Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials Measurement of Mineral soil in South-East of Ethiopia

Abstract

This experimental research was designed to determine the concentration of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in samples of mineral soil being used by people as a free choice mineral for cattle feed in South West Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, particularly around Woliso (Latitude: 8° 24' 59.99" N; Longitude: 38° 14' 60.00" E), and to calculate the parameters connected to radiation hazard due to the mineral. Measurement of the natural radioactivity was performed by gamma spectrometry consisting of 3x3 inch NaI(Tl) detector, multichannel analyzer and associated electronics equipped with software MAESTRO and WINSPAN. The average values of activity concentration in the investigated samples for ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th, respectively, were 458.78±3.40, 24.82±0.38 and 67.45±0.12 in Bq Kg^-1. This data showed that the risk of radiation from the mineral soil,  locally called “Hora, and used as a free choice mineral, is below the limit set in literature with External and internal index level values found below one, ( H_ex and H_in < 1).  It could be concluded that the current practice associated with the use of ‘Hora’ minerals will not expose the public to A radiation risk.