Bulletin of ANPA

Abstract submitted to ANPA Conference July 14–16, 2023

Volume 5, Number 1

High Energy, Particle, and Nuclear Physics
Abstract ID: ANPA2023-N00084

Abstract:

ANPA2023-N00084: Depth profile of natural gamma-emitting radionuclides in the soils between Kathmandu and Makawanpur

Authors:

  • Anita Mishra; Central Department of Physics, Tribhuvan University
  • Raju Khanal; Central Department of Physics

The natural radiation emitted by gamma-emitting radionuclides in Earth's crust poses a potential threat to human health. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the vertical distribution of radionuclides in soil to understand their mobility and distribution in soil. In this study, we used in-situ gamma ray spectrometry to measure the concentrations of natural radionuclides (40K, 238U and 232Th) in soil at eight selected locations between Kathmandu and Makawanpur. The measurements were taken at 10 cm intervals up to a depth of 50 cm. Our results show that the average dose rates and average concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the soil profiles range from 84.4 to 246.0 nGy/h, 1.4 to 9.2%, 4.7 to 10.6 ppm, and 12.6 to 43.3 ppm respectively. These values are higher than the world average. We also observed a homogeneous depth distribution of natural radionuclides. To understand the behavior of radionuclides, we calculated activity ratios. The Th/U, Th/K, and U/K ratios of the studied soil depth profiles suggest that they are environmental profiles. Furthermore, we found that the activity ratios were approximately constant in the soil profiles, indicating that the radionuclides have the same geochemical origin. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the vertical distribution of natural radionuclides in soil between Kathmandu and Makawanpur Nepal. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing natural radiation sources to protect human health and the environment. Keywords: Primordial radionuclides, vertical distribution, gamma spectrometry, Nepal

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: https://anpaglobal.org/conference/2023/ANPA2023-N00084