Assessment of natural radioactivity in spring water and radiation shielding properties of soil from a tourist hub in outer Himalayas

This study assessed radionuclide concentration in Murree's natural spring water and the variation of soil mass-attenuation coefficient. Water samples from 20 springs and soil from 15 sites were analyzed. Radium-226, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 activity concentrations averaged 0.43 ± 0.09, 0.52 ± 0.08, and 1.52 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. Radiation hazard indices, including Radium equivalent, External and Internal hazard indices, External and internal absorbed and equivalent doses, and lifetime cancer risk, were quantified but found non-alarming. Mass-attenuation coefficients for various energies were measured experimentally and theoretically. Various radiation shielding parameters were calculated. Murree's soil demonstrated lower attenuation properties compared to cement, tiles, concrete, and Egyptian soil. (author)