Browsing by Author "Turhan Ş."

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Activity concentration of terrestrial and anthropogenic radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²²²Rn, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs) in soil samples
(2016-01-01) Altıkulaç A.; Turhan Ş.; Gümüş H.
Measurement of the activity concentrations of terrestrial and anthropogenic radionuclides in one hundred fifteen soil samples collected from various locations in Samsun city was taken using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a NaI (Tl) detector. The average activity concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured as 38.1 ± 1.4, 39.3 ± 0.8, and 375.3 ± 10.2 Bq kg−1, respectively. The average activity concentration of anthropogenic radionuclide 137Cs measured in some soil samples was found as 12.1 ± 0.7 Bq kg−1. Radon concentrations in soil and in air were estimated using results of the measurement of activity concentrations of 226Ra. The average concentrations of radon in soil and air were found as 32 kBq m−3 and 101 Bq m−3, respectively. The absorbed gamma dose rate in outdoor air due to terrestrial radionuclides in soil samples varied from 28 to 95 nGy h−1 with an average of 57 nGy h−1. The annual effective dose rates caused from external and inhalation exposure were estimated as 70 and 958 μSv y−1, respectively.
Assessment of internal radiation exposure caused by radon in commercially bottled spring waters consumed in Turkey
(2023-01-01) Turhan Ş.; Kurnaz A.; Aydın E.
The variation of dissolved radon levels in water supplies remains of interest since radon ingested through drinking water can give considerable radiation to the lining of the stomach. This study aims to determine the radon concentration levels in bottled spring drinking water (BSW) brands commercially sold in Turkey using a radon gas monitor and to assess the internal radiation exposure caused by the ingestion and inhalation of radon. The activity concentrations of radon analyzed in 77 BSW brands varied from 7.1±0.8 to 28.7±2.7 mBq/L with an average of 15.7±5.1 mBq/L. The total annual effective dose was estimated to assess the radiological risk for three age groups in four different scenarios based on annual drinking water intake. All estimated dose values are well below the recommended reference dose of 100 µSv for drinking water. Therefore, radon gas in the investigated BSW samples poses no significant radiological risk to the public.
Assessment of radiological hazards associated with using pumice samples as building materials in turkey
(2018-01-01) Turhan Ş.
Building material products and raw materials originating from earth’s crust naturally contain radionuclides of the uranium (238U), and thorium (232Th) series, and the radioactive potassium (40K) depending on the geological and geochemical structure of their sites of origin.
Assessment of radiological hazards associated with using pumice samples as building materials in turkey
(2018-01-01) Turhan Ş.
Building material products and raw materials originating from earth’s crust naturally contain radionuclides of the uranium (238U), and thorium (232Th) series, and the radioactive potassium (40K) depending on the geological and geochemical structure of their sites of origin.
Assessment of the Enrichment of Heavy Metals in Coal and Its Combustion Residues
(2022-06-21) Altlkulaç A.; Turhan Ş.; Kurnaz A.; Gören E.; Duran C.; Hançerlioǧullarl A.; Uǧur F.A.
Coal-fired thermal power plants remain one of the main sources of electricity generation in Turkey. Combustion of coal creates coal ash and slag, which are often stored in landfills located near residential and agricultural fields, increasing the potential for high environmental contamination and health risks. This study investigates the content and enrichment factor (EF) of heavy metals in pulverized lignite coal and its combustion residues from the Kangal lignite coal-fired thermal power plant situated in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. The concentration of heavy metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Zr, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in lignite coal, slag, and fly ash samples were analyzed using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. The concentration of Fe is highest while Hg concentration is lowest in the samples. The concentrations of heavy metals are higher in slag and fly ash samples than in lignite coal. Average values of EF (related to Earth's crust average) revealed that extreme enrichment has been shown by arsenic and mercury in lignite coal and fly ash samples while very high enrichment has been shown in slag samples.
Evaluation of metal contamination in soil samples around thermal power plant in Turkey
(2018-11-08) Turhan Ş.; Altlkulaç A.
