Natural Radioactivity levels and Elemental Analysis of Cement by Gamma-Ray Spectrometer and Neutron Activation Analysis

Authors

  • Jamilah Al-Zahrani Physics Department, Faculty of Science for Girls, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Atef El-Taher Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Qassim University KSA

Keywords:

Elemental analysis, Natural Radioactivity, Hazard indices, Cement, INAA, EDXRF, Triga Mainz.

Abstract

Cement is considered a basic industry. For this reason, the current work involves the use of INAA for elemental analysis and Pollutant concentration in cement. The samples  were collected from Saudi market. The samples were irradiated using the thermal neutrons "at the TRIGA Mainz research reactor" and at a neutron flux "of 7 x 10 11n/cms". Twenty elements were identified. The elements determined are:  Na, K, Sc, Cr, Co,  Ti,  Mn, Fe, Ga, Sr, Sn, Ba, Cs, Ce, Sm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th and U. The concentrations of natural radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra and 40K were also measured. The average values for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 35.60 , 43.17, 82.08 Bq·kg_1 for Portland cement and 28.53, 43.46, 67.38 Bq·kg_1 for white cement.  The radiation hazard indices such as radium equivalent activities, effective dose rate, and the external hazard indices have been computed. The obtained results were compared with related studies carried out in other countries and with the UNSCEAR reports.

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Published

2017-04-16

How to Cite

Al-Zahrani, J., & El-Taher, A. (2017). Natural Radioactivity levels and Elemental Analysis of Cement by Gamma-Ray Spectrometer and Neutron Activation Analysis. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 30(1), 173–183. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/2807

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