Distribution of natural radionuclide concentrations in sediment samples in Didim and Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea-Turkey)

Natural and artificial radionuclide pollutants of the marine environment have been recognized as a serious environmental concern. The natural radioactivity activity concentrations of Ra-226, U-238, Th-232 and K-40 were measured by gamma spectrometry in sediment samples collected from two different areas in Aegean Sea Turkish Coast. There is no information about radioactivity level in the study areas sediments so far. The results showed that the concentrations of activity in the sediment samples are 9 +/- 0.6 Bq kg(-1)-12 +/- 0.7 Bq kg(-1), 7 +/- 0.4 Bq kg(-1)-16 +/- 1.0 Bq kg(-1), 6 +/- 0.3 Bq kg(-1)-16 +/- 1.0 Bq kg(-1) and 250 +/- 13 Bq kg(-1)-665 +/- 33 Bq kg(-1) for Ra-226, U-238, Th-232 and K-40, respectively. In general, the distribution of activity concentrations along the coast of the Aegean Sea area were in the same order as international levels. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.