Estimation of Natural Radionuclides and Exhalation Rate in Surface Soils of Four Districts of Haryana, India

摘要

A comprehensive study is conducted to determine the elemental concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 in surface soil samples collected from four well-populated districts of central part of Haryana, India. NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer is used for measurement of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 in soil samples and SMART RnDuo is used for estimation of exhalation rate in soil samples. Average values of activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 are 27.9 +/- 6.0 Bqkg(-1), 34.0 +/- 6.6 Bqkg(-1) and 306.9 +/- 15.9 Bqkg(-1), respectively. Radium equivalent activity is lower than the recommended limits with an average value of 97.98 Bqkg(-1). Absorbed dose rates in air outdoors, effective dose rates for indoor and outdoor, internal and external hazard index, radium equivalent activities and annual effective dose are measured in soil sample of the study area. A weak positive correlation is observed between radionuclides and exhalation rate.