Abstract
A survey was carried out to determine radioactivity concentrations and associated dose rates from the naturally occurring nuclides Th-232, U-238 and K-40 in various surface soil formations of Alhkraje city. Samples were collected from different areas of the study, sieved through a fine mesh, sealed in 0.5-liter plastic Marinelli beaker, and measured in the laboratory for 24 hours each. From the measured g-ray spectra, radioactivity concentrations were determined for Th-232 ranging from 5.32 +/- 2.59 to 16.40 +/- 2.04 Bq (.) kg(-1), U-238 (2.87 +/- 0.18 to 18.83 +/- 0.81 Bq (.) kg(-1)),K-40 (211.33 +/- 55.04 to 378.97 +/- 36.46 Bq (.) kg(-1)) and Cs-137 (0 to 3.19 +/- 1.02 Bq (.) kg(-1)). Absorbed dose rates in air doors were calculated to be in the range of 15.29 +/- 2.65 to 30.00 +/- 3.24 nGy (.) h(-1), the corresponding effective dose rates per person outdoors were estimated to be between 21.00 +/- 0.95 to 36.83 +/- 2.11 mS nu (.) y(-1), assuming a 20% occupancy factor.