Journal of Physics: Theories and Applications
Vol 5, No 2 (2021): Journal of Physics: Theories and Applications

Determination of Natural Radioactivity Level on Soil and Radiological Hazards in The Geotermal Area of Solok South, West Sumatera

Nurul Khaira Sabila (Andalas University)
Dinda Nurul Syifa (Universitas Andalas)
Mohammad Randy Alhafiz (Universitas Andalas)
Sri Oktamuliani (Department of Physics, Universitas Andalas, Limau Manis, Padang, Indonesia-25163)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2021

Abstract

Solok Selatan is one of the areas in West Sumatra that has geothermal potential, contains much higher levels of radioactive substances in the soil in the form of Radium (Ra-226), Thorium (Th-232), and Potassium (K-40).  This study aimed to measure the concentration of Ra-226. Th-232, and K-40 contained in the soil in the Solok Selatan which was then reviewed based on PERKA BAPETEN No. 9 of 2009 and UNSCEAR 2000, also evaluates the average radium equivalent activity (Raeq), representative level index (Iyr), external hazard index (Hex). Soil samples were collected from seven different locations. The radionuclide activity concentration was measured by using a gamma spectrometer in the PTKMR BATAN laboratory, with the results of the average radionuclide measurement Ra-226 being 28.58  Bq/kg, Th-232 was 44.74  Bq/kg and K-40 at 323.29  Bq/kg. For the average value of Raeq is 118,051 Bq/kg, Iyr is 0.853 and Hex is 0.335. Based on BAPETEN PERKA No. 9 of 2009 and UNSCEAR 2000, the radionuclide activity concentration was found still within safe limits. It does not pose a health hazard to the people living in the area.

Copyrights © 2021






Journal Info

Abbrev

jphystheor-appl

Publisher

Subject

Education Materials Science & Nanotechnology Physics

Description

Journal of Physics: Theories and Applications (cited as J. Phys.: Theor. Appl.) is a peer-reviewed and open access journal, which is published twice a year by Physics Department, Sebelas Maret University. The journal is designed to serve researchers, developers, professionals, graduate students and ...