Assessing the radiological risks associated with primarily natural radioactivities of coastal seawater in northen Vietnam using the Erica software

Abstract

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U were determined in marine sediments, seawaters and seafood along the Gulf of Vietnam to establish baseline data for future environmental monitoring at a surface water depth of 0–3 cm. The concentration of uranium, thorium and radium were determined using a low background gamma spectrum as well as activity ofy of 238U(214Bi), 232Th(228Ac) and 226Ra. The mean radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U were found to be 8.59 ± 0.54, 1.31 ± 0.15, and 6.91 ± 0.64 Bq m−3, respectively, in seawater samples and 32.96 ± 1.90, 37.64 ± 1.91, and 39.28 ± 1.96 Bq kg−1, respectively, in marine sediments, 0.21 ± 0.03, 0.69 ± 0.11, and 0.19 ± 0.03 Bq kg−1, respectively, in fish samples and 0.23 ± 0.041, 0.41 ± 0.06, and 0.31 ± 0.06 Bq kg−1, respectively, in clam samples. The radioactivity concentrations in seawater are higher than those in sediment and compared with those reported in other countries. The mean values of distribution coefficient (L/kg) is 0.53, 0.13, and 0.23, respectively, in fish samples and 0.19, 0.16 and 0.13, respectively, in clam samples at Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh. Moreover, the ecological dose at Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh are 0.03, 0.02 and 0.02 µGy h−1, respectively, in fish and 0.02, 0.03, and 0.03 µGy h−1, respectively, in clams and the mean human’s seafood consumers dose rate is 1.13×10-6 Sv/yrs. Results were discussed and compared with those reported in similar studies and with internationally recommended values within limits recommended by UNSCEAR.