Estimation of radioactivity in drinking water and soil samples from Gulbarga city

Natural radioactivity measurement, dose assessment and interpretation of radiological related parameters and radiation monitoring of the region are crucial aspects from the public awareness and environmental safety point of view. The radioactive elements present in soil samples such as ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K and water will generate a significant component of the background radiation exposure of the population. When ground water moves through uranium, thorium, radium and radon-bearing soil and rocks they are dissolved and transported with the water. Radon concentration was assessed in 20 water samples collected from hand pumps, tap water and bore wells collected from some areas of Gulbarga city, Karnataka, India and were analyzed by using Emanometry method. Total 20 soil samples were collected for radioactivity study. Standard procedure was followed for the collection and preparation of sample for gamma spectrometric measurements. A 4 inch X 4 inch NaI(Tl) detector was used for the measurement of activity. The spectrum was analyzed using a PC based 1 k MCA (winTMCA 32 scinti SPEC). Least Square method analysis is used for the analysis of soil samples, it is regarded as the most accurate method. It is basically full spectrum analysis