Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yazarlar
- Kaya, Ali(2)
- Vural, Alaaddin(1)
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Distribution and radiological risk assessment of natural and artificial radionuclides in soils from the Aktutan hydrothermal alteration zone, Türkiye
Kaya, Ali
This study investigates the distribution of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) and the artificial radionuclide 137Cs in soil samples collected from the Aktutan hydrothermal alteration zone in Gümüşhane, Türkiye. Hydrothermal systems are known to enhance radionuclide mobility and enrichment due to fluid–rock interactions, making them important environments for radiological assessment. However, no previous comprehensive radiological study has been conducted in this region. A total of 12 soil samples were collected and analyzed using high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. The measured activity concentrations ranged from 16 to 58 Bq·kg−1 for 232Th, 5 to 282 Bq·kg−1 for 226Ra, and 246 to 647 Bq·kg−1 for 40K, while 137Cs was detected in several samples with a maximum value of 5.7 Bq·kg−1. The elevated 226Ra concentrations observed in specific locations may be associated with localized hydrothermal alteration and possible uranium enrichment. Radiological hazard parameters, including absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity, and hazard indices, were calculated. Most values were within internationally recommended limits; however, two sampling sites exhibited elevated radiological risk indicators, particularly in terms of excess lifetime cancer risk. Although the number of samples is limited, the selected locations represent areas of intense hydrothermal alteration and provide preliminary insight into radionuclide distribution in the region. The findings highlight the importance of localized geological controls on radioactivity and suggest the need for continuous environmental monitoring in areas with elevated radionuclide concentrations.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Natural (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) and artificial (137Cs) radioactivity assessment of Kırkpavli and Hazine Cave ore deposits, Gümüşhane (Türkiye): Radiological risk and material utilization perspective
Vural, Alaaddin; Kaya, Ali
Environmental radioactivity is a critical factor for both ecological and human health risk assessment, particularly in mining regions with ongoing or historical settlement activities. This study evaluates natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations in soils from the Kırkpavli (KP) and Hazine Cave (HM) mining areas in Gümüşhane, northeastern Türkiye. Gamma spectrometry analyses were performed to measure 232Th, 226Ra, 40K, and 137Cs, and radiological risk indicators—including absorbed dose rates, annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity, hazard indices (Hex and Hin), Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ECLR), Activity Utilization Index (AUI), radon-related alpha index, and natural radioactivity-driven heat production (RHP)—were assessed. Results: showed spatial variability linked to lithology, with the HM site exhibiting elevated radionuclide levels in basalt-dominated units, while KP soils showed moderate values in sedimentary formations. Most radiological parameters remained below international safety limits; however, specific sampling points, particularly HM-2, exceeded thresholds, indicating potential health risks if the soils are used for local settlement, building materials, or domestic purposes. RHP analysis further identified areas of intense hydrothermal alteration correlating with higher natural radioactivity. Comparisons with international soils and rocks confirmed that the activity concentrations at both sites are comparable to or exceed global averages. These findings highlight the necessity of ongoing monitoring of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in inhabited mining regions and provide essential data for ensuring environmental safety, sustainable land and material use, and public health protection.