Radiological and petrographical investigations of building materials (monzogranite) for environmental applications
Mohamed Y. Hanfi, Mohamed H. M. YOUSEF, Turki Kh. Faraj, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Ahmed E. Abdel Gawad
Abstract
The current investigation utilized statistical techniques to evaluate the potential radiological risks associated with monzogranite-bearing valuable copper deposits in the El-Regeita area of Egypt. The presence of uranium and thorium minerals (thorite and uranothorite) as well as monazite and zircon in this region is influenced by the geological environment of the monzogranite formations. Gamma-ray spectroscopy was employed to analyze the concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th, and 40 K in samples of monzogranite. The observed radionuclides activity concentrations in the examined areas varied from 38 to 184 Bq.kg −1 for 238 U, with a mean of 78 ± 32 Bq.kg −1 . As for 232 Th, the levels ranged from 45 to 220 Bq.kg −1 , averaging 77 ± 39 Bq.kg −1 . Lastly, for 40 K, the concentrations ranged from 908 to 2254 Bq.kg −1 , with a mean of 1329 ± 295 Bq.kg −1 . The measured concentrations of ( 238 U), ( 232 Th), and ( 40 K) in the analyzed monzogranite samples were found to surpass the recommended worldwide average of (35), (45), and (412) Bq.kg −1 , respectively. The gamma rays emitted by the radioactive elements were identified as the main precursor for radiological hazards associated with these monzogranite. The radiological dangers in the monzogranite were estimated, and the relationships between radionuclides and radiological hazards and parameters were shown using statistical techniques. The statistical analysis verified that the main contributors to the radiation dangers were potassium, uranium, thorium, and their respective minerals in the monzogranite. The investigated monzogranite in the studied area shows unsuitable for use in buildings due to their elevated levels of radioactivity.