Evaluation of excessive lifetime cancer risk due to natural radioactivity in the rivers sediments of Northern Pakistan

PBPK model-based gender-specific risk assessment of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) using human biomonitoring data

Despite several screening levels for NDMA reported in water, soil, air, and drugs, the human risk assessment using biomonitoring concentrations has not been performed. In this study, gender-specific exposure guidance values were determined in humans, then biomonitoring measurements in healthy Korean subjects (32 men and 40 women) were compared to the exposure guidance values to evaluate the current exposure level to NDMA. For the human risk assessment of NDMA, the gender-specific physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed in humans using proper physiological parameters, partition coefficients, and biochemical parameters. Using the PBPK model, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to describe the magnitudes of inter-individual variability and uncertainty on the single model predictions. The PBPK modeling and Monte Carlo simulation allowed the estimation of the relationship between external dose and blood concentration for the risk assessment. The procedure for the human risk assessment was summarized as follows: (1) estimating a steady-state blood concentration (Cavg) corresponding to the daily no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) administration in rats; (2) applying uncertainty factors (UFs) for deriving the human Cavg; (3) determining the exposure guidance values as screening criteria; (4) interpreting the human biomonitoring measurements by forward and reverse dosimetry approaches. Using the biomonitoring concentrations, current daily exposures to NDMA were estimated to be 3.95 μg/day/kg for men and 10.60 μg/day/kg for women, respectively. The result of the study could be used as a basis for implementing further risk management and regulatory decision-making for NDMA.

Geochemical characteristics, hazards impact assessment and radiogenic heat production of the alkaline rocks

This study primarily investigates the natural radioactivity level in alkaline rocks collected from the Wadi El-Dib ring complex (WDRC) in North Eastern Desert of Egypt, and assesses potential health risks associated with their use as decorative building materials. The work was accomplished using a high-purity germanium detector as well as ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques. The WDRC composed essentially of trachyte, quartz syenite, granite and syenite. Geochemically, these rocks contain high SiO2 and alkalis with metaluminous to slightly peraluminous features. All rocks contain high concentrations of rare earth elements (∑REEs = 109-1075 ppm), with clear enrichment in light REEs compared to heavy REEs [(La/Yb)N = 8.3-25.3. Radiometrically, the concentrations of the natural radioisotopes (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in the studied rock types surpassed the worldwide average values assigned for building materials by UNSCEAR. This elevation of the radioisotope concentration values is due to the presence of supplement minerals such as monazite, zircon, allanite, and rutile. Granites exhibit the highest mean concentrations of 238U (av. 164.24 ± 14.76 Bq/kg) and 232Th (av. 214.37 ± 23.33 Bq/kg), while trachytes demonstrate the highest 40K (av. 1352.56 ± 65.56 Bq/kg) concentrations. In contrast, syenites exhibite the lowest mean concentrations for 238U (av. 54.51 ± 6.81 Bq/kg) and 232Th (av. 56.76 ± 6.25 Bq/kg), while quartz syenites display the lowest mean concentration of 40K (av. 1144.78 ± 96.19 Bq/kg). The radiogenic heat production (RHP) associated with U, Th, and K range between 1.41 to 9.33 μW/m3, exceeding the typical crustal mean value of 0.8 to 1.2 μW/m3. The radiological parameters and indices evaluating risks of the outdoor and indoor radiation doses due to the investigated rocks were assessed. The results indicated that these rocks meet globally accepted values and safety standards (approved by UNSCEAR, ICRP, and EC) for surface building materials, as well as they underscore the importance of adhering to safety protocols to safeguard workers from radiation exposure within the WDRC area. Ultimately, the data herein provide a valuable database for assessing the compatibility of geochemical data and natural radioactivity level in WDRC rocks. Additionally, it reveals that from the radiological perspective, the investigated rocks are considered safe for use as decorative construction materials.

Elevated levels of environmental radioactivity in fluvial sediment: origin and health risk assessment

To study the geogenic processes of naturally occurring radioactive materials' (NORMs') distribution, a transboundary Himalayan river (Punarbhaba) is chosen due to its trivial anthropogenic impacts. In explaining the genesis of radionuclides, transition elements (Sc, Ti, V, and Fe), rare-earth-elements (REEs: La, Eu, Ce, Yb, Sm, and Lu), Ta, Hf, Th, and U were analysed in 30 riverbed sediments collected from the Bangladeshi portion of the river. Elemental abundances and NORMs' activity were measured by neutron activation analysis and HPGe-gamma-spectrometry, respectively. Averagen=30 radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra (68.4 Bq kg-1), 232Th (85.7 Bq kg-1), and 40K (918 Bq kg-1) were 2.0-2.3-fold higher, which show elevated results compared to the corresponding world mean values. Additionally, mean-REE abundances were 1.02-1.38-times higher than those of crustal origin. Elevated (relative to earth-crust) ratios of Th/U (=3.95 ± 1.84) and 232Th/40K and statistical demonstrations invoke Th-dominant heavy minerals, indicating the role of kaolinite clay mineral abundance/granitic presence. However, Th/Yb, La/V, Hf/Sc, and Th/Sc ratios reveal the presence of felsic abundances, hydrodynamic sorting, and recycling of sedimentary minerals. Geo-environmental indices demonstrated the enrichment of chemical elements in heavy minerals, whereas radiological indices presented ionizing radiation concerns, e.g., the average absorbed-gamma-dose rate (123.1 nGy h-1) was 2.24-fold higher compared to the threshold value which might cause chronic health impacts depending on the degree of exposure. The mean excess lifetime cancer risk value for carcinogen exposure was 5.29 × 10-4 S v-1, which is ∼2-times greater than the suggested threshold. Therefore, plausible extraction of heavy minerals and using residues as building materials can alleviate the two-reconciling problems: (1) radiological risk management and (2) fluvial navigability.

