Study of Natural Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples Using Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

Soil samples were collected along the coastal zone of the north western desert. Radioactivity concentration was measured using high purity germanium detection system ( HPGe). Specific activity levels due to 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K were measured in several soil samples at different distances. The average activity concentration in the collected soil samples were found with an average value of 25.23±1.3 Bq kg -1 for 226 Ra, the 232 Th specific activities with an average value of 27.3±1.8 Bq kg -1 and the 40 K specific activities with an average value of 369.5±7.4 Bq kg -1 . The absorbed dose in one meter above the soil surface was found to be 43.54±2 nGy h -l while it is in the order of the world average level (18-93) nGy h -1 . The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the external hazard index (Hex) and the annual dose equivalent were also calculated and compared with the international recommended values and found to be within the international level.