Thermal power plants lead to major environmental problems such as the generation of acid gases and fly ash. Heavy metals contained in fly ash have potential risks for human health and soil and water ecosystems. Therefore, it is of great importance to study the heavy metal contamination of soil around the coal-fired thermal power plants. In this study, the concentrations of Cr, Ni and Hg in surface soil samples from the area around the Kangal lignite-fired thermal power plant (LFTPP) were analysed by using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry to assess the contamination level of soils. The average metal concentration of Cr, Ni and Hg was found as 713.2 ppm, 610.1 ppm and 1.7 ppm. Each soil sample contamination with Cr, Ni and Hg was estimated using ecological parameters such as the enrichment factor (EF), contamination index (CF) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (IPL). The average value of EF and CF estimated for Cr, Ni and Hg were found as 1.8, 2.2 and 4.3, 8.6, 10.5, 20.7, respectively. The results indicate that the soils around Kangal LBPP were moderate polluted to very strongly polluted with Cr, Ni and Hg. The IPL values varied from 9.2 to 119.3 with an average value of 17.7. The evaluation result of IPL revealed that the soil samples were very high polluted.
Evaluation of natural radioactivity levels and potential radiological hazards of common building materials utilized in Mediterranean region, Turkey
(2022-02-01) Turhan Ş.; Kurnaz A.; Karataşlı M.
Radiometric measurement of building materials is very important to assess the internal and external exposure caused by the ionizing radiation emitted from terrestrial radionuclides in building materials. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in fifty-eight samples of fifteen different structural and covering building materials commonly used in Osmaniye province located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey were measured by using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied from 2.5 ± 0.1 (marble) to 145.7 ± 4.4 (clay brick), 1.3 ± 0.1 (marble) to 154.3 ± 4.1 (marble), and 8.6 ± 0.2 (sand) to 1044.1 ± 70.3 (granite), respectively. Radiological parameters (activity concentration index, alpha index, indoor absorbed gamma dose rate and the corresponding annual effective dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk) were estimated to evaluate the health hazards associated with these building materials. Since the estimated values of these parameters are within the recommended safety limits or criteria values, the use of the studied building materials in the construction of dwellings can be considered to be safe for the residents of the region.
Evaluation of radiological health risk caused by the use of fly ash in cement and concrete production and its storage
(2024-01-01) Turhan Ş.; Jamasali Y.d.
Evaluation of terrestrial radionuclide levels and concomitant radiological risks of bentonites used in many industries
(2022-01-01) Kurnaz A.; Turhan Ş.; Metin O.; Altıkulaç A.; Duran C.
Bentonite is a soft, porous, easily shaped, and absorbent material rich in aluminum, sodium, and potassium. Bentonite is a mineral widely utilized as drilling mud, ore pelletizing, absorbent/adsorbent, bleaching agent, water impedance, coating, and raw material in various industries. In this study, radiometric measurements of 90 bentonite samples collected from 21 quarries in Turkey were performed using gamma-ray spectrometry. The radiological hazards caused by indoor exposure to adults due to the utilization of bentonites as raw materials in the construction industry and outdoor external exposures to quarry workers were evaluated by estimating the activity concentration index, annual effective doses, and lifetime cancer risk. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K measured in bentonite samples were found as (50 ± 5) Bq/kg, (76 ± 4) Bq/kg and (373 ± 19) Bq/kg, respectively. The evaluation results reveal that the bentonites examined could be safely utilized as raw materials.
Heavy metal contamination and health risk evaluation of chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) consumed in Turkey
(2022-01-01) Turhan Ş.; Turfan N.; Kurnaz A.
