Assessment of natural radionuclides in rivers of Pahang State Malaysia

Abstract

Investigations were conducted to determine the radionuclide concentration levels in the major rivers in Pahang state, Malaysia. Since the rivers are the main sources for water supply in the state, it is important to measure natural radionuclide concentrations in the rivers. Seventeen water samples were collected from major rivers in Pahang state. The concentration of uranium, thorium and potassium were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The samples were found to contain permissible levels of radionuclides with a mean activity concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium found to be 8.49 ± 0.34 mBq L-1, 1.74 ± 0.27 mBq L-1and 77.85 ± 0.96 mBq L-1respectively. The ratio between thorium and uranium concentration is found to be 3:4 due to the higher solubility of uranium than thorium in water. Radionuclide concentrations obtained were compared with the terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate measured around the area. A good relation was observed between uranium and thorium concentrations with gamma dose rate obtained around the area while no relation was found between the potassium concentrations with gamma dose rate. Significance of the results obtained is discussed.