Determination of 238U and 40K Radionuclide Concentrations in Some Granite Rocks by Gamma Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis

Abstract

Uranium-238 (238U) and potassium-40 (40K) are important naturally occurring radionuclides. Gamma spectroscopy is a direct, non-destructive method used to determine radionuclide concentrations, but it suffers from the interference of gamma lines. 40K gamma spectroscopy is affected by background interference, which leads to a reduction in the minimum detectable activity. The energy dispersive X-ray analytical technique is quick, with fewer interference problems or background effects. However, it is an indirect method for calculating and deducing the concentrations of isotopes. The aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate both techniques so that they can be utilized efficiently. The results of 238U and 40K were measured by well-calibrated gamma spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray techniques. the results indicated that Halayeb White granite is the most environmentally safe compared to the other two types because it contains a very low concentration of uranium 238 and potassium 40.