This study was performed to determine heavy metals and metalloids in twenty-eight chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) samples consumed in Turkey by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and evaluate health risks for humans through the consumption of chestnut samples. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn analyzed in chestnut samples varied from 537 to 635, 608 to 5333, 347 to 972, 207 to 8619, 12,739 to 86,310, 278 to 7549, 8676 to 67,622, 1068 to 18,661 and 3625 to 12,876 µg/kg (dry weight), respectively. The concentrations of Cd and Pb were above the maximum limits determined by the Turkish Food Codex. Healthy risks caused by the heavy metals in the consumed chestnut samples were evaluated by estimating the average daily intake of metal, health risk index (HRI), and total HRI. These results revealed that there is no possible health risk to consumers due to the intake of chestnut samples studied under the current consumption rate.
Investigation of natural radionuclide and essential metal contents of ancient wheat einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) grown in Turkey
(2020-12-01) Sultan D.A.O.; Turhan Ş.; Kurnaz A.; Hançerlioğulları A.; Kamberli A.K.; Emeksizoğlu B.
Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) is accepted as the oldest known wheat. In this study, the natural radionuclide and essential metal contents of siyez samples collected from 21 different cultivation areas in Kastamonu province located in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey were determined by using non-destructive analytical methods. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th measured in siyez samples using a gamma-ray spectrometry were found as 181.3 ± 4.1, 10.0 ± 0.7 and 6.1 ± 0.2 Bq kg-1, respectively. The average annual effective radiation dose that the people are exposed to due to the consumption of siyez samples was estimated as 68.2 ± 3.1 μSv y-1. The average concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn essential trace metals analyzed in einkorn samples using EDXRF spectrometry were found as 3.6 ± 0.2, 89.2 ± 1.2, 208.5 ± 62.6, 16.8 ± 0.6, 12.1 ± 0.1, 8.3 ± 0.2 and 65.3 ± 2.5 mg kg-1, respectively.
Natural Radionuclides in Bottled Mineral Waters Consumed in Turkey and Their Contribution to Radiation Dose
(2022-09-27) Altlkulaç A.; Kurnaz A.; Turhan Ş.; Kutucu M.
Bottled natural mineral water (BMW) consumption in Turkey is increasing every year. Depending on the local geology from which the water is extracted, BMW could be enhanced with natural radionuclides. In this study, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in 58 BMW samples of 25 different brands marketed in Turkey were measured using a γ-ray spectrometer with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K in BMW samples were found as 0.4, 0.5, and 4.3 Bq/L, respectively. The activity concentrations of 228Ra exceeded the WHO-recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.1 Bq/L for drinking water. The annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (LCR) caused by the ingestion of each BMW sample were estimated for adults to assess radiological risks using two different scenarios based on BMW consumption rates (150 and 13 L/y). All estimated total AEDs, except for two samples, were below the guidance dose level of 100 μSv/y recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Turkish regulations for drinking water. For all BMW brands, 228Ra was found as the main contributor to the AEDs. The LCR values were lower than the acceptable value of 10-3 for radiological risks.
Potentially toxic element contamination and health risk assessment in bottled mineral waters consumed in Turkey
(2022-01-01) Turhan Ş.; Kurnaz A.
This study aimed to evaluate the human health risk posed by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in 59 bottled mineral water (BMW) samples of 25 different brands marketed in Turkey. The concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb in the BMW samples were analyzed using an ICP-OES and compared with maximum allowable concentrations (MACs). A higher concentration of As than MAC was detected in five BMW samples. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Al in the majority of BMW samples are higher than the MACs. The human health risk was evaluated for adults estimating non-carcinogenic risk index (HI), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and total cancer risk (TCR). All HI values estimated for PTEs in BMW samples are less than one, except for one sample. ILCR values for Cd in approximately half of the BMW samples are above the upper limit.
