Assessment of potential radiological risks due to natural gamma radiations in some selected rock samples using y-ray spectrometry

One of the sources of radiation risk in dwellings made of rocks is primordial radionuclides. It is imperative to assess the levels of radioactivity due to gamma rays from these materials and consequently to determine the dose rate from these materials. Fourteen samples of rock were collected from various sites of Aurangabad-India and the level of radioactivity and elemental compositions of samples have been measured utilizing y-ray spectroscopy and EDXRF technique. The findings showed that the mean activity concentrations of the 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 6.883, 10.841 and 128.616 Bq/kg, lower than the global average values of 35, 30, and 400 Bq/kg. The obtained results were compared with the worldwide average as well as with similar studies. The ratios among the detected radioisotopes in rocks were computed for the spatial distribution of natural radionuclides in the studied area. The radiological risk parameters were estimated and compared with internationally recommended values. The Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the radionuclide concentration and radioactive variables, as well as with the elemental compositions. EDXRF results indicate that SiO₂, Al₂O₃, K₂O, CaO, TiO₂, Na₂O, MgO, P₂O₅, MnO, and Fe₂O₃ are the major oxides present in the samples. Moreover, heavy metals such as V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, Cd, Hg, and Pb with varying concentrations were detected. The radiological assessment indicated that the rocks of the study area are radiologically safe and may be used for construction without causing any threat to human health.