Assessment of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity and associated radiological hazards in industrialized soils of eastern Algeria

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in industrialized soils from two key zones in Bordj Bou Arreridj and M'sila, eastern Algeria. Utilizing high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, the investigation determined the activity concentrations of ²²⁶ Ra, ²³² Th, and ⁴⁰ K radionuclides. The obtained mean activity concentrations were 20.6 ± 1.4, 27.3 ± 0.7, and 464 ± 9 Bq·kg ⁻¹ , respectively. Notably, ¹³⁷ Cs was detected only in the Bordj Bou Arreridj zone at trace levels, attributed to historical radioactive fallout. The air absorbed dose rates yielded a mean value of 45.6 ± 1.4 nGy·h ^{− 1} , while the outdoor annual effective doses remained significantly below the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) limit of 1 mSv·y ⁻¹ . All calculated radiological indices were within safety limits, indicating no significant public health hazards. These results provide a critical radiological characterization of Algerian industrial soils, offering essential baseline data for environmental monitoring and the development of radiation protection standards in Algeria.