Assessment of radiological hazards due to radionuclides present in the sediments of Hemavathi river

Systematic studies on distribution of radionuclides in sediment was carried out in Hemavathi riverine environment. The activity concentration was measured using HpGe gamma ray spectrometer. The mean value of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in sediment samples were found to be 50.73 Bq kg^-1, 57.08 Bq kg^-1, and 333.33 Bq kg^-1 respectively. The measured values were compared with other riverine environs. Higher values of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th were observed in Hemavathi river sediments. To assess the radiological parameters due to the radionucildes present in the sediment samples, Radium Equivalent (Raeq), Absorbed Dose (D), Annual Effective Equivalent Dose (AEED), Activity Utilization Index (AUI) values associated with the radionuclides were calculated and compared with international recommended values. (author)