The naturally occurring radioisotopes such as 238U,
232Th and 40K in the silt samples collected from Moticher lake, Gujarat were evaluated. The activity of
238U, 232Th and 40K was found to be 4.4-9.7 Bq
kg-1 with a mean 6.4 ± 1.3 Bq kg-1, 10.5-21.2 Bq
kg-1 with a mean 15.6 ± 2.5 Bq kg-1 and 102-231 Bq
kg-1 with a mean 160 ± 40 Bq kg-1, respectively. The depth profile study could not reveal any significant vertical correlation on radioactivity levels of
238U, 232Th and 40K. Radium equivalent activity
(Raeq), external hazard index (Hex) and internal hazard index (Hint) were calculated by using the activity of
238U or 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in silt samples. Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) level in Moticher silt was found to be 24.8
± 5.0 µSv year-1, which is much lower than the worldwide average value. The relative contribution to dose due to
238U and 232Th series were found to be 14% and 53%, followed by the contribution of 33% due to
40K. |