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

Zahira Bennour; Hadda Kebir; Nadjima Benkara Mohamed

doi:10.2478/nuka-2026-0006

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

Nukleonika

Volume 71 (2026): Issue 3 (September 2026)

By: Zahira Bennour , Hadda Kebir and Nadjima Benkara Mohamed

Open Access

|Aug 2026

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 ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K radionuclides. The obtained mean activity concentrations were 20.6 ± 1.4, 27.3 ± 0.7, and 464 ± 9 Bq·kg⁻¹, respectively. Notably, ¹³⁷Cs 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.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/nuka-2026-0006 | Journal eISSN: 1508-5791 (formerly 0029-5922) | Journal ISSN: 0029-5922

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Language: English

Page range: 43 - 51

Submitted on: May 18, 2026

Accepted on: Jun 29, 2026

Published on: Aug 1, 2026

Published by: Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Activity concentration,

Gamma spectrometry,

Radiological hazard indices,

Terrestrial radionuclides

Related subjects:

Chemistry,

Nuclear chemistry

© 2026 Zahira Bennour, Hadda Kebir, Nadjima Benkara Mohamed, published by Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 71 (2026): Issue 3 (September 2026)