Radiation risk assessment of quarry pit soil as construction material in Abeokuta, Nigeria: implications for environmental and public health

ABSTRACTEnvironmental and health risks posed by radionuclides in quarry pit soils are of great concern in environmental health monitoring. The current investigation was aimed at determining the natural radionuclide activity concentration (in Bq kg-1) of the understudied quarry pit granules used as construction materials. The collection and preparation of pit soil samples from Abeokuta quarry sites were done using standard methods, analysis of radiological parameters was carried out using hyperpure germanium (HPGe) spectrometer. Specific activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured. The values obtained were greater than the world weighted average of 35, 30, and 400 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. The absorbed dose, the annual effective dose, and the radium equivalent were calculated and demonstrated significant values. The radionuclide content of the samples is relatively high and the use of pit soils as a building material, therefore, raises radiological concerns for dwellers in this area and requires periodic monitoring and undergoing a radiation protection program.

Distribution dynamics and descriptive statistical analysis of radionuclides in the farmland soils near mining areas in Southwestern Nigeria

Human exposure to ionizing radiation in the environment is mainly due to naturally occurring radionuclides in the soils, building materials and rocks, but the level may vary depending on the anthropogenic activities prevalent in each location. Presently, in Nigeria, there are concerns due to environmental health implications of all sorts of mineral mining and processing spreading across the southwestern states of the country. This work determines the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclide materials (NORMs) in the farmland soil with the aim of evaluating the radiation hazards. A total of 200 composite soil samples were taken from five states in the southwest of Nigeria, close to active mining sites at the root (0.2 m) and at deep planting zones (0.5 m) for analysis by gamma-ray spectrometry using NaI(Tl) detector. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in the composite soil samples were determined to vary in the order of ⁴⁰ K > ²³²Th > ²²⁶Ra/²³⁸U for all locations. In contrast to the other locations, Olode and Igbokoda had average radium equivalent activities (Ra_eq) to be 1.6 and 1.8 times, respectively, higher than the reference limit of 370 Bqkg^-1. The estimated excess life cancer risk values were lower than the 0.29 × 10^-3 global average value for soil by United Nations on Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Negative and low skewness values of 0.61 and 1.20 were obtained for ⁴⁰ K in Itagunmodi, and also 0.47 and 0.66 for ²³²Th were obtained in Sagamu. The kurtosis analysis of the activity concentrations was low and negative for soil at Itagunmodi for ⁴⁰ K and ²²⁶Ra/²³⁸U; Olode for ⁴⁰ K and ²³²Th; and Igbokoda for ²²⁶Ra/²³⁸U and ²³²Th where mining activities are commonly practiced. The variation in the results has been attributed to different agriculture practices and artisanal mining operations in each location.

A window into the future: case study of long-term radiological risk modelling posed by unregulated mining waste repurposing activities

The study aims to assess long-term radiological exposure risks and effects to both industrial workers and occupants living in the near vicinity of local tailing processing plants. The detrimental effects of licensing exemption were studied by comparing contaminated soil collected from 7 unlicensed-by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board-tailing processing plants with soil from control location. It was found that the average concentration of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰ K for all seven processing plants fell between the range of 0.1 ± 0.0-7.21 ± 0.1 Bqg^-1, 0.1 ± 0.0-16.34 ± 0.27 Bqg^-1, and 0.18 ± 0.01-1.74 ± 0.01 Bqg^-1, respectively, showing observable indication of soil contamination with Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive (TENORM) material. The annual effective dose was calculated which showed that most samples exceeded the recommended value of the ICRP of 1 mSvy^-1 for non-radiation workers. Assessment of radiological hazards in the environment was done by calculating the radium equivalent value; revealing the exposure risk posed by the contaminated soil is substantial. Using the relatable inputs, the RESRAD-ONSITE computed code revealed that the dose due to internal exposure via inhalation of radon gas contributes the most to the overall exposure. The covering of the contaminated soil with a clean layer is effective in reducing external dose but ineffective for radon inhalation. RESRAD-OFFSITE computer code also revealed that the contribution of exposure via contaminated soil in the neighbouring vicinity is below the recommended 1 mSvy^-1 threshold but still contributes to a significant amount cumulatively when considering other exposure pathways as well. The study proposes the introduction of clean cover soil as a viable option in reducing external dose from contaminated soil as 1 m of clean cover soil is able to reduce dose exposure by 23.8-30.5%.

Radiological assessment of the disposal of bulk oil NORM waste: Case study from Brazil

The oil and gas industries are the largest producers of NORM wastes that are continuously generated during production and extraction activities. In addition, an increasing trend is observed in waste production worldwide due to the decommissioning of oil platforms. The problem is that most of these wastes are in activity concentration levels above the exemption and the clearance limits and are being accumulated in storage sites because no repositories exist in Brazil for NORM wastes generated by oil industries. There are regulations for radioactive wastes and for the licensing of repositories for managing wastes with low and intermediate levels of radiation but the current regulations apply only to packaged wastes. Therefore an initial radiological assessment was carried out with the RESRAD-OFFSITE code to show that bulk NORM wastes (not packaged wastes) could be disposed of in repositories near the surface without causing additional risk to the public above the criteria used. The results can also support decision-making by the Regulatory Authority to change the current regulations and allow for the disposal of wastes in bulk form.

Radiological and environmental hazards of granitic rocks in Wadi Faliq El Sahl and El Waar area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

Chronologically, the main exposures in the study area include; tonalite, granodiorite, adamellite, Hammamat Sediments, monzogranite, syenogranite, rapakivi syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and dykes. This work aims to determine the suitability of the granitic rocks for using as ornamental stones through detecting their radiological and ecological impacts. The studied samples were measured radiometrically by using Na-I detector for determination of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K concentrations. External hazard indices (H_ex) in some samples are more than unity, also, the (Raeq) are higher than the exemption limits (370 Bq.kg^-1) exceeds the upper limit of exposure. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was applied to investigate the correlation between the radionuclides and the corresponding radiological hazard variables. Based on the statistical analysis, ²³²Th and ²²⁶Ra mainly contribute to the radioactive risk of the studied rocks. Regarding ecological indices, 42.1% of younger granite samples have Pollution load index values greater than 1, indicating deterioration, while the majority of older granite samples are lower than 1 suggesting perfection samples. Where, some sample from the older granitoids and younger granites have many radiological and ecological parameters greater than the recommended international limits, so, these samples should not be used in construction for safety reasons.

Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate in typical urban homes in Miri City (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) at meter grid spacing in and around four urban homes in Miri City shows rates ranging from 70 to 150 nGy/h. Tiled surfaces (floors and walls) vary between properties and have a clear and significant influence on TGRD which is highest in kitchens, washrooms and toilets. Application of a single indoor value for annual effective dose (AED) may lead to underestimations of up to 30%. The AED is unlikely to exceed 0.8 mSv in homes of this type in Miri, which is within recommended guidelines.

PET plastics as a Trojan horse for radionuclides

Mismanaged plastic waste interacts with secondary environmental pollutants, potentially aggravating their impact on ecosystems and human health. Here we characterized the natural and artificial radionuclides in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles collected from the industrial littoral discharge of a phosphate fertilizer plant. The activity concentrations in littered bottles ranged from 0.47 (²⁰⁸Tl) to 12.70 Bq·kg^-1 (²²⁶Ra), with a mean value of 5.30 Bq·kg^-1. All the human health risk assessment indices (annual intake, annual effective dose, and excess lifetime cancer risk) estimated for radionuclides associated with ingestion and inhalation of microplastics were below international safety limits. Our results demonstrated that PET can be loaded with natural and artificial radionuclides, and potentially act as a carrier to transfer radionuclides to humans, posing a new potential health risk. Increased use, mismanagement and fragmentation of plastic waste, and continued interaction of plastic waste with radioelements may lead to enhanced radiation exposure in the future.

Natural Radioactivity Assessment and Radiation Hazards of Pegmatite as a Building Material, Hafafit Area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

Sixty-seven sites of Hafafit pegmatite from the Southeastern Desert of Egypt were investigated radiometrically in the field using an in situ γ-ray spectrometer to determine eU, eTh, and K contents. The obtained results ranged from 0.4 to 6 ppm for eU with a mean value of 2.5 ppm, from 0.2 to 32 ppm for eTh with a mean value of 6.7 ppm, and from 0.7% to 5.4% for K with a mean value of 3.3%. Consequently, the radiological effects from these rocks were estimates by determination of the environmental parameters: gamma activity concentration index Iγ, external hazard index H_ex, internal hazard index H_in, external absorbed dose rates in outdoor, and external absorbed dose rates in indoor air. The results obtained in this study showed that values U, Th, and K lie in the range of the acceptable world values. In addition, the calculated radiation hazard parameters (Iγ, H_ex, and H_in) have values lower than the world values, while the calculated external absorbed dose rates (D_air) have values higher than the world and Egyptian permissible levels.

Investigation of Building Materials' Radioactivity in a Historical Building-A Case Study

The paper investigates a possible hazard originating from natural radionuclides in building materials in a selected historical building being reconstructed for housing. Both outdoor and indoor risks were evaluated through the radiological indices and estimated doses, based on measured activities of natural radionuclides in stone and brick materials of the building. The average measured activity concentrations of radionuclides were 7.32 Bq/kg for ²²⁶Ra, 40.05 Bq/kg for ²³²Th, and 546.64 Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K radionuclides. The average total activity concentration in building materials (594.0 Bq/kg) exceeded the world average value. A correlation was found between the potassium content in the building material samples and the total activity of radionuclides. The gamma indices, Iγ, calculated for the samples, ranged in an interval of 0.26-0.60, not exceeding the restricted limit for bulk materials Iγ = 1. The average annual effective dose due to building materials was 0.53 mSv/y, which does not exceed the limit (1 mSv/y), however, it contributes to a gamma dose excess that is higher than recommended (0.3 mSv/y at the most). The bricks were responsible for a higher level of natural radiation than natural stone material. Nevertheless, based on the radiation protection requirements, it can be concluded that the building can be used for residential purposes after the reconstruction, as no significant human health impact is expected due to the radioactivity of building materials.

Environmental risk assessment associated with acidic volcanics in Egypt

The present work aims to study gamma rays emitted by radionuclides such as ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K from acidic Monqul volcanics. The studied volcanics are represented by a thick stratified lava flows interbanded with their pyroclastics. They are composed of thick lava flows of andesite and, to a lesser extent of basalt, and acidic volcanics including rhyolite and dacite. The average values of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K are (46 ± 24 Bq kg^-1), (62 ± 11 Bq kg^-1) and (1227 ± 318 Bq kg^-1) in the rhyolite-dacite samples are greater than the worldwide average. The variation of radioactive bearing minerals observed inside granite faults produced the great amounts of radioactivity perceived in the samples. Calculating radiological risks is used to assess the public's radioactive risk from radionuclides revealed in the studied Rhyolite-dacite samples. The acceptable limit for excess lifetime cancer (ELCR) evaluations has been exceeded. As a result, Rhyolite-dacite are inappropriate for apply in building materials.

Multivariate Statistics, Mineralogy, and Radiological Hazards Assessment Due to the Natural Radioactivity Content in Pyroclastic Products from Mt. Etna, Sicily, Southern Italy

In this article, an investigation of the natural radioactivity content of pyroclastic products from Mt. Etna, eastern Sicily, Southern Italy, was carried out. In particular, the assessment of the average activity concentration of the investigated radionuclides, related to the mineralogical phase composition of the analyzed samples, and the radiological health risk for the population, was performed. High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry was employed in order to quantify the average specific activity of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K natural radioisotopes. The absorbed gamma dose rate (D), the radium equivalent activity (Ra_eq), the hazard indices (H_in and H_ex), the annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (AEDE_out), and the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were also estimated in order to assess any possible radiological hazard for the population. In our case, they were found to be lower than the maximum recommended values for the population members, thus reasonably excluding radiological hazard effects. Moreover, the identification of the source of the aforementioned naturally occurring radionuclides was attempted by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Micro-Raman Scattering (MRS), thereby recognizing the main radioisotope-bearing minerals present in the investigated pyroclastic products. Finally, Pearson correlation, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were performed by processing observed radioactivity and radiological parameters in order to determine their correlation with the sampling locations.

