Preliminary Results Measuring the Gamma Dose Rate Distribution in North Eastern Burkina Faso Where the Concentration of Uranium in the Soil Is Elevated
Posted: 3 Feb 2020
Date Written: October 31, 2019
Abstract
On this paper, the gamma dose rate is measured using the IdentiFINDERidentifinder device which is equipped by a portable gamma-ray spectrometer. Horizontal and depth profiles are then obtained in the study area. The measurements are performed at one meter above the ground and under variables depths often reaching 100 cm on a determined geographical point of interest. The dose rate at one meter above the ground varies between 0.050 µSv.h−1 and 0.300 µSv.h−1. The mean value in the study area is about 0.128 µSv.h−1 which is well higher than the world average of gamma dose rate from natural radioactivity. It is also higher than the established limit of gamma dose rate for the international recommendation of public exposure to the natural source of ionizing radiation. The gamma dose rate also rises with the depth and this variation confirms the terrestrial origin of the anomaly.
Keywords: : Gamma Dose Rate, High Background Radioactivity Area, IdentiFINDERIdentiFINDER, Natural Radioactivity
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