Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Pure and Applied Geophysics, cilt.179, sa.4, ss.1295-1308, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study aims to distinguish rocks that may have negative health impacts and to reveal the risks and effects of urban development in this polluting environment. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the radiological risk and related cancer effect caused by rocks with high radioactivity. For this, in situ radioactive element measurements can be directly performed on the rocks with a gamma-ray spectrometer or by investigating samples under laboratory conditions. In this study, radioactive element measurements were performed directly on the rock or soil with a gamma-ray spectrometer. Gamma-ray spectrometer measurements were applied at 1082 different points in an area of approximately 1200 km2 comprising Afyon and its surroundings in Turkey. These measurements included 40K, 238U, and 232Th concentrations. The absorbed gamma dose rate, the annual effective dose, the radium equivalent, the external hazard index, and the cancer effects of the study area were assessed by using these concentration values. Radiological risk areas were determined by mapping the measured and calculated values in the whole study area. Areas with a potential health risk were distinguished, and it was concluded that these areas could pose a risk to human life. In addition, if new settlements are preferred in volcanic areas, it will be necessary to determine the radiological hazard of the rock or soil in that area. Therefore, when planning urban development in the area, gamma-ray spectrometry mapping can help to identify suitable locations for new settlements.