Examination of relation with geolojical structure of natural radioactivity in Akhisar-Gölmarmara-Gördes-Sındırgı area

In this study, relation between the geological structure of and the natural radioactivity levels of Akhisar-Gölmarmara-Gördes-Sındırgı region was examined by conducting the natural radiation measurements in the soil, water and sediment samples. The values of pH, conductivity, mV and salinity in the 137 soil samples and 38 sediment samples collected from the area were determined. In addition, K-40, U-238 and Th-232 activity concentrations in the soil and sediment samples were measured by using gamma spectrometer. Equivalent radium activity of soils was calculated by using K-40, U-238 and Th-232 activity concentration values of the soil samples. Soils were separated into according to the district boundaries. The annual effective dose rates and the absorbed dose rates due to gamma radiations in air at 1 m above the ground surface were calculated to the each county. For the each of county, the external and internal hazard indexes were found. The radon concentration, the radon exhalation rate and the effective radium activity were determined in the soil and sediment samples by using CR-39 nuclear track detectors.The results of the K-40, U-238, Th-232 activity concentrations, the equivalent radium, the absorbed dose rate in air at 1m above the ground and the effective radium activity found in the soil samples are presented depending on the coordinates. Distribution graphs of the regions with high and low values are clearly demonstrated.The values of alkalinity, pH, conductivity, mV and salinity in the 85 water samples collected from the studied area were measured. Then, the radium activity concentrations in the water samples were determined by using the collector chamber method. The radon concentration, the radon exhalation rate and effective radium activity were determined by using CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Annual effective dose taken from the results of the radon concentration and effective radium activity was calculated separately for radon and radium. Distribution graphs based on the coordinates were drawn for the dose calculated from the results of the radon and radium.The indoor radon concentrations of Akhisar, Gölmarmara, Gördes, Sındırgı and Köprübaşı districts located in the study area were determined by using CR-39 nuclear track detectors, and then annual effective dose due to indoor radon concentration was calculated.Distribution of the total dose exposed to people living in the study area presented according to doses from the indoor radon concentration, soil and water. Statistical analysis was done on the obtained results, and data were interpreted by comparing with the literature considering the geological structure of the region.