Measurement of natural radioactivity in phosphogypsum by high resolution gamma ray spectrometry

YÜCEL H., Demirel H., Parmaksiz A., Karadeniz H., Cakir L., Cetiner B., ...More

NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Radiation Safety Problems in the Caspian Region, Baku, Azerbaijan, 11 - 14 September 2003, vol.41, pp.197-204, (Full Text) identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume: 41
  • City: Baku
  • Country: Azerbaijan
  • Page Numbers: pp.197-204
  • Keywords: radioactivity, exposure, food, fertilizer, phosphoric acid, radon
  • Ankara University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Phosphatic fertilizers are manufactured from phosphate ores which contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as U-238 and its daughter products. Large amounts of phosphogypsum. is obtained and has Ra-226. The natural radioactivity was measured by a gamma ray spectrometer. The activity concentration Ra-226 was 465 Bq/kg as a mean value. The natural external gamma radiation dose rate is estimated to be 205 nGy/h at 1 m above ground level when 1-1.5 kg of phosphogypsum is applied in 1 m(2) surface area of field.