Radioactivity analysis of local and imported cement in Sudan

In this study 10 cement samples were collected from local market. 2 sample taken from each type were samples labeled by A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, were A and B is Atbara cement C, D, Sakher Elsudan cement E, F, barber cement , G, H, black massy, I,J white hallway. 500 grams of cement sample was weighed and closed in plastic containers for four weeks so as to have secular equilibrium for uranium. Our goal of this study was estimate investigation of uranium-238, potassium-40, and thorium-232 level in cement samples. Natural radioactivity concentration in cement samples were measured by gamma ray spectrometry using Nal (TI). Calibration process carried out for gamma spectroscopy using MW652 as a reference source which recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) including-source-Cs-137 and Co-60 with two energy levels. The mean ± standard deviation concentration of k-40 was found 77.601±26.20 Bq/kg. The concentration of U-238 was found 25.19±9.142/kg and the concentration of Th-232 was found 08.94±04.23 Bq/kg. (Author)