Potentially toxic element contamination of drinking water consumed in Cappadocia region (Turkey) and health risk assessment
(2022-01-01) Turhan Ş.; Turhan, S
In this study, the concentrations of anions and potentially toxic elements in thirty-four drinking water samples consumed in the Nevşehir province located in the Cappadocia region were determined to assess their chemical quality for human consumption using an ion chromatography system and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The average concentrations of Cl, F, NO3, and SO42 analysed in tap and bottled drinking water samples were found as 19,485, 521, 31,840 and 34,456 μg L−1 and 2290, 35, 2631 and 5242, μg L−1, respectively. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, Sr, Hg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn analysed in tap water samples were found as 5.2, 2.4, 2.4, 429.0, 1.7, 12.7, 94.7, 1.7, 1.3 and 199.5 μg L−1, respectively. The chemical analysis results obtained were compared with permissible maximum concentrations set by the national and international regulations. The Pb concentrations analysed in two tap water samples are above the maximum concentration of 10 µg L−1. The Hg concentrations analysed in 54% and 62% of tap and bottled drinking water samples are above the maximum concentration of 1 µg L−1, respectively. Also, average daily dose (ADD), health quotient (HQ), and cancer risk index (CRI) were estimated for adults to assess the health hazards caused by potentially toxic elements in drinking water samples. The HQ values estimated for selected potentially toxic elements are below the risk limit of 1 and there is no significant non–carcinogenic risk to the exposed adults. The average values of CRI estimated for As in three tap water samples and Cd in tap and bottled water samples exceeded the safe index range and these elements can pose a significant carcinogenic risk to the exposed adults.
Potentially toxic element contamination of drinking water consumed in Cappadocia region (Turkey) and health risk assessment
(2022-01-01) Turhan Ş.
In this study, the concentrations of anions and potentially toxic elements in thirty-four drinking water samples consumed in the Nevşehir province located in the Cappadocia region were determined to assess their chemical quality for human consumption using an ion chromatography system and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The average concentrations of Cl, F, NO3, and SO42 analysed in tap and bottled drinking water samples were found as 19,485, 521, 31,840 and 34,456 μg L−1 and 2290, 35, 2631 and 5242, μg L−1, respectively. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, Sr, Hg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn analysed in tap water samples were found as 5.2, 2.4, 2.4, 429.0, 1.7, 12.7, 94.7, 1.7, 1.3 and 199.5 μg L−1, respectively. The chemical analysis results obtained were compared with permissible maximum concentrations set by the national and international regulations. The Pb concentrations analysed in two tap water samples are above the maximum concentration of 10 µg L−1. The Hg concentrations analysed in 54% and 62% of tap and bottled drinking water samples are above the maximum concentration of 1 µg L−1, respectively. Also, average daily dose (ADD), health quotient (HQ), and cancer risk index (CRI) were estimated for adults to assess the health hazards caused by potentially toxic elements in drinking water samples. The HQ values estimated for selected potentially toxic elements are below the risk limit of 1 and there is no significant non–carcinogenic risk to the exposed adults. The average values of CRI estimated for As in three tap water samples and Cd in tap and bottled water samples exceeded the safe index range and these elements can pose a significant carcinogenic risk to the exposed adults.
Radiation hazards and natural radioactivity levels in surface soil samples from dwelling areas of North Cyprus
(2020-04-01) Abbasi A.; Kurnaz A.; Turhan Ş.; Mirekhtiary F.
Due to increasing concern about environmental radiological protection, radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in surface soil samples collected from the North area of Cyprus have been determined using a high-resolution HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The range of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in the soil samples varies from 49.7 ± 3 to 147.6 ± 17.2, 18.1 ± 1.5 to 93.9 ± 10.7, 103.5 ± 27 to 1468.6 ± 176.1 and 4.3 ± 0.1 to 15.9 ± 1.3 Bq kg−1, respectively. The obtained results and calculated values of radiation dose in the study area indicate that the relatively high background radioactivity levels.
Radiological and physicochemical properties of drinking waters consumed in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey
(2021-06-01) Kurnaz A.; Turhan Ş.; Alzaridi F.M.N.S.; Bakır T.K.
In this study, the average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K in drinking waters (tap and bottled) consumed in Kastamonu province of Turkey were found as 0.7, 0.5 and 1.3 Bq L−1, respectively. The average value of pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids and total hardness of waters were found as 7.5, 217 µS cm−1, 142 mg L−1 and 154 mg L−1 for tap waters and 7.4, 94 µS cm−1, 61 mg L−1 and 58 mg L−1 for bottled waters. The average activity concentration of 228Ra in drinking waters was higher than the WHO recommended concentration of 0.1 Bq L−1.
