Distribution of Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides in the Soils of the Neudamm Campus of the University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
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Date
2013
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides 40K, 232Th and 238U in soil samples
taken from the Neudamm campus of the University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia have been
determined and used to calculate a mean annual effective dose for the campus. The concentrations
were measured using a sensitive gamma-ray spectroscopic system consisting of a high
purity germanium detector and associated equipment. 40K was found to have the highest specific
concentration varying between 229.1 13.5 Bq kg1 and 499.0 16.5 Bq kg1 with a mean
value of 364.5 79.3 Bq kg1 while the concentration of 232Th varies between 10.4 2.8 Bq
kg1 and 38.5 3.8 Bq kg1 with a mean value of 28.0 9.2 Bq kg1 and the concentration of
238U varies between 11.7 1.3 Bq kg1 and 24.7 2.1 Bq kg1 with a mean value of 18.5 4.8
Bq kg1. The value of 0.05 0.01 mSv y1 obtained for the mean annual effective dose is well
below the limit of 1 mSv y1 recommended for the public by the International Commission on
Radiological Protection. This result indicates that radiation hazard is negligible on the campus.
Description
Keywords
Radionuclides, Gamma, Soil, Neudamm, Namibia
Citation
Oyedele,J. A., and others. 2013. Distribution of Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides in the Soils of the Neudamm Campus of the University of Namibia. International Science and Technology Journal of Namibia 1(1-2):11-14.