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Artisanal gold mining in Turkwel, Kenya, plays a crucial role in the local economy but poses significant environmental and health risks, including dust, soil erosion, and radiation exposure from contaminants. This study aimed to assess the radioecological hazards associated with mining activities by analysing soil samples from 29 locations within the region. Using gamma spectroscopy, the activity concentrations of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured, with results indicating ranges of 39.3 to 97.3 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 44.4 to 110.6 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and 998 to 1491 Bq kg−1 for 40K. The average concentrations were found to be 55.8 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 84.8 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and 1212 Bq kg−1 for 40K. The study revealed that the concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were above the global averages. These elevated radioactivity levels can be attributed to the region's geological composition, emphasising the need for regulatory measures to manage the environmental and health impacts of artisanal mining. The study highlights the significant levels of radiation in mining areas, which can pose health risks to both miners and the surrounding community. It emphasizes the need for effective strategies to reduce these risks and provides essential data to guide policies and interventions aimed at ensuring miners, community safety and environmental protection. Monitoring radioactivity in mining areas is crucial to ensure compliance with safety standards and to inform the development of appropriate measures to mitigate the associated risks.
| Abstract Category | Nuclear Physics |
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