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Estimation of radiological indices in Indian Sundarbans: a mangrove habitat

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Abstract

The present study evaluates the radiological indices due to naturally occurring radionuclides (238U, 232Th and 40K) present in surface soil samples of Indian Sundarbans. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were carried out to understand the probability distribution of the radionuclides, correlate and classify the different radiological parameters. Averages of absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose were found higher than world averages, whereas that of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent and hazard indices (Hin and Hex) were found below the maximum permissible limit. The data indicates that Indian Sundarbans poses no significant radiological health hazards.

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Acknowledgements

NN is thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC) for providing the necessary fellowship. This work is part of DAE-SINP 12 five-year plan project TULIP (Trace, Ultratrace Analysis and Isotope Production).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, India

    Nabanita Naskar & Punarbasu Chaudhuri

  2. Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India

    Nabanita Naskar & Susanta Lahiri

  3. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India

    Susanta Lahiri

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  1. Nabanita Naskar
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  3. Punarbasu Chaudhuri
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Correspondence to Susanta Lahiri.

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Naskar, N., Lahiri, S. & Chaudhuri, P. Estimation of radiological indices in Indian Sundarbans: a mangrove habitat. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 322, 213–223 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-019-06597-4

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