Risk assessment of some radioactive and elemental content from cement and phosphate fertilizer consumer in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: The present study deals with measuring the activities of226Ra,232Th and40K in cement and phosphate fertilizer consumed in Saudi Arabia, using γ-ray spectrometry. From the measured γ-ray spectra, specific activities were determined. Methodology: The samples were collected from local markets in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the cement and phosphate fertilizer consumed in Saudi Arabia does not pose any significant radiological risk and they are safe for use. Results: The obtained results were compared with the reports gotten from similar studies conducted in other countries. The radiation hazard parameters were calculated for all samples and it was shown that the radium equivalent Raeq and the representative level index, Iγr are lower than the acceptable level of 370 Bq kg-1 for radium equivalent Raeq, 1 for level index Iγr. Thermo Scientific Quant’X EDXRF spectrometer were used also to determine the concentrations of the elements Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Na, S, Pb, Sn, As and Zn as major, trace and toxic elements. Conclusion: The data presented here was useful to those dealing with portland cement, phosphate fertilizer chemistry and related fields.