Environmental geochemistry of higher radioactivity in a transboundary Himalayan river sediment (Brahmaputra, Bangladesh): potential radiation exposure and health risks

This study of a downstream segment (Brahmaputra, Bangladesh) of one of the longest transboundary (China-India-Bangladesh) Himalayan rivers reveals elevated radioactivity compared to other freshwater basins across the world. Naturally occurring radioactive nuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) and metal contents (transition metals, Fe, Ti, Sc, and V; rare earth elements, La, Ce, Eu, Sm, Dy, Yb, and Lu; high field strength elements, Ta and Hf; and actinides, Th and U) in thirty sediment samples were measured by HPGe γ-spectrophotometry and research reactor-based neutron activation analysis, respectively. We systematically investigated the mechanism of the deposition of higher radioactivity concentrations and rare earth elements (REEs) associated with heavy minerals (HMs) and photomicrograph-based mineralogical analysis. The results show that total REEs (∑REE) and Ta, Hf, U, and Th are generally 1.5- to 3.0-fold elevated compared to crustal values associated with -δEu and -δCe anomalies, suggesting a felsic source provenance. The enrichment of light REEs (×1.5 upper continental crust (UCC)) and Th (×1.9 UCC), besides Th/U (=7.74 ± 2.35) and ²³²Th/⁴⁰K ratios, along with the micrographic and statistical approaches, revealed the elevated presence of HMs. Fluvial suspended sedimentary transportation (from upstream) followed by mineralogical recycling and sorting enriched the HM depositions in this basin. Bivariate plots, including La/Th-Hf, La/Th-Th/Yb, and La/V-Th/Yb, revealed significant contributions of felsic source rock compared to mafic sources. The assessment of radiological hazards demonstrates ionizing-radiation-associated health risks to the local residents and people inhabiting houses made from Brahmaputra River sediments (as construction material).

Radiation exposure for the population living around the coal-fired power plant complexes in Vietnam

A coal-fired power plant's operation can release radioactive nuclides and radon gas into the environment, affecting the surrounding ecosystem. In this work, the collective effective dose due to the inhalation and the consumption of food containing the deposited radionuclides from the atmospheric release of the plants were evaluated. The results show that the radioactivity concentration in coal and fly ash samples depends on the origin of feed coal. The distribution of Th and U radionuclides in the 6a1 dust coal and bituminous coal is different. In general, the collective effective dose for different organs due to radiation exposure from the atmospheric release of two surveyed CFPP complexes are lower than the corresponding value published by UNSCEAR.

Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Associated with Granite Bearing Radioactive Minerals and Valuable Metals, Monqul Area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

The present work is concerned with assessing the cancer risk contributed by the studied granite types including valuable metals, such as Cu, Au, and Ba mineralization, as well as radioactive-bearing mineralization, such as monazite and zircon, in south Monqul at Wadi Makhrag El Ebel, north Eastern Desert, Egypt. The mineralization analyses illustrated that copper mineralization containing chrysocolla and tenorite minerals were restricted to the alteration zone, especially (argillic, phyllic, and propylitic) in monzogranite. However, barite veinlets had an ENE–WSW trend, while gold mineralization was confined to quartz veins having NE–SW trends. Monazite and zircon are radioactive-bearing minerals recorded in monzogranite causing high radioactive zones in south Monqul. The radionuclide activity concentrations were detected in the studied monzogranites. The mean values of A_U (103 ± 91 Bq kg⁻¹), A_Th (78 ± 19 Bq kg⁻¹), and A_K (1484 ± 334 Bq kg⁻¹) in the monzogranite samples were higher than the recommended worldwide average. The change in radioactive-transporting minerals found inside granite faults caused the high amounts of radioactivity seen in the samples. Due to the monzogranites being applied in building materials, the radiological hazards were assessed by calculating risk indices such as annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The acceptable limit for the ELCR readings was surpassed. As a result, the investigated monzogranite samples are not suitable for use in infrastructure materials.

Health Effects of Natural Environmental Radiation during Burning Season in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This paper presents the first measurement of the investigation of the health impacts of indoor radon exposure and external dose from terrestrial radiation in Chiang Mai province during the dry season burning between 2018 and 2020. Indoor radon activity concentrations were carried out using a total of 220 RADUET detectors in 45 dwellings of Chiang Mai (7 districts) during burning and non-burning seasons. Results show that indoor radon activity concentration during the burning season (63 ± 33 Bq/m3) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the non-burning season (46 ± 19 Bq/m3), with an average annual value of 55 ± 28 Bq/m3. All values of indoor radon activity concentration were greater than the national (16 Bq/m3) and worldwide (39 Bq/m3) average values. In addition, the external dose from terrestrial radiation was measured using a car-borne survey during the burning season in 2018. The average absorbed rate in the air was 66 nGy/h, which is higher than the worldwide average value of 59 nGy/h. This might be due to the high activity concentrations of 238U and 323Th in the study area. With regards to the health risk assessment, the effective dose due to indoor radon exposure, external (outdoor) effective dose, and total annual effective dose were 1.6, 0.08, and 1.68 mSv/y, respectively. The total annual effective dose is higher than the worldwide average of 1.15 mSv/y. The excess lifetime cancer risk and radon-induced lung cancer risk during the burning season were 0.67% and 28.44 per million persons per year, respectively. Our results substantiate that indoor radon and natural radioactive elements in the air during the burning season are important contributors to the development of lung cancer.

