DETERMINATION OF RADIONUCLIDES AND INORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN SOIL SAMPLES

Radionuclides and inorganic compounds in soil samples taken from north-west areas of country were determined. Research of radionuclides in the samples were determined using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, while the mineralogy was analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods. The level of soil contamination and the analysis of potential ecological risks were evaluated in terms of the natural background radioactivity in the area and its ecological and agricultural impacts. The concentrations of sulfates and chlorides of elements such as Na, K, Ca, Sr, Fe, Mn, Zn, and others were determined. Overall, the research findings showed that the activity of radionuclides in the soil samples were relatively low. The activity of natural isotopes 30Zn65, 38Sr91, 50Sn113, 50Sn126 and 90Th228 in taken soil samples is within the natural background range.