Spatial distributions and risk assessment of the natural radionuclides in the granitic rocks from the eastern desert, Egypt

Abstract

This paper investigates the distribution of four natural radioisotopes 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in one hundred twenty-five granitic samples covering sixteen mountainous areas situated at the northern, central and southern parts of the Eastern Desert of Egypt (EDE). The concentrations of the examined radioisotopes in the collected samples were recognized utilizing a HPGe detector based gamma spectrometry. The average concentrations of these radioisotopes were higher when compared with the worldwide reference values. The radiation risk indicators including the radium equivalent activity index (Raeq), external and internal hazard indicators (Hex and Hin), external and internal level indicators (Iα and Iγ), absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual effective dose rate (AEDR), annual gonadal dosage equivalent (AGDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), associated with these radioisotopes have been calculated and compared with their recommended global values and safety limits. These indicators showed that the granites from most studied areas exceeded the universal standards pointing to the difficulty of using them as building materials. This study together with future investigations will serve to develop an essential database for future environmental monitoring surveys.