Bitlis rock is used as a construction material and comes from the lava emitted by volcanoes and their subsequent transformation into ignimbrites. This type of rocks has been characterized physically, chemi­cally, toxicologically and radioactively using different procedures including determination of the coefficient of thermal conductivity, gamma spectrometry, ultrasonic speed test, ICP masses and metal extraction. The results indicate that Bitlis rocks have an ACI greater than 1, although their content of radon is lower than other rocks of volcanic origin. Leaching of metals from these rocks indicates that Pb and Cd can provide an infiltration level in the field higher than the level permitted by TCLP and they have undesired toxicological risks. The percent­ages of extraction of other metals also point to this infiltration problem. Despite this, the material offers good qualities for usage as a building material such as its thermal coefficients.

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Nemrut Crater lake is the world's second largest and largest of Turkey crater lake and its altitude is 2250 m. The aim of this study is to determine radioactivity levels of the lake surface water. In this study water samples were collected from 33 points of the lake surface. The gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations were determined by using ultra low level α/β counter. The mean gross alpha and beta activity concentrations were found to be 77.69 mBqL −1 and 115.36 mBqL −1 respectively. Contour maps were produced for gross alpha and beta concentrations of the lake.

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A B S T R A C TRadon gas ( 222 Rn) that is a radioactive noble gas is second important reason of lung cancer. The penetration of the radon gas into the houses mostly takes place through the cracks in the building and tap water. Because of these reasons, radon gas detection in water is important for human health. In this study radon gas activity levels have been determined in a total of 14 tap water and spring water samples taken from different parts of Ahlat/Bitlis by AlphaGuard active radon detection system. Radon gas activities ranged from 3.16 Bql -1 to 15.68 Bql -1 and mean value is 10.11 Bql -1 .