Cancer Risk Assessment and Geochemical Features of Granitoids at Nikeiba, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

Different rock types (syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite intruded by microgranite dikes and quartz veins) were investigated in the Nikeiba region in Egypt. The main components of the studied intrusive rocks, comprised of granites and quartz syenite, are plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, quartz and K-feldspar in different proportions. Ground gamma ray measurements show that syenogranite, quartz syenite and microgranite dikes have the highest radioactivity (K, eU, eTh and their ratios) in comparison with alkali feldspar granite. Geochemically, syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite are enriched with large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; Ba, Rb, Sr) and high field-strength elements (HFSE; Y, Zr and Nb), but have decreased Ce, reflecting their alkaline affinity. These rocks reveal calc–alkaline affinity, metaluminous characteristics, A-type granites and post-collision geochemical signatures, which indicates emplacement in within-plate environments under an extensional regime. U and Th are increased in syenogranite and quartz syenite, whereas alkali feldspar granite shows a marked decrease in U and Th. The highest average values of AU (131 ± 49 Bq·kg−1), ATh (164 ± 35) and AK (1402 ± 239) in the syenogranite samples are higher than the recommended worldwide average. The radioactivity levels found in the samples are the result of the alteration of radioactive carrying minerals found inside granite faults. The public’s radioactive risk from the radionuclides found in the investigated granitoid samples is estimated by calculating radiological risks. The excess lifetime cancer (ELCR) values exceed the permissible limit. Therefore, the granitoids are unsuitable for use as infrastructure materials.

Carcinogenic Risk Assessment among Children and Adult due to Exposure to Toxic Air Pollutants

Health endpoint and risk of carcinogenic among people enhancement due to Exposures to toxic air pollutants. The purpose of this study was investigation of a carcinogenic risk assessment among children and adults due to exposure to toxic pollutants. A review study of literature was performed with seven hundred and twenty-six articles were retrieved based on Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, and Springer databases. Studies reporting data on predetermined consequences potential toxic air pollutants and related to lifetime cancer risk (LCR) and hazard quotient (HQ) were used to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk. The literature signs a notable undesirable affect from potential toxic air pollutants related to carcinogenic risk assessment among children and adult. Based on Result this study, the toxic air pollutants can endanger health of children and adult exposure to this pollutant and increase lifetime cancer risk number and carcinogenic risk among exposed people. Useful for health policymaker in order to cope with the incidence of cancer among citizenship Can be the main application the results of this study. Increasing the level of public awareness, especially of sensitive groups, about the incidence of cancer and its important factors and reduce exposures to toxic air pollutants are the main vital government actions for decrease the prevalence of cancer. Further research using more sophisticated methodology is warranted.

Radioactive risk assessment of beach sand along the coastline of Mediterranean Sea at El-Arish area, North Sinai, Egypt

Beach sand includes various levels of natural radioactivity, which can cause health effects. The natural radioactivity was measured in the beach sand along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea at the east of the El-Arish area, Egypt. Using the HPGe spectrometer, the contribution of radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the gamma emitted radiation illustrated that the ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K activity concentrations are 8.8 ± 3.9, 30.8 ± 12.2 and 106.9 ± 46.8 Bq kg^-1, respectively, which is lower than the reported worldwide limit 33, 45 and 412 Bq kg^-1. The radioactive hazards associated with the beach sand along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea at the east of the El-Arish area were investigated. The obtained results among the radiological hazard parameters, the radium equivalent content (Ra_eq), the absorbed dose rate (D_air), annual effective dose (AED), external (H_ex) and internal (H_in) hazard indices were estimated. Moreover, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) were also computed and illustrated their values less than the recommended levels. Multivariate statistical approaches like Pearson correlation, the principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to investigate the correlation between the radionuclides and the corresponding radiological hazard variables. Based on the statistical analysis, the ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th mainly contribute to the radioactive risk of beach sand. Finally, no significant risk of the public associated with utilizing beach sand in building materials.

Natural Radionuclide Levels and Radiological Hazards of Khour Abalea Mineralized Pegmatites, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

Arranged from oldest to youngest, the main granitic rock units exposed in Khour Abalea are metagabbros, cataclastic rocks, ophiolitic melange, granitic rocks, pegmatite and lamprophyre dykes. The presence of radioactivity associated with the heavy bearing minerals in construction materials—like granite—increased interest in the extraction process. As it turns out, granitic rocks play an important economic part in the examination of an area’s surroundings. The radionuclide content is measured by using an NaI (Tl)-detector. In the mineralized pegmatites, U (326 to 2667 ppm), Th (562 to 4010 ppm), RaeU (495 to 1544 ppm) and K (1.38 to 9.12%) ranged considerably with an average of 1700 ppm, 2881.86 ppm, 1171.82 ppm and 5.04%, respectively. Relationships among radioelements clarify that radioactive mineralization in the studied pegmatites is magmatic and hydrothermal. A positive equilibrium condition confirms uranium addition to the studied rocks. This study determined 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations in pegmatites samples and assessed the radiological risks associated with these rocks. The activity concentrations of 226Ra (13,176 ± 4394 Bq kg−1), 232Th (11,883 ± 5644 Bq kg−1) and 40K (1573 ± 607 Bq kg−1) in pegmatites samples (P) are greater than the global average. The high activity of the mineralized pegmatite is mainly attributed to the presence of uranium mineral (autunite), uranophane, kasolite and carnotite, thorium minerals (thorite, thorianite and uranothorite) as well as accessories minerals—such as zircon and monazite. To assess the dangerous effects of pegmatites in the studied area, various radiological hazard factors (external, internal hazard indices, radium equivalent activity and annual effective dose) are estimated. The investigated samples almost surpassed the recommended allowable thresholds for all of the environmental factors.

