Evaluation of Natural Radionuclide content in Nile River Sediments and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Associated with Gamma Radiation

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Physics Department Faculty of Science Al Azhar University,Egypt

2 Physics Dept., College of Science, Mosul University, Mosul,IRAQ

3 Physics Dept., College of Science, Mosul University,IRAQ

4 Department of Radiologic Technology,College of Applied Medical Science,Qassim University,KSA

Abstract

Introduction: This Study has was  carried out to measure and detect the natural occurred radionuclide content including 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the  Nile River sediments at various locations in Upper Egypt, from Aswan to El-Minya. Additionally, we determine the absorbed dose rate, the annual effective dose equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer risk also has been calculated.
Material and Methods: The gamma ray measurements were performed with a high resolution High-Purity Germanium detector, low background, and Personal Computer multichannel analyzer.
Results: In Aswan Governorate, the mean   specific activities of radionuclide's (226Ra,232Th and 40K) 14.86, 13.78 and 175.4 in Bq/kg respectively. In Qena Governorate, the mean specific activities of mentioned radionuclides were 14.44 Bq/kg, 15.02 Bq/kg and 197.57 Bq/kg, respectively. These values were18.53 Bq/kg, 11.3 Bq/kg and 184.73 Bq/kg in Sohag Governorate, respectively. In Asyut Governorate the mean specific activities of the radionuclide's were 11.38 Bq/kg, 10.0 Bq/kg, and 164.715 Bq/kg, respectively. However, these values were 19.56 Bq/kg, 11.72 Bq/kg, and 239.92 Bq/kg in Minya Governorate, respectively. The hazard indices of gamma radiation such as Absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated.
Conclusion: According to the results, all the  values were within the reported values by the United Nations Scientific Committee  on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. In addition, there was no likelihood of radiological health hazards to the population living close to the Nile river.   

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 16, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
January and February 2019
Pages 27-33

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 April 2018
  • Revise Date: 25 May 2018
  • Accept Date: 27 May 2018

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