Environmental radioactivity assessment of the Brunei Darussalam coastline of the South China Sea. (15th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al Shaaibi, Mohammed; Ali, Juma; Tsikouras, Basilios; Masri, Zarifi
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 323(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-15
• Subjects: Natural radionuclides -- Activity ratio -- Brunei Darussalam -- South China Sea -- Berm sediment -- Intertidal sediment; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Radioactivity levels of naturally occurring radionuclides at the coast of Brunei Darussalam were evaluated along with their dose rates. Twenty-six berm and intertidal sediment samples were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 4 0 K in berm sediments were 10.07 ± 1.02 Bq/kg, below the minimum detectable activity, and 21.44 ± 1.23 Bq/kg, respectively, whereas for intertidal sediments they were 7.01 ± 0.87, 1.67 ± 0.15 and 4.99 ± 0.42 Bq/kg, respectively. With respect to the radiological health risk, the average hazard indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, effective dose equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer risk were found to be less than the global average. Calculation of the activity ratio showed that 4 0 K is the main source of radiation in the coastal sediments. Furthermore, the difference in radioactivity levels between the berm sediments and intertidal sediments collected at the same location was investigated. Finally, a standard geological terminology of the littoral zone profile is proposed for describing coastal samples for universal communication among researchers. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Radioactivity in berm and intertidal sediments of coast of Brunei 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 sediments were calculated. Geological terminology of littoral zone profile proposed for coastal samples.