Reference levels of natural radioactivity and 137Cs in and around the surface soils of Kestanbol pluton in Ezine region of Canakkale province, Turkey

The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic investigation on the natural gamma emitting radionuclides (Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40) as well as Cs-137 in the surface soils from Kestanbol/Ezine plutonic area in Canakkale province as part of the environmental monitoring program on radiologic impact of the granitoid areas in Western Anatolia. The activity measurements of the gamma emitters in the surface soil samples collected from 52 sites distributed all over the region has been carried out, by means of HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry system. The activity concentrations of the relevant radionuclides in the soil samples appeared in the ranges as follows: Ra-226 was 20-521 Bq kg(-1); Th-232, 11-499 Bq kg(-1)and; K-40, 126-3181 Bq kg(-1), yet the Cs-137 was much lower than 20 Bq kg(-1)at most. Furthermore, based on the available data, the radiation hazard parameters associated with the surveyed soils were calculated. The present data also allowed evaluation of some correlations that may exist in the investigated natural radionuclides of the soil samples from the plutonic area in Canakkale province. It is concluded from the above that the concerned region did not lead to any significant radiological exposure to the environment.