Natural radioactivity in South West Coast of India

摘要

Detailed studies were carried on the background radiation levels and radionuclides concentration in different environmental matrices of Coastal Karnataka, Kaiga, and Goa regions (12deg5 l'N, 74deg49'E to 15deg45'N, 74deg20'E) of South West Coast of India. This region is witnessing a rapid industrialization with setting up of many major industries. The study has established the baseline data on radionuclides distribution in different environmental matrices and this would help to assess, in the future, the impact of operation of major industries on the environment. The paper discusses the results of ~(226)Ra, ~(232)Th, and~(40)K activities, their vertical profiles in soil and dependence on physico-chemical properties of the soil.