Natural Radionuclide Concentrations by γ-Ray Spectrometry in Granitic Rocks of the Sol Hamed Area, Southeastern Desert of Egypt, and Their Radiological Implications

The occurrence of heavy radioactive minerals in construction supplies such as granite has drawn attention to the extraction of heavy radioactive minerals. Granitic rocks were identified to serve an essential economic role in the study area’s surrounding locations. As a result, the current study attempted to detect the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the granitic rock samples tested and estimate the radiological dangers associated with these rocks. The obtained data on activity concentrations for 238U (610 ± 1730 Bq kg−1), 232Th (110 ± 69 Bq kg−1) and 40K (1157 ± 467 Bq kg−1) in the granitic samples (GR) were higher than the recommended worldwide average. The radioactive levels found in the samples were caused by radioactive materials being altered and trapped inside granite faults. The exposure to gamma radiation from the granitic rocks were assessed via various radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent content (856 Bq kg−1), absorbed dose rate (Dair) in the air (396 nGy/h), and annual effective dose for either outdoor (0.48 mSv y−1) or indoor (1.9 mSv y−1). Statistical analysis was performed to detect the correlations between radioactive concentrations and radiological parameters. The radioactive effects contributed by the uranium minerals were associated with the granitic rocks. Based on the analysis, the radioactive levels in the examined granitic surpassed the acceptable limits; therefore, they are not safe to use in building and infrastructure applications and may cause adverse health effects.

Radiological risk assessment in sediment of Namal Lake, Mianwali, Pakistan

This study is concentrated on the radiological risk assessment of sixteen surface sediment samples recovered from Namal Lake, District Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. The activity of ¹³⁷Cs, ⁴⁰ K, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, and ²³²Th was carried out with the help of a high purity germanium detector (HPGe) in the sediment, varied in the ranges of > 0.02-3.73 ± 1.31, 98.32 ± 21.45-341.02 ± 58.67, 18.34 ± 2.16-34.23 ± 4.34, 1.62 ± .30-2.34 ± .52, and 0.14 ± 0.10-2.34 ± 0.59 Bq kg^-1 with average values 0.74 ± 0.29, 237.26 ± 37.97, 25.06 ± 4.74, 1.97 ± 0.39, and 1.73 ± 0.33 Bq kg^-1, respectively. The measured concentrations in the current study have been compared with other earlier studies in the world. The data was also used for determining the other useful parameters like radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate, and external and internal hazards index to assess the radiological risk assessment for the environment around the study area. The ERICA Tool software was also applied for radiological risk assessment for lake fish due to the radioactivity present in the lake sediments. It was concluded from the results of ERICA tool that the risk quotient in this study is less than one indicating that no toxic effects of radioactivity for Namal Lake fish.

Assessment of Radioactive Materials in Albite Granites from Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The present study aims to assess Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat albite granite’s natural radioactivity in the Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, using an HPGe laboratory spectrometer. A total of 17 albite granite samples were detected for this study. The activity concentrations were estimated for 238U (range from 204 to 1127 Bq/kg), 226Ra (range from 215 to 1300 Bq/kg), 232Th (from 130 to 1424 Bq/kg) and 40K (from 1108 to 2167 Bq/kg) for Abu Rusheid area. Furthermore 238U (range from 80 to 800 Bq/kg), 226Ra (range from 118 to 1017 Bq/kg), 232Th (from 58 to 674 Bq/kg) and 40K (from 567 to 2329 Bq/kg) for the Um Naggat area. The absorbed dose rates in the outdoor air were measured with average values of 740 nGy/h for Abu Rusheid albite granite and 429 nGy/h for Um Naggat albite granite. The activity concentration and gamma-ray exposure dose rates of the radioactive elements 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K at Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat exceeded the worldwide average values that recommend the necessity of radiation protection regulation. Moreover, the corresponding outdoor annual effective dose (AEDout) was calculated to be 0.9 and 0.5 mSv y−1 for Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat albite granite, respectively, which are lower than the permissible level (1 mSv y−1). By contrast, the indoor annual effective dose (AEDin) exceeded the recommended limit (3.6 and 2.1 for Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat, respectively). Therefore, the two areas are slightly saving for development projects concerning the use of the studied rocks. The statistical analysis displays that the effects of the radiological hazard are associated with the uranium and thorium activity concentrations in Abu Rusheid and Um Naggat albite granites.

Radon Hazard in Central Italy: Comparison among Areas with Different Geogenic Radon Potential

Radon (222Rn) is a natural radioactive gas formed in rocks and soil by the decay of its parent nuclide (238-Uranium). The rate at which radon migrates to the surface, be it along faults or directly emanated from shallow soil, represents the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) of an area. Considering that the GRP is often linked to indoor radon risk levels, we have conducted multi-disciplinary research to: (i) define local GRPs and investigate their relationship with associated indoor Rn levels; (ii) evaluate inhaled radiation dosages and the associated risk to the inhabitants; and (iii) define radon priority areas (RPAs) as required by the Directive 2013/59/Euratom. In the framework of the EU-funded LIFE-Respire project, a large amount of data (radionuclide content, soil gas samples, terrestrial gamma, indoor radon) was collected from three municipalities located in different volcanic districts of the Lazio region (central Italy) that are characterised by low to high GRP. Results highlight the positive correlation between the radionuclide content of the outcropping rocks, the soil Rn concentrations and the presence of high indoor Rn values in areas with medium to high GRP. Data confirm that the Cimini-Vicani area has inhalation dosages that are higher than the reference value of 10 mSv/y.

