Environmental Earth Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Characterization of atmospheric nitrogen wet deposition fluxes and their isotope spectra in typical urban functional zones","authors":"Shuai Zhang,&nbsp;Jia Wang,&nbsp;Chengtao Huang,&nbsp;Fumo Yang,&nbsp;Bo Li,&nbsp;Tingzhen Li,&nbsp;Liuyi Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12493-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12493-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>With rapid economic development, human activities have led to substantial nitrogen (N) emissions, and the excessive N deposition has attracted widespread attention due to its negative ecological effects on urban areas. This study selected four typical functional areas in Wanzhou, Chongqing Municipality, China—industrial, commercial, residential, and agricultural areas—to provide insights into the flux and source characteristics of atmospheric N wet deposition. One year’s precipitation samples were collected, and then the fluxes of ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) were analyzed. The highest TDN wet deposition (28.34 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹) was observed in industrial areas, followed by commercial (19.44 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), agricultural (17.67 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), and residential areas (16.48 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), exhibiting a clear spatial trend. The flux characteristics of NH₄⁺-N wet deposition were similar to those of TDN wet deposition, the highest values was observed in industrial areas (22.76 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), followed by commercial areas (13.24 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), agricultural areas (11.97 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), and residential areas (10.11 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), respectively. The NO₃⁻-N wet deposition fluxes were highest in the industrial area (5.86 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), followed by commercial (5.46 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), residential (4.33 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹), and agricultural areas (3.98 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹). The results of isotope modeling source analysis revealed that the highest contributor to NH₄⁺-N in the industrial area was coal combustion (32%), while biomass combustion had the lowest contribution (18%) compared to other sources. In the other three functional zones, NH₄⁺-N contributions were comparable, with the highest contributions originating from animal waste and fertilizers, while biomass combustion contributed the least. The biomass combustion was the primary source for NO₃⁻-N in the four functional areas. This study enriched the δ¹⁵N source spectrum data of typical functional zones and quantified the sources of N wet deposition in different functional zones. This information can provide a reference for N pollution control in specific functional areas.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variations in the magnetic properties of quaternary sediments from various physiographic regions along the bank of Matla River, Sundarban, West Bengal, India","authors":"Swagata Das,&nbsp;M. Venkateshwarlu,&nbsp;Supriya Mondal,&nbsp;Ashis Kr. Das,&nbsp;Debesh Gain,&nbsp;Solanky Das","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12496-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12496-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Magnetic susceptibility measurements at low and high frequencies (χ_lf, χ_hf) and rock magnetic experiments (i.e., Curie curve analysis, Isothermal Remanent Magnetization, Hysteresis) are carried out on quaternary mangrove sediments from the bank of Matla River, Sundarban, West Bengal, India. Magnetic investigations being simple, fast, cost-effective, and non-destructive, are utilized to gather extensive data as a proxy for the spatial distribution of pollution. The study emphasizes magnetic parameters, such as concentration-dependent factors (magnetic susceptibility, isothermal remanent magnetization) and feature-dependent factors (coercivity of remanence, magnetic susceptibility ratio), as indicators of pollution. This study aims to investigate the application of magnetic parameters to determine magnetic property enhancement within the mangrove sediments along Matla River and thereby evaluate anthropogenic activities. The analysis of variations of χ_lf and frequency-dependent susceptibilities (χ_fd and χ_fd%) indicate that the superparamagnetic (SP) grains dominate in the soil samples which mainly supports the magnetic susceptibility enhancement with few exceptions. The thermomagnetic curve identifies Curie temperature of the magnetic minerals and tracks magnetic carrier transformations during heating and cooling, showing both reversible and irreversible magnetization-temperature (J-T) behaviours. The Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (IRM) curve saturates at ~ 300 mT, characteristic of ferrimagnetic minerals like magnetite or maghemite, while some samples remain unsaturated at ~ 800 mT, suggesting high coercivity minerals like haematite or iron sulfides. Moving downstream, increasing coercivity indicates higher concentrations of these minerals. Hysteresis parameters (M_rs/M_s vs. B_cr/B_c) on a Day plot show samples within the Pseudo Single Domain (PSD) range, likely a mix of Single Domain (SD) and Multi Domain (MD) grains.