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Mining treatment effects on natural radioactivity and radiological hazard index assessment in phosphates and fertilizers used in Algeria

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Abstract

Activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K contained in phosphate ores and granular fertilizer samples were determined using two different gamma-ray spectrometry detectors. The influence of treatment processes on the radioactivity in phosphates mine in each mining step in the dry and wet process were evaluated. Total absorbed dose rates in air and external annual effective dose rates were calculated from the activities of the three radionuclides. Excess lifetime cancer risks due to phosphate ores and fertilizers, radiation hazard indices (Raeq, Hex, Hin and Iγr) were also calculated. Our findings indicate that the obtained values are higher than recommended standard limits. Results obtained were discussed and compared with those reported in literature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, UMR CNRS 6249, Université de Bourgogne, Franche-Comté, 25030, Besançon, France

    R. E. Djabou, Ch. Mavon & J. E. Groetz

  2. Physics Department, Laboratory of Dosing, Analysis and Characterization With High Resolution (DAC), University Ferhat Abba Setif 1, Setif, Algeria

    R. E. Djabou

  3. Laboratoire de Physique des Rayonnements et Applications, Université de Jijel, B.P. 98, Ouled Aissa, 18000, Jijel, Algeria

    A. Belafrites

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  1. R. E. Djabou
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  2. Ch. Mavon
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  3. A. Belafrites
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  4. J. E. Groetz
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Correspondence to A. Belafrites.

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Djabou, R.E., Mavon, C., Belafrites, A. et al. Mining treatment effects on natural radioactivity and radiological hazard index assessment in phosphates and fertilizers used in Algeria. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 2081–2092 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08258-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08258-5

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