Radioactivity level and the measurement of soil gas radon concentration in Dikili geothermal area, Turkey

Background: The natural radioacƟ vity level and the radon concentraƟ on of soil were measured at four important geothermal area located in Dikili geothermal region, Turkey. Materials and Methods: The natural radionuclide content of soil samples were measured by NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer system and the soil radon concentraƟ on were determined using Kodak-Pethe LR-115 Type II Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD). The aim of the study was to invesƟ gate the seasonal variaƟ on of the radon concentraƟ on as well as evaluate the health hazards related to natural acƟ vity if any. Results: It was found that the radon concentraƟ on of soil gas in the study area ranged from 98-8594 Bq m -3 with an average value of 1920 Bq m -3 . The highest radon concentraƟ on observed in summer and the lowest concentraƟ on measured in winter. The average acƟ vity concentraƟ ons of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K were found to be 28.7, 17.6 and 579.2 Bq kg -1 , respecƟ vely. Towards this, annual effecƟ ve doses from these radionuclides determined and analyzed. Conclusion: The calculated dose values are not very high and don't exceed the radioprotecƟ on standards suggested by internaƟ onal agencies.