use of a portable radiation survey meter. The mean activity concentrations for226Ra,232Th and40K at different locations were found to be less than the world average values, while the Miami Bay values for226Ra and232Th were found to be greater, at 1023±47 and 2086±96Bqkg̶ 1respectively. The main contributor to radionuclide enrichment in Miami Bay is the presence of monazite-rich black sands. The measured data were compared against literature values and also recommended limits set by the relevant international bodies. With the exception of Miami Bay, considered an elevated background radiation area that would benefit from regular monitoring, Penang island beach sands typically pose no significant radiological risk to the local populace and tourists visiting the leisure beaches.
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
Hauwau Kulu
HK
Shuaibu
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia. Electronic address: mu_khandaker@yahoo.com.
Mayeen Uddin
MU
Khandaker
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Khaldia, Kuwait.
Tareq
T
Alrefae
Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU, UK; Sunway University, Institute for Health Care Development, Jalan Universiti, 46150 PJ, Malaysia.
D A
DA
Bradley
D001493:Bathing Beaches; D006801:Humans; D062312:Islands; D008296:Malaysia; D008674:Metals, Rare Earth / Q000032:analysis*; D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011851:Radioactivity; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D013051:Spectrometry, Gamma; D013910:Thorium
D008674:Metals, Rare Earth; D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; C015370:monazite; D013910:Thorium
Beach sand; Dose assessment; HPGe γ-ray spectrometry; Natural radioactivity; Penang Island