Natural radioactivity, radon exhalation rates and radiation doses in soil and cement samples

The natural radioactivity levels, radon exhalation rates, and radiation doses in soil and cement samples taken from the area around the Kasimpur thermal power plant in Aligarh, India, are examined in this particular study. The average radon activity was 112.57 Bq m^-3, with a range of 62.85-165.71 Bqm^-3. The range of surface and mass exhalation rates was 0.87-2.29 mBq kg^-1 h^-1 and 22.59-59.57 mBq m^-2 h^-1, respectively. 361 ± 1.79-7.09 ± 1.87 Bq kg^-1, 298.15 ± 49.67-351.30 ± 54.03 Bq/kg, and ⁴⁰K showed activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K ranging from 9.38 ± 2.22 to 14.22 ± 2.65 Bq kg^-1, respectively. Radium equivalent and external hazard index levels were within acceptable ranges. The study gives important information on the radiological properties of soil and cement samples, which is required for analyzing environmental and health hazards. (author)