Natural radioactivity concentration in the quartzites of Nayagaon Area, South Delhi Fold Belt, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan and its impact on natural environment

Naturally occurring radioactive elements viz. ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K associated with radioactive and non-radioactive quartzite rock samples of Meso-Neoproterozoic South Delhi Fold Belt (SDFB) in Nayagaon area, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan have been studied using gamma-ray spectrometry. PC based Multi Channel Analyser (MCA) gamma ray spectrometry setup consisting of a 5 inch x 4 inch NaI(Tl) detector used for acquisition of the spectrum. The energy calibration for the system was carried out using ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co reference standards while sensitivities and stripping factors were calculated using equilibrium uranium ore of activity 11.52 kBq/kg, Thorium ore of activity 15.70 kBq/kg and potassium dichromate of activity 8.34 kBq/kg. The radiation level of the radioactive quartzite of South Delhi Fold Belt in Nayagaon area is lower than the areas having natural high background radiation elsewhere