Extensive analysis of several Indian and Yemeni soils' gamma-ray shielding characteristics: An experimental and simulation approach

Abstract

The linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) of four soils (Black cotton (S1), Sandy (S2), Clay (S3), and Sandy (S4)) samples were measured at photon energies released from radioisotopes Co57 (122 keV), Ba133 (356 keV), 22Na (511 and 1275 keV), Cs137 (662 keV), Mn54 (840 keV), and Co60 (1330 keV) using a gamma spectrometer includes a NaI (Tl) scintillation detector. The experimental measurements were confirmed utilizing the Monte Carlo N-particle transport code. The linear attenuation coefficient values enhanced from 0.256 cm−1 to 0.296 cm−1 (at Eγ of 122 keV), from 0.126 cm−1 to 0.142 cm−1 (at Eγ of 662 keV), and from 0.0938 cm−1 to 0.105 cm−1 (at Eγ of 1275 keV), raising the (Fe + Mn) concentration from 0.912 wt% to 11.214 wt%, as well as raising the soil samples density from 1.62 g/cm3 to 1.79 g/cm3. The study also shows an enhancement in the half value thickness, transmission factor, radiation protection efficiency and lead's equivalent thickness due to the enrichment of Fe + Mn concentrations within the studied soils. The results show that the Black cotton soil exhibits better shielding properties for γ-ray than the other soils.

Keywords

• Soil
• Radiation shielding
• Linear attenuation coefficient
• Experimental measurement
• Monte Carlo simulation