Estimation of Natural Radioactivity Concentrations of 238u, 232th and 40k in Soil Samples from Belagavi District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The natural radioactivity concentrations of Uranium (238U), Thorium (232Th), and Potassium (40K) in soil samples from Belagavi District in Karnataka, India were measured to assess the radiological impact on the environment and public health. Soil samples were collected from two different locations within the district, and the radioactivity levels of U, Th, and K were determined using NaI (Tl) a High-Resolution Gamma Spectrometer. The average activity concentrations of Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium were found to be 26.84 ± 0.16 Bq/kg, 48.33 ± 0.09 Bq/kg, and 150.71 ± 1.61 Bq/kg, respectively, in Savadatti soil samples, and 22.87 ± 0.19 Bq/kg, 54.43 ± 0.11 Bq/kg, and 219.99 ± 1.77 Bq/kg, respectively, in Belavadi soil samples. These results were compared with global and regional reference values to evaluate the radiological risk. The calculated Radium Equivalent Activity (Ra eq), External Hazard Index (H ex), were used to assess the potential health risks associated with the radioactivity levels in the soil. The study revealed that the radiological indices in the soil samples were within the safe limits, although certain areas showed slightly elevated concentrations. This study contributes to the understanding of natural radioactivity in the selected region and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring to safeguard environmental and public health. The findings are compared with global safety limits set by international organizations like UNSCEAR.