Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Soil and Water Samples from Aden Governorate South Of Yemen Region

The level of natural radioactivity in soils and water of 74 samples collected from locations at Aden governorate south of Yemen was measured. Concentrations of radionuclides in soils and water samples were determined by gamma-ray spectrometer using a NaI (Tl) detector with specially designed shield. The mean activity level of the natural radionuclides 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K is 30.41 ± 2.4, 36.26 ± 2.9 and 358.12±26.54 Bq kg -1 , respectively. These values are well within values reported elsewhere in the country and in other countries with similar environments. The study also examined some radiation hazard indices. The mean values obtained are, 215±37Bq kg -1 , 50.10±6 nGy h -1 , 0.34mSv y -1 , 0.30 and 0.34 for Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed Dose Rates (D), Annual Effective Dose Rates (Eff Dose), External Hazard Index (Hex) and Internal Hazard Index (Hin) respectively. All the health hazard indices are well below their recommended limits. The paper recommends further studies to estimate internal and external doses from other suspected radiological sources to the population in Aden governorate.