Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda
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Date
2024-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Abstract
Abstract
Using a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides, 238U, 232Th, and 40K,
were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The
average values found for 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 47.8±4.1 Bqkg−1, 61.0±3.8 Bqkg−1, and 1339.05±65.3 Bqkg−1, respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium
equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual efective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as
well as gamma and alpha indices. The fndings revealed that the annual efective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose
rate (DR) are respectively 0.58±0.03 mSvy−1 and 118.1±7.7 nGyh−1, and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is
246.9±10.4 Bqkg−1. The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93±0.05 and 0.25±0.02, respectively,
whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66±0.04 and 0.79±0.04, respectively. The fndings showed that although the soil’s radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international
standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels
in agricultural soils and their efects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas
is provided by this study.
Description
Keywords
Radioactive concentration · Uganda · Uranium · Fertilizer · Environment
Citation
Sead, Sead Mohamed, Afam Uzorka, and Ademola Olatide Olaniyan. 'Investigation into Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples from Wheat Cultivation Sites in Kapchorwa District Uganda', Discover Environment, vol. 2/no. 1, (2024), .