NORMs Spatial Distribution and Radiological Risk Assessment in the Soil of The Kesang River Basin, Malaysia

Nurul Izzatiafifi Ismail, . and Mohd Zuli Jaafar, . and Mohammad Mu’az Hashim, . and Nik Azlin Nik Ariffin, . and Nur Atiqah Zaharullil, . and Wan Zuraida Wan Mohd Zain, . (2024) NORMs Spatial Distribution and Radiological Risk Assessment in the Soil of The Kesang River Basin, Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Soil Science (MJSS) (Malaysia), 28. pp. 172-185. ISSN 1394-7990

This study investigates the levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and their associated radiation risks in soil samples from the Kesang River basin. With Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) abundant in the environment and potentially entering the food chain, understanding their distribution and impact is crucial for environmental and public health. Eighteen soil samples were collected using a handheld auger and analysed via an EDXRF spectrometer. Results revealed concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ²²⁶Ra ranging from 4.47 to 31.91 Bq/kg, 23.74 to 45.67 Bq/kg, 39.75 to 318.94 Bq/kg, and 16.09 to 110.00 Bq/kg, respectively. These findings were benchmarked against UNSCEAR 2000 guidelines. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) facilitated data interpretation, aiding in the identification of key variables influencing radiation exposure. Assessment of radiological hazard parameters such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED), external and internal hazard index (Hex and Hin), Gamma representative level index (Iγr), and Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) revealed values lower than global averages. This underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure minimal radiation exposure. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into NORMs in the Kesang River basin, informing strategies for environmental management and public health protection.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.msss.com.my/mjss/Full%20Text/vol28/V28...

Abstract

This study investigates the levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and their associated radiation risks in soil samples from the Kesang River basin. With Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) abundant in the environment and potentially entering the food chain, understanding their distribution and impact is crucial for environmental and public health. Eighteen soil samples were collected using a handheld auger and analysed via an EDXRF spectrometer. Results revealed concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ²²⁶Ra ranging from 4.47 to 31.91 Bq/kg, 23.74 to 45.67 Bq/kg, 39.75 to 318.94 Bq/kg, and 16.09 to 110.00 Bq/kg, respectively. These findings were benchmarked against UNSCEAR 2000 guidelines. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) facilitated data interpretation, aiding in the identification of key variables influencing radiation exposure. Assessment of radiological hazard parameters such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED), external and internal hazard index (Hex and Hin), Gamma representative level index (Iγr), and Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) revealed values lower than global averages. This underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure minimal radiation exposure. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into NORMs in the Kesang River basin, informing strategies for environmental management and public health protection.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	soil
AGROVOC Term:	river basins
AGROVOC Term:	radioisotopes
AGROVOC Term:	principal component analysis
AGROVOC Term:	risk assessment
AGROVOC Term:	soil sampling
AGROVOC Term:	uranium
AGROVOC Term:	thorium
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Radiation dose
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	23 May 2025 01:33
Last Modified:	23 May 2025 01:33
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2820

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