Radiological assessment of urban soil samples in the residents of a central Anatolian volcanic province, Turkey
(2022-01-01) Turhan Ş.
The concentration of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides, emanation fraction (EF), and mass (χM) and area (χA) exhalation rate of 222Rn in urban soil samples collected from dwelling areas in Nevşehir city located in a region known as the central Anatolian volcanic province of Turkey were determined using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K and 137Cs were measured as 60.2 ± 3.8, 50.1 ± 2.8, 631.0 ± 29.7 and 5.5 ± 0.4 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of 222Rn in soil and air was estimated as 27 kBq/m3 and 84 Bq/m3, respectively. The average values of EF, χM and χA were found as 20%, 25.4 μBq/kg⋅s and 20.2 mBq/m2⋅s, respectively. The average values of outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate, external and internal annual effective dose and lifetime cancer risk estimated for radiological assessment were found as 85 nGy/h, 104 µSv/y, 797 µSv/y and 4.1 × 10−4, respectively.
Radiological assessment of urban soil samples in the residents of a central Anatolian volcanic province, Turkey.
(2022-05-20T00:00:00Z) Turhan, Şeref; Turhan, S
The concentration of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides, emanation fraction (EF), and mass (χ) and area (χ) exhalation rate of Rn in urban soil samples collected from dwelling areas in Nevşehir city located in a region known as the central Anatolian volcanic province of Turkey were determined using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The average activity concentrations of RaRaK and Cs were measured as 60.2 ± 3.8, 50.1 ± 2.8, 631.0 ± 29.7 and 5.5 ± 0.4 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of Rn in soil and air was estimated as 27 kBq/m and 84 Bq/m, respectively. The average values of EF, χ and χ were found as 20%, 25.4 μBq/kg⋅s and 20.2 mBq/m⋅s, respectively. The average values of outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate, external and internal annual effective dose and lifetime cancer risk estimated for radiological assessment were found as 85 nGy/h, 104 µSv/y, 797 µSv/y and 4.1 × 10, respectively.
Radiometric measurement of lignite coal and its by-products and assessment of the usability of fly ash as raw materials in Turkey
(2018-07-26) Turhan Ş.; Gören E.; Garad A.M.K.; Altlkulaç A.; Kurnaz A.; Duran C.; Hançerlioǧullarl A.; Altunal V.; Güçkan V.; Özdemir A.
Lignite coal (LC) is a key energy source for electricity generation in Turkey. During lignite burning, huge amounts of fly ash (FA), bottom ash and slag are produced as by-products which contain radionuclides in the natural radioactive series of uranium and thorium, and radioactive potassium. These radionuclides may lead to radiological exposure of workers and the public and cause environmental problems. Therefore, finding diverse uses for the by-products in the construction sector and earthwork applications has considerable economic and environmental importance. In this study, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in and radon emanating power (EP) and radon mass exhalation rate (EXRM) from LC, slag and FA obtained from the Kangal lignite-burning power plant with a power of 457 MWe were measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The major chemical components (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO and MgO) of fly ash samples were analysed using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The annual effective doses received by workers and members of the public were estimated using different scenarios specified in Radiation protection 122. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in LC, slag and FA samples were 187±21, 16±1 and 99±9 Bq kg-1, 620±18, 41±2 and 330±13 Bq kg-1, and 937±30, 38±2 and 272±17 Bq kg-1, respectively. The average values of EP and EXRM of the lignite, slag and FA samples were 8 %, 7 % and 10 %, and 0.1, 0.3 and 0.7 Bq kg-1 h-1, respectively. The highest average of the total annual effective dose is estimated at 153 μSv for members of the public and 74 μSv for workers, lower than the recommended annual limit of 1000 μSv.