Assessment of radioactivity concentration in intertidal sediments from coastal provinces in Oman and estimation of hazard and radiation indices. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al Shaaibi, Mohammed; Ali, Juma; Duraman, Norazimah; Tsikouras, Basilios; Masri, Zarifi
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 168(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Natural radionuclides -- Coastal zone -- Gamma ray spectrometer -- Radiation exposure; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112442
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The natural radioactivity of intertidal sediment samples collected from the beaches of Oman was investigated. Using gamma ray spectrometry, the activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in the sediment samples were measured to have average values of 20.49 ± 3.50, 2.26 ± 0.60 and 44.83 ± 4.60 Bq kg −1 respectively. The activity levels reported are considerably lower than the worldwide average. The annual effective dose rate was estimated to be 0.015 mSv yr −1 on average. Additionally, the mean radium equivalent, external and internal indices were 26.89, 0.07 and 0.13 Bq kg −1 respectively which were well below the risk limits. Gamma and alpha radiation indices were computed to be less than unity and show no exceedance beyond the recommended level. Our results provide baseline data for radioactivity in intertidal sediment samples of Oman and show that intertidal beach sand does not pose significant radiological risk to human health. Highlights: Radioactivity in intertidal sediments from coast of Oman was investigated. 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K radionuclides were measured using gamma spectrometry. Radioactivity levels of radionuclides lower than worldwide average. Radiological hazard indices of intertidal sediments were calculated.