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geoelectric applied to the 3D saline intrusion model of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer, Santa Elena-Ecuador","authors":"Emily Sánchez-Zambrano,&nbsp;Gloria Ramírez,&nbsp;Fernando Morante-Carballo,&nbsp;F. J. Montalván,&nbsp;Joselyne Solórzano,&nbsp;Gricelda Herrera-Franco,&nbsp;María Jaya-Montalvo,&nbsp;J. M. Fornés-Azcoiti,&nbsp;Paúl Carrión-Mero","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12486-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12486-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Coastal aquifers are essential for the socio-economic development of coastal areas but are increasingly threatened by saltwater intrusion due to overexploitation caused by high population demand. This study aims to develop a three-dimensional (3D) model of the saline intrusion wedge using geoelectric techniques and well monitoring to improve water management in the Manglaralto coastal aquifer. The methodology includes: i) a technical description of the current situation, ii) the application of geoelectric methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and well monitoring, iii) the development of a 3D model using Geomodeller, and iv) the proposal of management strategies for coastal aquifers. The results reveal the presence of salt wedges during both rainy and dry seasons. The main factor conditioning advance of saline intrusion is overexploitation of wells, with February showing the highest water consumption. Evapotranspiration and increased water consumption (reaching 74,546 m³ during the rainy season) limit natural and artificial recharge. However, in the dry season, a 20% reduction in water consumption refreshes the aquifer, and recharge has a more significant influence. The implementation of a \"tape\" (dyke) mitigates the advancement of saline intrusion, enhancing aquifer recharge at a rate of 4,200 m³/m·day in August. The resulting 3D model highlights a dynamic system that requires continuous monitoring and management to support sustainable water resource planning.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental study on the variation of wave velocity and resistivity of limestone under heating temperature and cooling condition within 200 °C","authors":"Weiqiang Zhang,&nbsp;Jichun Sun,&nbsp;Heng Lu,&nbsp;Ziliang Pan","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12503-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12503-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding the variation patterns of physical and mechanical properties of rock under heating and cooling conditions is crucial for predicting and evaluating the stability of deep engineering works, such as nuclear waste storage and geothermal energy production. In this paper, limestone is heat-treated at temperatures ranging from 20 to 200 °C, and variation patterns of P-wave and S-wave velocities as well as resistivity of limestone under heating temperature and cooling condition are comparatively analyzed. The results confirm that the wave velocity decreases approximately linearly with the increasing temperature, with a greater decrease under heating temperature condition. The resistivity of limestone decreases first and then rises sharply under heating temperature condition, while it gradually increases under cooling condition. The differences in thermal expansion of minerals and degree of internal micro-crack expansion after two different treatments primarily contribute to different variation laws of P-wave and S-wave velocities. Water content, conductive ionic activity, and thermal cracks under two different temperature conditions jointly affect the resistivity of limestone. The findings of this study are anticipated to offer theoretical support for rock mass engineering in high-temperature environments, particularly in evaluating the stability of reservoirs before and after hot dry rock heat extraction.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of the BQ system and rock mass modulus based on the P-wave velocity of the rock mass: a case study from the Himalayas tunneling","authors":"Naeem Abbas,&nbsp;Li Kegang,&nbsp;Lei Wang","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12499-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12499-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The classification of rock mass quality is essential for geotechnical and engineering applications. Commonly used classification methods include the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), the Q system, the Geological Strength Index (GSI), and the Basic Quality (BQ) system. Among these, the BQ system has been widely adopted as the standard for engineering classification of rock masses in China. However, its application and the correlation between rock mass elastic modulus (E_m) and rock mass P-wave velocity (V_pm) for the Himalayas rock mass remain unexplored. This study investigates the correlation between BQ and V_pm for rock masses along Himalayas. Existing empirical correlations of E_m with RMR, Q, and GSI were modified by incorporating V_pm, and their suitability was assessed statistically. The results indicate that while the correlation between V_pm and E_m using GSI-based input data lacks consistency, certain equations based on RMR and Q demonstrate a good agreement after modification. The results reveal that correlations using RMR₈₉ and RMR₁₄ yielded lower prediction errors compared to those using GSI. Specifically, the MAE ranged from 7.5% to 18.3% for RMR-based models, while GSI-based correlations exhibited MAE values between 12.8% and 24.6%. The coefficient of determination (R²) for most RMR-based equations exceeded 0.95, indicating strong predictive capability. The results contribute to a better understanding of rock mass behavior in the Himalayas and provide improved predictive models for estimating rock mass elastic modulus based on P-wave velocity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Groynes in riverbank erosion