Seasonal variations of terrestrial gamma dose, natural radionuclides and human health

The aim of the research was to study seasonal variations in gamma radiation and the statistical significance of these variations. Moreover, we compared in-situ and laboratory analyses of uranium, thorium, radium and po-tassium K-40 contents. Exposure to a low level of radiation is a minor (but still is) contributor to overall cancer risk therefore we compared doses generated by gamma radiation with overall cancer risk. The research was performed in SW Poland in two granitoid massifs -Strzelin and Karkonosze. The in-situ measurements were performed seasonally using gamma-ray spectrometer Exploranium with BGO detector and Radiometer RK-100. The laboratory measurements were performed using spectrometer with HPGe detector Canberra-Packard and alpha spectrometry technique. The general trend of seasonal variations of natural radionuclides, terrestrial ambient gamma dose (TGDR) and ambient gamma dose rate (AGDR) was difficult to identify. We noticed slightly increased values of all analysed parameters in warmer seasons, and lower in colder, although there were some exceptions. These exceptions were induced by precipitation and varied soil water content, but variations were mostly not statistically significant. The statistically important deviation from the trend was registered only in equivalent uranium data when the survey was carried out during or just after intensive precipitation. We observed a good positive correlation between in-situ and laboratory results (TGDR in situ/Lab r = 0.696), therefore, we recommend using in-situ measurements in a dense measuring grid before collecting selected soil samples to better evaluate the level of natural radiation in the environment. The average ambient gamma dose in the Karkonosze Massif was 0.52 mSv y-1 whereas in the Strzelin Massif was 0.39 mSv y-1. The overall cancer risk in Karkonoski county is higher than in Strzelin county. A connection between increased gamma radiation and higher overall cancer risk is possible but should be examined during more elaborated research.

Automated summary

The aim of the research was to study seasonal variations in gamma radiation and the statistical significance of these variations. In-situ and laboratory analyses of uranium, thorium, radium, and potassium K-40 contents were compared. Exposure to low-level radiation was found to contribute slightly to overall cancer risk, with doses generated by gamma radiation compared to overall cancer risk. The research was conducted in SW Poland, focusing on two granitoid massifs. Seasonal in-situ measurements were performed using a gamma-ray spectrometer, while laboratory measurements utilized a spectrometer with HPGe detector and alpha spectrometry technique. The overall trend of seasonal variations in natural radionuclides and ambient gamma dose was challenging to identify, with slightly increased values in warmer seasons and lower values in colder seasons. These variations were mostly not statistically significant, except for equivalent uranium data during or after intensive precipitation. In-situ and laboratory results showed a good positive correlation, suggesting the use of in-situ measurements in a dense grid before collecting soil samples to better evaluate natural radiation levels. The average ambient gamma dose in the Karkonosze Massif was 0.52 mSv y-1, higher than the 0.39 mSv y-1 in the Strzelin Massif. The connection between increased gamma radiation and higher overall cancer risk is possible but requires more extensive research.