Evaluation of radiological parameters and their risks for soil near a uranium mine site: a case study

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of natural radioactivity (Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40), and their calculated radiological parameters and indices, including Ra-eq, D-R, AEDE, H-ex, AGDE, and ELCR in soil samples from all districts of Manisa province in Turkey (including a uranium mine in Koprubasi). The obtained results were compared with national and international (UNSCEAR) averages. The radiological parameter results of Manisa-Koprubasi were found as 185.35 Bq/kg, 91.50 nGy/h, 112.22 mu Sv/y, 0.50, 666.58 mu Sv/y, and 3.93 x 10(-4) for Ra-eq, D-R, AEDE, H-ex, AGDE, and ELCR, respectively. These values are higher than other districts in Manisa. Especially D-R, AEDE, AGDE, and ELCR values exceeded the UNSCEAR averages. Evaluating these parameters during the selection process of new settlements or any agricultural/industrial activities in Manisa-Koprubasi (including other districts with high-value counties) is crucial for safeguarding human health.