Measurement of environmental soil radioactivity using gamma-ray spectrometry

IntroductionExposure to naturally occurring and anthropogenic radionuclides is a ubiquitous feature of the environment. Consequently, establishing baseline levels of environmental radiation is imperative for ensuring public safety and for the timely assessment of potential contamination events.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a preliminary database and a spatial map of natural background radiation levels in the air within Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, Vietnam.MethodologyA total of 42 soil samples were systematically collected from the study area. These samples were subsequently analyzed to determine their radioactive content through the indexes: Radium Equivalent Activity, Representative Level Index, Absorbed Dose Rate, Annual Effective Dose Rate, External hazard index, Internal hazard index. The resulting data was then utilized to construct a foundational map of natural background radiation.ResultsThe research successfully established a preliminary database and a spatial map depicting natural radiation background. This foundational dataset is critical for ongoing radiological monitoring and serves as an important reference for regional economic and tourism development initiatives.ConclusionDetailed analysis and discussion of the study's conclusions are presented in the corresponding section at the end of this paper.