Spatio-Temporal Variability of Gamma Radiation Profile Along the Southern-Indian Coastline (Poompuhar to Nagapattinam Stretch)

Abstract

The present study is aimed at evaluating the radiation profile along the coast of the Poompuhar- Nagore range, which is known to be hydrodynamically active and is enriched with anthropogenic activities. The study of radiation on the coastal belt and evaluating their dynamics (magnitude and spatio-temporal variability) is crucial both for the coastal inhabitants as well as possible exploration of rare-earth minerals. The effective gamma radiation during the new moon along the coastal range varies between 0.9 to 3.55 μsv.h-1, respectively. The annual equivalent dose is estimated up to gamma radiation of 0.26 to 2.80 μsv.h-1. Generally, the concentrations of the gamma radiation measured are elevated in certain areas namely Chinnagudi, Kuttiyandiyur, and Chandrapadi. In particular, the gamma radioactivity is high at Chandrapadi and Chinnagudi during the new moon as it shows considerable amounts of radiation. There is a definite variation due to the moon phase on the gamma radiation profile of the area studied. Out of the eight coastal villages under study, about 60% of the coastal line shows high levels of gamma radiation during both new moon and full moon phases.

Keywords

• natural radiation coastal radiation gamma dose beach sand