Determination of terrestrial y-radiation dose rate and soil radon concentration in a river region of Southern China

To monitor the natural radiation level in a River region in Southern China, an investigation was conducted into the terrestrial gamma dose rate and soil Rn concentration. The in-situ survey took place at 541 points, using portable y dose rate scintillators and radon detectors. The mean y dose rate and the soil Rn concentration have been determined to be 100 +/- 40 nGy h(-1) and 4000 +/- 3000 Bq m(-3), respectively. The high radiation spots were observed at the eastern edge and the southwest corner of the study region, which could be attributed to the granite rocks that dominated the areas.

Automated summary

An investigation was conducted to monitor the natural radiation level in a river region in Southern China. The mean terrestrial gamma dose rate and soil Rn concentration were found to be 100 +/- 40 nGy h(-1) and 4000 +/- 3000 Bq m(-3), respectively. The high radiation spots were mainly observed at the eastern edge and the southwest corner of the study region, which could be attributed to granite rocks.