Assessing the Radiological Risks Associated with High Natural Radioactivity of Microgranitic Rocks: A Case Study in a Northeastern Desert of Egypt

This study aimed to evaluate the radiological hazards of uranium (²³⁸U), thorium (²³²Th), and potassium (⁴⁰K) in microgranitic rocks from the southeastern part of Wadi Baroud, a northeastern desert of Egypt. The activity concentrations of the measured radionuclides were determined by using a gamma-ray spectrometer (NaI-Tl-activated detector). The mean (²³⁸U), (²³²Th), and (⁴⁰K) concentrations in the studied rocks were found to be 3680.3, 3635.2, and 822.76 Bq/kg, respectively. The contents in these rocks were elevated, reaching up to 6.3 wt%. This indicated the alkaline nature of these rocks. The high ratios of Th/U in the mineralized rocks could be related to late magmatic mineralization, suggesting the ascent of late magmatic fluids through weak planes such as faults and the contact of these rocks with older granites. The present data were higher than those of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) guideline limits. All the radiological hazard results indicated high human health risks. This confirmed that this area is not radiologically safe, and care must be taken when working in this area. This study showed that the area under investigation had high U content suitable for uranium extraction that could be used in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Health Hazards Assessment and Geochemistry of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur Granites, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

In this paper, a thorough radio- and chem-ecological evaluation of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites located within Egypt’s crystalline basement rocks was conducted for risk and dose assessments. Twenty granitic samples from the study area’s various lithological units were analyzed using high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry to determine the natural radioisotopes (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) concentrations. The average concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 were 38.72, 38.23, and 860.71 Bq/kg, respectively, exceeding the GAV (global average value) documented by UNSCEAR (Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, Vienna, Austria). The radiological parameters and indices judging the usage of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites in homes were computed. The obtained results showed that ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites are safe to be used by inhabitants as superficial building materials, as per the globally accepted values and the recommended safety limits approved by UNSEAR, WHO (World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland), ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection, Ottawa, ON, Canada), and EC (European Commission, Luxembourg). Further, the samples were subjected to ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) analysis for quantifying radionuclide variations with chemical composition. Geochemically based on the ICP-MS results, the studied granites proved to be highly evolved A-type granites. They span the metaluminous to peralkaline fields. The REE patterns are characterized by the enrichment of the light rare earths (LREE) over the heavy ones (HREE) where (La/Yb)n = 5.2, (Gd/Yb)n = 1.63 with pronounced negative Eu-anomalies (Eu/Eu*)n = 0.49. The albite granite exhibits the highest concentrations of Ga, Nb, Ta, U, and Y, and REE (Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb) than the Na-metasomatic granites. Finally, the obtained data serve as a valuable future database for finding out the compatibility of the geochemical data with the natural radioactivity levels of granites.

Radiological Investigation on Sediments: A Case Study of Wadi Rod Elsayalla the Southeastern Desert of Egypt

The presence of heavy radioactive minerals in the studied granitoids from which the Wadi sediments leads to the study of the exposure to emitted gamma rays from the terrestrial radionuclides, such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K. The geological study revealed that the Wadi sediments derived from the surrounding granitoids, such as syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite, and quartz syenite. The mineral analysis confirmed that the granitoids were enriched with radioactive minerals, such as uranothorite as well as monazite, zircon, yttrocolumbite, and allanite. The mean activity of the 238U, 232Th, and 40K concentrations are 62.2 ± 20.8, 84.2 ± 23.3, and 949.4 ± 172.5 Bq kg−1, respectively, for the investigated Wadi sediments, exceeding the reported limit of 33, 45 and 412 Bq kg−1, respectively. Public exposure to emitted gamma radiation is detected by estimating many radiological hazard indices, such as the radium equivalent content (Raeq), external and internal hazard indices (Hex and Hin), annual effective dose (AED), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), and excess lifetime cancer (ELCR). The obtained results of the radiological hazards parameters showed that public exposure to emitted gamma radiation can induce various dangerous health effects. Thus, the application of the investigated sediments in different building materials and infrastructures fields is not safe. A multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) was applied to detect radionuclide correlations with the radiological hazard parameters estimated in the granite samples.

Spatial distribution, radiological risk assessment and positive matrix factorization of gamma-emitting radionuclides in the sediment of the Boka Kotorska Bay

Surface sediment from the Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea) was analyzed for the content of technogenic cesium (¹³⁷Cs) and naturally occurring (⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ²³⁸U) radionuclides. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides have been correlated with the major elements (Si, Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Ti, P, Mn) content of sediment samples. The spatial interpolation identified primordial radioactivity more pronounced in the inland of the bay. Correlation and hierarchical cluster analyses clearly distinguished ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ²³⁸U from ¹³⁷Cs. In addition, a strong association between primordial radionuclides and most major elements was found. Positive matrix factorization apportioned technogenic and natural radionuclides sources, while Si and Ca were separated from other elements. Radiological hazard parameters (Ra_eq, D, AEDE, H_in, H_ex, AGDE, AUI) that include the doses and indices, and the excess lifetime cancer risk indicate that the risk in the studied area due to gamma radiation is within the acceptable level.

Radiological Risk to Human and Non-Human Biota Due to Radioactivity in Coastal Sand and Marine Sediments, Gulf of Oman

Natural and 137Cs radioactivity in coastal marine sediment samples was measured using gamma spectrometry. Samples were collected at 16 locations from four beaches along the coastal area of Muscat City, Gulf of Oman. Radioactivity in beach sand was used to estimate the radiological risk parameters to humans, whereas the radioactivity in marine sediments was used to assess the radiological risk parameters to non-human biota, using the ERICA Tool. The average radioactivity concentrations (Bqkg-1) of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb and 137Cs in sediments (sand) were as follows: 16.2 (16.3), 34.5(27.8), 54.7 (45.6), 46.8 (44.9) and 0.08 (0.10), respectively. In sand samples, the estimated average indoor (Din) and outdoor (Dout) air absorbed dose rates due to natural radioactivity were 49.26 and 27.4 and the total effective dose (AEDTotal; µSvy-1) ranged from 150.2 to 498.9 (average: 275.2). The measured radioactivity resulted in an excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) in the range of 58-203 (average: 111) in and an average gonadal dose (AGD; µGy.y-1) ranged from 97.3 to 329.5 (average: 181.1). Total dose rate per marine organism ranged from 0.035 µGy h-1 (in zooplankton) to 0.564 µGy h-1 (in phytoplankton). The results showed marine sediments as an important source of radiation exposure to biota in the aquatic environment. Regular monitoring of radioactivity levels is vital for radiation risk confinement. The results provide an important radiological risk profile parameter to which future radioactivity levels in marine environments can be compared.

