Reda Elsaman

Gamma radioactivity measurements in Nile River sediment samples

River sediment depositions on the bottom of rivers most frequently consist of sand and gravel particles with dierent grain sizes, which make them particularly valuable for building construction. Knowledge of the radioactivity present in building materials enables one to assess any possible radiological hazard to humankind by the use of such materials. A total of 69 Nile River sediment samples from 8 cities and 24 locations were collected along a 139-km area in Minia, Egypt. The radiological hazards were calculated for the investigated area. The results of the study could serve as important baseline radiometric data for future epidemiological studies and monitoring initiatives in the study area.

Natural radioactivity levels and radiological hazards indices of chemical fertilizers commonly used in Upper Egypt

Abstract In order to determine the radiological hazards indices of chemical fertilizers commonly used in Upper Egypt, The concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in seven types of chemical fertilizers used in Upper Egypt have been measured by gamma spectrometry using NaI (Tl) 3″×3″ detector. The ranges of concentration levels of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 12±0.6–244±12.6, 3±0.2–99±4.9, and 109±5.5–670±34Bqkg−1, respectively. In the other side, the range values obtained from fertilizer samples under investigation were (33.1–392.3Bqkg−1), (0.6–2.7), (15.6–177.8nGyh−1) and (20.1–229.1μSvy−1) for radium equivalent activity, γ-radiation hazard index Iγr, Dose rate (nGyh−1) and annual effective dose equivalent (AED) in the air to the occupational workers, respectively. The obtained values were compared with available reported data from other countries in literature.

Environmental implications and spatial distribution of natural radionuclides and heavy metals in sediments from four harbours in the Egyptian Red Sea coast

Measurements of natural radionuclides concentrations (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in sediments collected from sea, rivers or ocean is significant to protect the sea water ecosystem and to human health from radiation. Thirty-three sample of sediment have been collected from four ports in the Red Sea coast, Egypt for investigation by gamma-ray spectrometer using NaI(Tl) detector. The average and range activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 26(5-58), 19(4-33) and 458(16-2665)Bqkg-1 in Quseir Harbour, 30(14-53), 20(14-34) and 430(378-511)Bqkg-1 in Abu-Tartour Harbour. However, the average and range activity concentrations were 23(14-35), 21(15-32), and 602(327-821)Bqkg-1 in Touristic Harbour and 14(5-26), 13(2-23) and 489(36-950)Bqkg-1 in Hurghada harbour. These results were compared with reported ranges in the literature from other location in the world. The radiation hazard parameters; radium equivalent activity annual dose, external hazard were also calculated and compared with the recommended levels by UNSCEAR reports. Eight heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) have been measured and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration for the investigated heavy metals overtakes the allowable limits recommended by the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. Because there are no existing databases for the natural radioactivity in the sediment samples from Egyptian Red Sea ports, our results are a start to establishing a database for Red Sea harbours environment.

Environmental impacts of heavy metals, rare earth elements and natural radionuclides in marine sediment from Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia along the Arabian Gulf

Ras Tanura city is one of the most important cities in Saudi Arabia because of the presence of the largest and oldest oil refinery in the Middle East which was began operations in September 1945. Also its contains gas plant and two ports. The concentration of natural radionuclides, heavy metals and rare earth elements were measured in marine sediment samples collected from Ras Tanura. The specific activities of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs (Bq/kg) were measured using A hyper-pure Germanium detector (HPGe), and ranged from (20.4 ± 4.0-55.1 ± 9.9), (6.71 ± 0.7-46.1 ± 4.5), (3.51 ± 0.5-18.2 ± 1.5), (105 ± 4.4-492 ± 13) and from (0.33 ± 0.04-2.10 ± 0.4) for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs respectively. Heavy metals and rare earth elements were measured using ICPE-9820 Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. Also the frequency distributions for all radioactive variables in sediment samples were analyzed. Finally the radiological hazards due to natural radionuclides in marine sediment were calculated to the public and its diagramed by Surfer program in maps. Comparing with the international recommended values, its values found to be within the international level.