Evaluation of Natural Radionuclide content in Nile River Sediments and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Associated with Gamma Radiation

Abstract

<strong><em>Introduction:</em></strong> This Study has was carried out to measure and detect the natural occurred radionuclide content including ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the Nile River sediments at various locations in Upper Egypt, from Aswan to El-Minya. Additionally, we determine the absorbed dose rate, the annual effective dose equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer risk also has been calculated. <strong><em>Material and Methods:</em></strong> The gamma ray measurements were performed with a high resolution High-Purity Germanium detector, low background, and Personal Computer multichannel analyzer. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> In Aswan Governorate, the mean specific activities of radionuclide's (²²⁶Ra,²³²Th and ⁴⁰K) 14.86, 13.78 and 175.4 in Bq/kg respectively. In Qena Governorate, the mean specific activities of mentioned radionuclides were 14.44 Bq/kg, 15.02 Bq/kg and 197.57 Bq/kg, respectively. These values were18.53 Bq/kg, 11.3 Bq/kg and 184.73 Bq/kg in Sohag Governorate, respectively. In Asyut Governorate the mean specific activities of the radionuclide's were 11.38 Bq/kg, 10.0 Bq/kg, and 164.715 Bq/kg, respectively. However, these values were 19.56 Bq/kg, 11.72 Bq/kg, and 239.92 Bq/kg in Minya Governorate, respectively. The hazard indices of gamma radiation such as Absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated. <strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong>According to the results, all the values were within the reported values by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. In addition, there was no likelihood of radiological health hazards to the population living close to the Nile river.