Determination of the primordial radionuclide concentrations of agricultural soil of eastern region of the arabian desert using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry

Background: The first civilian nuclear power plant in the Eastern Region of Arabian Desert, and specifically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be operating four reactors between (2018-2020). Before the construction of any regulated nuclear facility, it is essential to investigate the environmental background radiation level in the country. Objective: Establish the first research effort in the (UAE) to build a database of agricultural topsoil radioactivity concentrations established using standard sampling and analytical procedures. Method: This study determines the primordial radionuclides concentrations obtained from 145 soil samples collected from multiple agriculture farms in the UAE. Collected soil samples were analyzed to establish radioactivity concentration levels associated with²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and⁴⁰K. The High-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry measured the activity concentrations. Results: The results indicate that the mean specific activity concentrations (in BqKg^-1) were 15.34±2.80, 4.18±1.40 and 310.74 ± 63.90 for²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and⁴⁰ K, respectively. Conclusion: All study collected sample activities and radiation parameters were found to be below maximal admissible values established in various international recommendations and standards.