Vertical distribution and radiological risk assessment of 137 Cs and natural radionuclides in soil samples

摘要: The aims of this study were to investigate the vertical distributions natural radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra and 40K as well anthropogenic radionuclide 137Cs in soil samples analyze correlation among radioactivity these physiochemical characteristics namely pH, grain size, carbonate content organic matter. Risk assessment radiological hazard has also been estimated. Forty-four collected from eleven locations Qatar at four depth levels 0 16 cm. average concentrations 226Ra, 16 cm 10, 17, 201 4 Bq/kg, respectively, which within reported world mean. external absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose, mean radium equivalent activity, index lifetime cancer risk 22 nGy/h, 0.027 mSv/y, 47 Bq/kg, 0.125 0.096 × 10−3, respectively. These values far below minimum recommended international values. level was affected by soil. positive with highest R2 value found 232Th clay content. Total carbon positively correlated for activity concentrations, whereas, negatively 40K. As moisture is concerned, obtained concentrations.