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Measurement of natural radioactivity and radiation hazards assessment in rock samples of Ramanagara and Tumkur districts, Karnataka, India

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Abstract

The present study deals with the activity concentration of natural primordial radionuclides, namely 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in different rock samples of Ramanagara and Tumkur districts, and has been studied by using gamma ray spectrometry. The average activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the collected rock samples was found to be 41.08 ± 2.12, 86.26 ± 2.94, and 869.29 ± 3.78 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The average radium equivalent activity (Raeq) was found as 225.29 Bq.kg−1 and these values are well within the recommended limit prescribed for dwellings as 370 Bq.kg−1. The external (H ex) and internal hazard index (H in) values are also less than unity. The mean value of absorbed dose rate in rock samples was found as 107.33 nGy.h−1, respectively, and is slightly higher than the worldwide average value. The average indoor and outdoor annual effective dose values for rock samples are 0.526 mSv.y−1 and 0.131 mSv.y−1, respectively. These values are lower than the average world recommended value of 1 mSv.y−1.

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Acknowledgments

The authors express their deep sense of gratitude to University Grant Commission (UGC), New Delhi for providing the financial support under Major Research Project [F. NO. 41-876/2012 (SR)] to carry out this research work. The authors are also thankful to Dr. Karunakara, Associate Professor, USIC, Mangalagangothri, Mangalore University, for their support in providing the necessary equipment for gamma ray spectrometry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Studies and Research in Physics, Kuvempu University, Jnanasahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Shimoga, Karnataka, 577451, India

    D. R. Rangaswamy & J. Sannappa

  2. Department of Physics, Govt. First Grade College, Malleshwaram, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

    M. C. Srilatha

  3. Department of Physics, Vidya Vikas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mysore, Karnataka, 570 028, India

    C. Ningappa

  4. Department of Physics, IDSG Govt. College, Chickmagalore, Karnataka, 577 101, India

    E. Srinivasa

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  1. D. R. Rangaswamy
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  2. M. C. Srilatha
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  3. C. Ningappa
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  4. E. Srinivasa
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  5. J. Sannappa
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Correspondence to J. Sannappa.

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Rangaswamy, D.R., Srilatha, M.C., Ningappa, C. et al. Measurement of natural radioactivity and radiation hazards assessment in rock samples of Ramanagara and Tumkur districts, Karnataka, India. Environ Earth Sci 75, 373 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5195-8

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