Measurement of natural radioactivity in and around Chennai Coast, East Coast of Tamil Nadu, India, using gamma ray spectrometry

Abstract

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in the sediments from Pulicat Lake to Vada Nemmeli of Chennai Coast, Tamil Nadu, have been measured using gamma-ray spectrometry. The average concentration of ²³⁸ U, ²³² Th, and ⁴⁰ K are 10.14, 35.02, and 425.82 Bq/kg, respectively, in sediments. Using measured activity concentrations of natural radionuclides, the radium equivalent activity (Ra_eq ) was calculated to assess radiation hazard associated with the sediments. The calculated Ra_eq value of all the locations showed less than the recommended safe limit. The obtained results of the study could serve as an important baseline for radiometric data for future monitoring initiatives in the study area.