Measurements of Natural Radioactivity Level in Black Sand and Sediment Samples of the Temsah Lake Beach in Suez Canal Region in Egypt

The level of natural radioactivity in black sand and sediment samples collected from Temsah Lake beaches of the Suez Canal district, Egypt were investigated. The natural activity concentration of Ra, U, Th and K for 20 black sand and 20 sediment samples were determined using gamma spectrometers based on HPGe detector with low background gamma-ray counting system. For assessing the environmental radiological impact to the public it is essential to evaluate the activity levels of these nuclides. The activity concentrations of the sediment and black sand samples ranges from (4.29 ± 1.66 to 30.06 ± 8.80), (4.29 ± 0.68 to 18.52 ± 5.22) Bq/kg with an average value (9.57 ± 2.92) and (11.63 ± 3.35) forRa respectively. While the focus of activity for the sediment samples of black sand between (4.23 ± 1.33 to 16.56 ± 3.11), (5.31 ± 1. 90 to 17.46 ± 4.81) Bq/kg with an average value (8.64 ± 2.49) and (10.86 ± 2.18) of U respectively. The ranges of radioactivity concentration with Th vary from (6.69 ± 1.54 to 39.24 ± 9.80) , (4.56 ± 1.07 to 18.65 ± 5.27) Bq/kg with an average value (13.11 ± 4.61), (11.41 ± 3.28) Bq/kg respectively. The radioactivity concentration ranges with K ranged from (37.17 ± 12.27 to 242.25 ± 70.94), (145.85 ± 43.30 to 441.15 ± 91. 93) Bq/kg with an average value (141.64 ± 43.01), (327.65 ± 80.05) Bq/kg respectively. Radioactivity levels of both samples black sand and shore sediments within the recommended international values. The estimation of radioactivity hazard indices radium equivalent (Raeq), external hazards (Hex) and internal hazards (Hin) in black sand and shore sediment samples have been derived. Investigation reflects the deposition of less than minerals in the samples collected. Results were discussed with UNCEAR reports. The average of the radioactivity hazard Pointers and radium equivalent values are less than the restricted levels of the public. Gamma dose rate D in nGy/h and the annual effective dose rate (Deff) in mSv/y were estimated. The effective annual dose rate (Deff) in the samples under study varies from (0.01 to 0.05 mSv/y) with average value (0.02 mSv/y) for sediment samples, and from (0.01 to 0.05 mSv/y) with average value (0.03 mSv/y) for black sand samples, which are lower than the worldwide average for outdoor annual effective dose, 0.07 mSv/year. Results of radiation measurement, including analysis of the concentrations of uranium are equivalent to the eU, the equivalent thorium eTh, eRa, and K (%) of radionuclides, as well as the calculated eTh/eU and eU/eRa of representative samples belonging to all samples study presents the lowest activity radiation potential. Positive correlation between uranium content and the rate of exhalation of radon has been observed. The concentrations of radon gas in the air were determined as well as the activity concentrations of Ra. The activity concentrations of the black sand and sediment samples which measured in the present work were compared with the values in other countries in the world, and it was found within the permissible limits, which indicates that the study area was radiologically safe for humans. Radon Rn doses from inhalation gas for humans were estimated to be in the range of (0.13–13.09 μsv/y), for the Temsah Lake of Suez Canal, Egypt. On the basis of all obtained results, Temsah Lake in Suez Canal area should be considered as an enhanced natural radiation area (ENRA).