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The natural radioactivity levels and radiation hazard of pumice from the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

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Abstract

The concentrations of natural radionuclides in 20 pumice samples from the Toprakkale-Osmaniye area were studied using γ-ray spectrometry in order to assess the radioactivity levels and health hazard. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the pumice samples ranged from 9.44 to 27.31, 12.24 to 25.43 and 289.48 to 673.18 Bq kg−1, respectively. The radionuclide concentrations in pumice samples were matched with typical world values and the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (H ex) and internal (H in) hazard index and representative level index (I γr) determined. All the calculated values were below the internationally accepted limits and indicate that the Toprakkale-Osmaniye pumice can safely be used in construction.

Résumé

Les concentrations de radionucléides naturels dans 20 échantillons de ponces provenant de la région de Toprakkale-Osmaniye ont été étudiées à partir de spectrométries par rayons gamma afin d’évaluer les niveaux de radioactivité et les risques pour la santé. Les valeurs d’activité du 226Ra, 232Th et du 40K dans les échantillons de ponces varient respectivement entre 9,44 et 27,31, 12,24 et 25,43, 289,48 et 673,18 Bq kg−1. Les concentrations de radionucléides dans les ponces ont été comparées à des valeurs typiques mondiales. Les activités équivalentes de radium (Raeq), les indices d’aléa externe (H ex) et interne (H in) et l’indice de niveau représentatif (I γr) ont été déterminés. Toutes les valeurs calculées étaient inférieures aux limites acceptées internationalement et indiquent que les ponces de Toprakkale-Osmaniye peuvent être utilisées sans risque dans la construction.

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Acknowledgments

This work was carried out under the research project sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of Turkey (TAEK) and the authors gratefully acknowledge this support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mining Engineering Department, Cukurova University, 01330, Balcali, Adana, Turkey

    A. M. Kilic

  2. General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, Adana, Turkey

    A. S. Aykamis

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  1. A. M. Kilic
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  2. A. S. Aykamis
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Correspondence to A. M. Kilic.

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Kilic, A.M., Aykamis, A.S. The natural radioactivity levels and radiation hazard of pumice from the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Environ 68, 331–338 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0190-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0190-5

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