Measurement of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples in research station at National Park area in Malaysia

Abstract

Taman Negara or National Park is a reserve for natural or semi natural land and restricted from most development. In this area, depending on the geological condition of the surrounding, it may contain some natural radionuclides which emit certain amount or levels of radiation In this study natural radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra and 40K) activity concentrations in soil and the corresponding surface doses at eleven locations around UiTM-Perhilitan Research Station Taman Negara, Pahang were determined to assess the possible radiation hazard to visitors in that area. The gamma activities and the surface doses were determined using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometer and portable radiation survey meter. The mean activity concentrations in the area for 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K are 99.13 Bq/kg, 139.98 Bq/kg and 598.24 Bq/kg respectively, while on average the doses are 0.215 μSv/hr on the ground and 0.193 μSv/hr at one meter from ground. The activities were higher than world average and doses were in the ranges, while radiation hazard indices were slightly greater than unity in four locations.