Assessment of radiation hazards from phosphate rocks, Sibaiya area, central eastern desert, Egypt

The present work used the integrated Carbone γ-ray spectrometric data and HPGe γ-ray spectrometer data to the prospect of radioactive zones at the Sibaiya area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. Carbone γ-ray spectrometric survey revealed ten uranium anomalies distributed along the car traverse from west to east direction have values of 240, 104, 44, 34, 150, 124, 232, 132, 60, and 90 ppm, respectively. These significant anomalies are associated mainly with phosphates mines characterized by a substantial increase of eU/eTh and eU/K ratios. Ten phosphate samples were collected from the determining anomalies. They were analyzed using the HPGe detector gamma-ray spectrometer. It was found that the results of radioelement concentrations by carborne survey agree well with that obtained by HPGe. The average activity concentration for the Sibaiya phosphate samples under study is 152.5, 947, and 33.2 Bq/kg against the worldwide accepted limit of 412, 33, and 45 Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U, and ²³²Th, respectively. The radium equivalent ranges from 499 to 3484.9 Bq/kg, which is higher than the recommended value 370 Bq/kg. The external hazard's (H_ex) calculated values range from 1.35 to 9.42 mGy/yr, and the internal hazard (H_in) ranges from 2.58 to 18.69. These indexes must be lower than unity to keep the radiation hazard insignificant. The value of the radioactivity level index (Iγ) is found to be more than unity, which varies between 1.68 and 11.63. The dose rate (D_R) ranges from 149.5 to 970 nGy/h, higher than the international mean value of 55 nGy/h. The annual effective dose ranges from 0.18 to 1.19 mSv, which less than unity in almost all values. Meanwhile, the values of activity of ²²⁶Ra ranged from 454 to 3429 Bq/kg and the mean of mass radon exhalation rate (J_m) is 6615 mBq kg^-1 h^-1 which is lower than the worldwide average.

The presence of radioactive heavy minerals in prospecting trenches and concomitant occupational exposure

Uranium, perhaps the most strategically important component of heavy minerals, finds particular significance in the nuclear industry. In prospecting trenches, the radioactivity of 238U and 232Th provides a good signature of the presence of heavy minerals. In the work herein, the activity concentrations of several key primordial radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) were measured in prospecting trenches (each of the latter being of approximately the same geometry and physical situation). All of these are located in the Seila area of the South Eastern desert of Egypt. A recently introduced industry standard, the portable hand-held RS-230 BGO gamma-ray spectrometer (1024 channels) was employed in the study. Based on the measured data, the trenches were classified as either non-regulated (U activity less than 1000 Bq kg-1) or regulated (with 238U activity more than 1000 Bq kg-1). Several radiological hazard parameters were calculated, statistical analysis also being performed to examine correlations between the origins of the radionuclides and their influence on the calculated values. While the radioactivity and hazard parameters exceed United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) guided limits, the mean annual effective doses of 0.49 and 1.4 mSv y-1 in non-regulated and regulated trenches respectively remain well below the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended 20 mSv/y maximum occupational limit. This investigation reveals that the studied area contains high uranium content, suitable for extraction of U-minerals for use in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Radiological Risk Assessment of Radon Gas in Bricks Samples in Iraq

Naturally occurring radioactive radon gas is produced from radioactive decay of naturally radioactive element radium and emits alpha particles. The radon gas is the main source of natural background radiation that contributes to about more than 60% of the annual radiation dose to humans on Earth. In this research, radon concentrations (222Rn) in brick samples that are available in Iraqi markets were measured using solid state nuclear track (CR-39). Also, uranium-238 (238U), radium-226 (226Ra) were calculated in all samples under study together with some radiation parameters such as exhalation of radon gas rate (FO), annual effective dose (DRn), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). It was found that, the average value of 222Rn, 238U, and 226Ra concentrations in studied samples were 48.75 ± 10.61 Bq/m3, 0.084 ± 0.02 ppm, and 115.57 ± 29.60 mBq/kg, respectively. Also, it was found that the average of each of FO, DRn, and ELCR were 27.54 ± 5.99 μBq/m2.h, 0.88 ± 0.17 nSv/y, and (3.01 ± 0.65)×10−3, respectively. After data analysis, the resulted data were examined and compared with the global average and the permissible limits which recommended by the international scientific agencies such as International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP 2010), United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR 2017), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD 2009). It was found that radiation levels from brick samples used in local markets for most models fell within the permissible limits and may not cause any danger to human beings.

Mechanism of elevated radioactivity in Teesta river basin from Bangladesh: Radiochemical characterization, provenance and associated hazards

This work presents a river basin (Teesta River, Bangladesh) which possesses significantly higher radioactivity compared to other freshwater basins around the globe. A total of thirty sediment samples were collected to determine the naturally occurring radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴ K)and elemental abundances using the HPGe gamma spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), respectively. To understand the provenance of higher radioactivity, the compositional elements (Sc, Ti, V, Fe, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Dy, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, Th, and U) of heavy minerals are thoroughly studied, where ∑REEs (rare earth elements), Hf, Ta, Th, and U are ∼2 times higher than the crustal values with negative Ce and Eu anomalies. Mechanism to co-occurrence among radioactivity concentrations and REEs has been explored in this work. Enrichment of light rare earth elements ( × 2.01 UCC) and thorium ( × 2.8 UCC), and Th/U (=5.54 ± 1.05), ²³²Th/⁴ K ratio and statistical analyses demonstrate the presence of heavy minerals with monazite predominance. Accumulations of these minerals are most likely due to the fluvial suspended sediments transported by the hydrodynamic forces from up-stream. Elemental ratios including La/V, Th/Yb, Th/Sc, and Hf/Sc confirm the dominance of felsic-source over the mafic-components and the source of sediment has experienced major recycling and sorting during transportation. Evaluation of radiological risks invokes ionizing radiation related hazards to the local inhabitants and the householders residing in the buildings comprised with sandy river sediments. However, minute probability of REEs, Th, and U entrance to the human body through food chain can cause trivial health risks.