A pioneering study of natural radioactivity in sand from Char lands along the Padma river near the Rooppur nuclear power plant of Bangladesh: Implications for public health

Abstract

This study presents the first detailed assessment of radioactivity in 36 sand samples from four charlands along the Padma River near the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in Bangladesh. The activity concentrations ranged from 13 to 132, 17–132, 220–640 Bq/kg for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, respectively with some ²²⁶Ra and most ²³²Th values exceeding global average levels. The elevated ²³²Th levels are primarily attributed to the region's geological composition, the natural presence of heavy minerals, the redistribution of radioactive materials via sediment transport, and local geochemical conditions. Although a few outdoor absorbed dose rates exceeded global averages, most radiological hazard indicators were within safe limits. Except for one sample with elevated values, the sand samples generally pose no significant radiological risk to the local community or environment. This dataset provides a valuable foundation for monitoring environmental radioactivity and supporting the effective management and regulation of nuclear power plant activities in the future.