Evaluation of Potassium-40 and Uranium-238 activities and radiological risk in Missour, Morocco soils using gamma spectrometry

The objective of this study is to assess natural activity in soil to estimate potential radiological risks for the population. Given that soil is inherently radioactive and can reach hazardous levels, it is crucial to determine the activities of radionuclides such as Potassium-40 and Uranium-238 descendants at different depths and geographical positions. For this work, gamma spectrometry method was employed to analyze soil samples collected at three different positions in the Missour region. Each position was sampled at five different depths, spaced 5 cm apart, resulting in a total of 15 samples. The activity of Potassium-40 and Uranium238 descendants in the soil was accurately assessed using Lvis software, enabling the estimation of radiological doses.