control: an integrated hydrodynamic and morphodynamic modelling for a selected reach of the Padma river","authors":"Shadman Shahariar,&nbsp;Nahid Sultana,&nbsp;Hasan Zobeyer","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12497-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12497-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Padma River, a highly dynamic system characterized by intense bank erosion and rapid morphological changes, presents significant challenges to riverbank stability and infrastructure. Despite the widespread use of groyne-type structures for riverbank protection, their performance under varying configurations in such dynamic environments remains under-explored. Therefore, this study contributes to the advancement of existing knowledge by quantitatively analyzing the performance of multiple groyne configurations under varying flood scenarios using a high-resolution hydro-morphological modeling approach. Historical planform analysis indicates severe bank retreat, with 1,510 m of erosion recorded between 1988 and 1993 and 810 m between 2018 and 2023, driven by increased meandering and higher sinuosity. A high-resolution Delft3D Domain Decomposition (DD) model was developed through a sensitivity analysis and calibrated using 2018 monsoon (June–September) data at Mawa station, achieving very good accuracy in both water level and discharge simulations. Simulations are undertaken to assess the effectiveness of groyne interventions under 10-, 50-, and 100-year flood events. Four simulation scenarios were tested: a base condition without groynes and three alternative configurations featuring three, four, and seven groynes installed across erosion-prone zones. Analysis of the simulation results revealed that the configuration with seven groynes effectively redirected high-velocity flows away from vulnerable banks, substantially reducing near-bank velocities and bed shear stresses, and minimizing riverbed scour depths during extreme events. The findings underscore the critical importance of optimized groyne placement for enhancing riverbank stability in dynamic river systems subject to intensified climate-driven flood risks.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecological health risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments and freshwater fishes: tropical Cauvery river, South India","authors":"Chandru Munusamy,&nbsp;Jegadeshwari Bhaskaran,&nbsp;Logeshwaran Arcot Ravindran,&nbsp;Prabhu Kolandhasamy,&nbsp;Emmanuel Charles Partheeban,&nbsp;Rajaram Rajendran","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12492-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12492-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Cauvery River is an essential water system in South India, vital for both ecological balance and the livelihoods of millions. However, urbanization, industrialization, and intensive agriculture have raised concerns over its water quality and ecosystem health, primarily due to the influx of heavy metals from anthropogenic sources. This study evaluates the spatial distribution and ecological risks of heavy metals in sediments and fish along the river. Sediment samples were collected from 18 sites (C1 to C18), and fish from 10 locations (S1 to S10), with analyses focusing on chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Pollution levels were assessed using several indices, including the geoaccumulation index (<i>Igeo</i>), contamination factor (<i>Cf</i>), degree of contamination (<i>Cdeg</i>), pollution load index (<i>PLI)</i>, and potential ecological risk (<i>PER</i>). The mean concentrations of Zn (33.11 µg/g), Cu (28.98 µg/g), Pb (2.059 µg/g), and Cd (0.318 µg/g) remained within sediment quality guidelines. The Igeo values ranged from a maximum for Cd (0.30 to 1.98) to a minimum for Cu (-0.35 to 1.66), indicating moderate contamination by Cd and slight contamination by Pb (-2.91 to -5.09) and Zn (-0.83 to -3.06), particularly downstream. Fish heavy metal concentrations varied significantly between species, ranging from 0.154 ± 0.02 to 88.978 ± 4.71 µg/g. Principal component and cluster analysis revealed variations in trace metal accumulation in fish and spatial homogeneity. Heavy metal accumulation in fish tissues varied significantly across species, with several exceeding the threshold values for non-carcinogenic (THQ, HI &gt; 1) and carcinogenic (risk &gt; 10^− 4) health risks, especially for Cd and Pb. Although occasional fish consumption may not pose immediate health concerns, regular or excessive intake could lead to significant long-term health risks. Therefore, continued monitoring of heavy metal levels in both sediments and aquatic biota is essential to ensure food safety and protect public health.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coupling analysis of earth-rock dam break risk factors based on the ISM-BN model","authors":"Yanlong Li,&nbsp;Qiaogang Yin,&nbsp;Yuchun Zhang,&nbsp;Ting Wang,&nbsp;Ning Shi,&nbsp;Zengguang Xu,&nbsp;Yunhe Liu","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12495-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12495-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Quantifying the coupling relationships among risk factors of earth-rock dam break, identifying critical failure paths, and determining core risk factors are essential for improving dam risk management. To this end, this study proposes a risk factor coupling analysis framework based on the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and Bayesian Network (BN). First, 16 representative risk factors were selected through an analysis of domestic and international dam failure cases, establishing a risk assessment index system for earth-rock dam break. A statistical analysis was then conducted on 592 cases of failed