Assessment of radiological risk due to natural radioactivity in soils from landscaped spaces at the University Jean Lorougnon Guede, Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Located in a mining region, the University of Daloa had no data on the radioactivity of its frequented spaces. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of cancer due to natural radioactivity in landscaped spaces of the university. A total of twenty-one (21) samples were collected. Analysis of these samples by gamma spectrometry has shown low activity concentration of K-40 in all samples and activity concentrations of 226Ra (238U) and 232Th higher than IAEA recommended values of 37 Bq.kg(-1) for 226Ra (238U) and 232Th respectively. Concentrations of 222Rn also calculated in samples were seen to be also lower than UNSCEAR guideline of 100Bq.m^(-3). The dose rate and effective dose due to exposure to radioactivity in soil samples were found to be respectively higher and lower than the UNSCEAR recommended values of 57nGy/h and 1 mSv/y. Assessment of radiological risk due to exposure to natural radioactivity has shown external risk indexes in all samples lower than UNSCEAR recommended limit of 1.