Radiological impacts of natural radioactivity in phosphate rocks from El-Sibaiya and Red Sea coast mines, Egypt

摘要

Using gamma spectrometry, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40) were measured in phosphate rock samples collected from phosphate mines located in El-Sibaiya (Nile valley) and Red Sea coast, Egypt. The average activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 (Bqkg(-1)) in phosphate rocks were 512 +/- A 26, 41 +/- A 2 and 428 +/- A 21 Bq kg(-1) for El-Sibaiya and 422 +/- A 21, 37 +/- A 2 and 324 +/- A 16 Bq kg(-1) Red Sea coast, respectively. The radiological hazards to the occupational workers and public caused by gamma-radiation have been determined.