Terrestrial Radioactivity in the City of Bitola and Its Environs
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Irena Zlatanovska, Trajče Stafilov, Robert Šajn, Bojana Dimovska Gonovska, Snežana Dimovska, Jovan Janušeski, Lambe Barandovski
Abstract
For the purpose of a comprehensive investigation of soil radioactivity in the Bitola region, Republic of Macedonia, topsoil samples were collected from 58 locations within a 5x5 km grid. The radioactivity level was measured using a gas-flow proportional counter, resulting in data that shows the gross alpha and beta activities. In order to obtain information regarding the type and activity concentrations of radionuclides present in the studied area, gamma spectrometry analysis was conducted. The obtained data revealed significant variability in activity concentrations. The median values of activity concentrations for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were found to be higher than the global medians. The absorbed dose rate in the air and the annual effective dose rate calculations were used to evaluate the radiological health effects of the observed soil radioactivity. Colored maps were prepared to show the spatial distribution of radionuclides and the annual dose rate for the investigated area.
Subjects