Radiometric analysis of the gold tailings using a high-resolution LEGe γ-detector

摘要: Soil samples were collected from abandoned mines located west of Johannesburg. An assessment of the radioactivity con- centration was conducted. The comprehensive radiological indices were then evaluated. In this study, a coaxial LEGe HPGe γ-spectroscopy was used to measure the γ-signals emanating from the soil samples. For radioactivity concentration, the results showed that the mean activity concentrations in some tailings exceeded the global average for certain radionuclides, and the con- centrations for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 338.44±3.48, 10.06±0.68, and 126.15±10.90 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological indices that surpass their global recommended values. The mean radiological health hazard indices in their descending order are AGDE > RaEq > ADR > ELCR > AEDE > Ia > Iγ. The findings are tabulated, plotted, discussed and compared with controlling body limits. These indices exceeded the recommended values; the gold tailings pose a significant health risk to the local population, and the soil should under no circumstances be used for building purposes.