Measurement of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples of Bidar district, Karnataka, India.

Natural radioactivity measurement, radiation monitoring of the region, dose assessment and interpretation of radiological-related parameters are crucial aspects from the public awareness and environmental safety point of view. The ionising radiations (gamma-rays) emitted from radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K present in environmental materials contributes significantly to the external radiation dose received by the public. High-efficiency gamma spectrometry based on a 4″ × 4″ NaI (Tl) detector was employed for estimating activity concentrations of the gamma-emitting radioelements.

Estimation of radioactivity in soil and drinking water samples from Northern Gulbarga District of Karnataka.

The gamma activity of the radionuclides238U, 232Th and 40K were measured in surface soil samples collected from 40 villages of Aland, Afzalpur, Ganaghapur and Kamalapur talukas of Northern Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The gamma activity of natural radionuclides were measured using 4" × 4" NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, the spectrum was analysed using a PC based 1 k MCA (winTMCA 32 scinti SPEC) and the 222Rn activity concentrations in drinking water were determined by the Emanometry method. The activity of 238U, 232Th and 40K was found to be in the range from 14.