Investigation and correlation of radioactive hazards with magnetic parameters and heavy metals of dwelling sand from two major rivers in south India – A comparative study

Abstract

Cauvery and Palar, two major rivers in Tamilnadu, India, have importance for irrigation, drinking, electricity and river sand is used as a major material of building construction in India. The natural radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and potassium (238U, 232Th, 40K) isotopes are investigated through gamma ray spectrometer with NaI(Tl) detector. The average values of radionuclides and in-situ dose are measured. Related parameters like absorbed dose (ADin & ADout), Annual Effective Doe Equivalent (Ein & Eout), and also hazard indices to assess radiation exposure to human such as average radium equivalent (Raeq), external (Hex)and internal (Hin) hazard indices, Radioactive heat production (RHP), internal and external Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCRin and ELCRout), Alpha (Iα), Gamma Index (Ig) and Annual Gonadal dose (AGDE) are computed and correlated. This study exhibits that almost all the radioactive parameters are in control by comparing to the world average. Nevertheless, the Cauvery River except site no.20 does not produce a radiological hazard. But, the palar river does slightly produce a radiological risk especially site no.6 shows three times of the world average.