Evaluation of Radionuclides Concentration in Natural Samples Used in Viral Industry

The radiological control of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in industries such as mining is governed by several regulations. To determine the activity concentrations of long-lived natural radionuclides — such as 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K — HPGe detectors and alpha counting using SSNTDs (CR-39) are employed. Accurate determination requires the use of both alpha-particle and gamma-ray spectrometric techniques. The concentrations and distributions of natural radionuclide activities were investigated in 28 environmental soil samples, categorized into four groups (A, B, C, and D) based on their radioactivity levels. The average concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to exceed the permissible limits in groups A, B, and C, while remaining within acceptable limits in group D. To assess potential health impacts, various radiological hazard indices were calculated for each group. Radon activity concentrations for all groups were measured, and corresponding predicted values were estimated based on radium content.