Uncertainty evaluation in dose assessment due to spatial distribution of norm in beach sands of southeast coast of India: a probabilistic approach

A study on radionuclide distribution along coastal stretch in high background areas is constantly attracted to many researchers around the world. In the present study, the concentration of radionuclides in beach sands along the southeast coastal region of India has been studied in detail. Concentration of radionuclides is measured using gamma spectrometry at 148 pre-determined locations. It is found that ²³⁸U and ²³²Th concentrations are varying in the range from 3 (BDL) to 298.9 and 1150.2 Bq kg^-1, respectively. Concentration of ⁴⁰K in beach sand varied from 11 to 1743.4 Bq kg^-1. The measured activity levels of radionuclides were compared with earlier studies carried out by various researchers in the same region under study. The related radiological parameters of interest were also determined and compared with the internationally recommended values. With an increase in emphasis on quality in dose assessment methods, dose to human population living in the vicinity requires uncertainty evaluation, which is carried out by taking into account variation in the activity values. This study would serve as a baseline radiological mapping for the southeast coast region of India for environmental impact assessment prior to plan of nuclear facility in the future. (authors)