Natural Radioactivity of Beach Sand Samples in the Tripoli Region, Northwest Libya

Authors: S. U. EL-KAMEESY, S. ABD EL-GHANY, S. M. EL-MINYAWI, Z. MILIGY, E. M. EL-MABROUK

Abstract: A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the radioactivity concentrations of beach sand samples from different sites along the coast of Tripoli, northwest Libya, using high resolution \gamma-ray spectroscopy. Collection of samples was carried out during low tide, where it was possible to collect sediments from the wet region that was covered by sea water during high tide. From the measured \gamma-ray spectra, elemental concentrations were determined for ^{226}Ra, ^{232}Th, ^{40}K, and ^{210}Pb at depths 5-10 and 50-70 cm from the surface. The activity concentration ratios of ^{210}Pb/^{226}Ra for some samples were calculated to show the disequilibrium between the ^{210}Pb and its parent nuclei ^{226}Ra in the coastal marine sediments. The mean value of the absorbed dose rates in air obtained in the studied area was 4.4 \pm 1.3 nGy h^{-1}, which is lower than the world average (55 nGy h^{-1}).

Keywords: Natural radioactivity, Radionuclide, Beach sand, Gamma ray spectroscopy, Libya

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