and hazardous earth-rock dams. Second, the ISM method was employed to hierarchically classify risk factors, and a BN-based topological structure was constructed. The Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm was used for BN parameter learning. Finally, causal inference and inverse diagnostic reasoning were applied to quantitatively analyze the influence intensity and sensitivity of risk factors. The results indicate a significant coupling effect among risk factors, with multi-factor interactions markedly increasing dam break risk. The most probable break path is: improper human operation (S5) → extreme flood (S1) → slope instability (S7) → damage to flood discharge structures (S4) → overtopping (L1) → dam break. The key risk factors influencing dam break are L1, insufficient spillway discharge capacity (S3), and S4. This study provides a scientific basis for the safety management and risk prevention of earth-rock dams, contributing to improved risk identification and mitigation capabilities in dam engineering.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Revisiting the microbial nitrogen-cycling network: bibliometric analysis and recent advances","authors":"Xingcai Gui,&nbsp;Wenjun Wang,&nbsp;Deyu Qin,&nbsp;Hanzhuo Luo,&nbsp;Fanzhi Qin,&nbsp;Keteng Li,&nbsp;Hao Weng,&nbsp;Chen Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12481-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12481-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The nitrogen (N) cycle, a complex reaction network driven by microbial communities, controls the stock, distribution, and transformation of N. Here, we analyzed current research hotspots in the microbial N cycle and summarized the hotspots where these processes occur and influencing factors to update our understanding of the N cycle. Bibliometric analysis revealed that the research in this area focused on nitrification, denitrification, anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA). The effects of emerging pollutants on microbial communities have become a hot topic, especially in agriculture. Global N budget revealed denitrification activities occur in N-rich organic soils under warm well-drained conditions. Notably, elevated temperatures stimulated nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions and further aggravated global warming. Biochar as an electron shuttle participated in the extracellular electron transfer between microorganisms and can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The changes in microbial community, functional gene expression, and enzyme activities were the main microbial mechanisms by which microplastics affect N cycle. Finally, future work should focus on emerging pollutant impacts, multifactorial interactions, long-term effects of influencing factors, microbial relationships, and underlying mechanisms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiological impact of primordial radionuclides and radon rates in rock-based building materials: Kurdistan region of Iraq","authors":"Sardar Qader Othman,&nbsp;Berivan F. Namq,&nbsp;Zakariya A. Hussein,&nbsp;Taha Yaseen Wais,&nbsp;Laith Ahmed Najam,&nbsp;Methal Mubadir Musleh al-Hashmawi,&nbsp;Mero Yannah,&nbsp;Joseph Emmanuel Ndjana Nkoulou II,&nbsp;Howaida Mansour,&nbsp;M. I. Sayyed","doi":"10.1007/s12665-025-12468-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12665-025-12468-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The present study aimed to assess primordial radionuclides and radon's specific activities as found in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's rock samples, which are used as building materials. For this purpose, NaI (Tl) and RAD-7 detectors were employed. The results indicated that ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K's average specific activities are 18.3 ± 8.45, 20.04 ± 4.7, and 179.3 ± 47.4 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. This suggests that there are no significant radiological impacts or emissions in the area; therefore, it is possible to use the rocks for building material purposes. Additionally, the measured radiation hazard index values fall within the range specified by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), except for the absorbed dose rate's average value, which slightly exceeded the safety standard. ²²²Rn activity's average value is about 43.1 ± 6.51 Bq m⁻³, which is below the 200 -600 Bq m⁻³ threshold value. Meanwhile, the average surface and mass exhalation rates were 1.94 ± 0.97 Bq m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.075 ± 0.045 Bq kg⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, the average radon emanation coefficient was 2.48 ± 0.85. The study utilized various statistical analyses to assess the distribution and relationships of the rock sample-based natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K) and ²²²Rn activity concentration. The Shapiro–Wilk test confirmed normal distribution for the data, while skewness and kurtosis provided insights into the distribution characteristics. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between ²²²Rn and ²²⁶Ra, while other radionuclide pairs showed weaker relationships. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 90.2% of the variance in the dataset, highlighting the significance of the primary component. Finally, spatial distribution maps for the study area were created in terms of the radionuclides' specific activity, radiological hazard indicators, and radon concentrations. This study's results offer insights into the future radiological environment of the region.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":542,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Earth Sciences","volume":"84 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}