Browsing by Author "Turhan S."

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Assessment of the Levels of Potentially Toxic Elements Contained in Natural Bentonites Collected from Quarries in Turkey
(2023-06-13) Altıkulaç A.; Turhan S.
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are an important type of pollutant, causing constant and far-reaching concerns around the world due to their increase in the mining process. Bentonite formed by the alteration of glass-rich volcanic rocks is a smectite clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. Bentonite is an important mineral used in a wide range of applications in many fields such as oil and gas, agriculture, food, pharmacological, cosmetic, and construction industries due to its unique qualities. Given the widespread distribution of bentonite in nature and its use in a wide variety of consumer products, it is inevitable that the general population will be exposed to PTEs contained in bentonites. In this study, concentrations of PTEs in 69 bentonite samples collected from quarries located in different geographical regions of Turkey were analyzed by an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometric method. The average concentrations of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Zr, and Pb in bentonite samples were found to be 3510, 95, 129, 741, 30,569, 67, 168, 25, 62, 9, 173, and 28 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Results of the enrichment factor relating to Earth’s crust average indicated moderate enrichment with Cr, Ni, and Pb and significant enrichment with Co and As.
Evaluation of agricultural soil radiotoxic element pollution around a lignite-burning thermal power plant
(2019-01-01) Turhan S.; Turhan, S
Lignite coal is a major and an essential domestic energy source in Turkey. Many environmental problems and human health hazards may arise during lignite coal exploitation, combustion, and waste (fly and bottom ash and slag) disposal. In addition, lignite-burning power plants can be significant contributors to deposition of radiotoxic elements and/or toxic heavy metals on soil and water. The concentrations of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in a 140 agricultural soil samples collected from the vicinity of a lignite-burning thermal power plant (LBTPP), located in Kangal district of Sivas province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, were determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The concentrations of Th and U varied from 2.9 to 12.7 μg g -1 with an average value of 5.8 μg g -1 and 0.3-12.3 μg g -1 with an average value of 1.5 μg g -1 , respectively. The radiotoxic elements pollution in agricultural soils was evaluated using pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factors (E F ), pollution index (P I ) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIP I ). The average value of I geo , E F and P I estimated for Th and U were found as -1.8, 1.2 and 0.44 and -1.7, 1.7 and 0.58, respectively. The results indicated that the soils around Kangal LBTPP were practically unpolluted to low polluted with Th and U. The NIP I values varied from 0.3 to 4.0 with an average value of 0.6. The evaluation result of NIP I revealed that 86 % of total soil samples were non-polluted.
Evaluation of agricultural soil radiotoxic element pollution around a lignite-burning thermal power plant
(2019-01-01) Turhan S.
Lignite coal is a major and an essential domestic energy source in Turkey. Many environmental problems and human health hazards may arise during lignite coal exploitation, combustion, and waste (fly and bottom ash and slag) disposal. In addition, lignite-burning power plants can be significant contributors to deposition of radiotoxic elements and/or toxic heavy metals on soil and water. The concentrations of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in a 140 agricultural soil samples collected from the vicinity of a lignite-burning thermal power plant (LBTPP), located in Kangal district of Sivas province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, were determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The concentrations of Th and U varied from 2.9 to 12.7 μg g -1 with an average value of 5.8 μg g -1 and 0.3-12.3 μg g -1 with an average value of 1.5 μg g -1 , respectively. The radiotoxic elements pollution in agricultural soils was evaluated using pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factors (E F ), pollution index (P I ) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIP I ). The average value of I geo , E F and P I estimated for Th and U were found as -1.8, 1.2 and 0.44 and -1.7, 1.7 and 0.58, respectively. The results indicated that the soils around Kangal LBTPP were practically unpolluted to low polluted with Th and U. The NIP I values varied from 0.3 to 4.0 with an average value of 0.6. The evaluation result of NIP I revealed that 86 % of total soil samples were non-polluted.
Gamma spectrometric characterization of refractory products used in Turkey
(2014-04-01) Turhan S.; Gündüz Y.; Varinlioǧlu A.
This is the first detailed study related to the radiometric characterization of refractory materials produced for use in the industries of iron-steel, cement and glass manufacturing in Turkey. In this study, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K naturally occurring in 52 refractory material samples collected from Turkey's leading refractory factories were measured by using a gamma spectrometer with HPGe detector. Results show that the natural radioactivity of refractory material samples varies depending on raw material. The values of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K measured in the refractory brick and concrete samples varied from 1.3 to 384.2Bqkg-1 (average: 173.5±20.2Bqkg-1), 2.9 to 392.9Bqkg-1 (average: 176.7±20.8Bqkg-1) and 18.9 to 679.6Bqkg-1 (average: 130.4±23.9Bqkg-1) and 24.0 to 158.2Bqkg-1 (average: 73.3±10.5Bqkg-1), 25.0 to 134.4Bqkg-1 (average: 76.3±10.8Bqkg-1) and 31.0 to 480.0Bqkg-1 (average: 172.8±40.5Bqkg-1), respectively. The activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th measured in fireclay brick and high alumina brick samples are significantly higher than the average values of earth's crust. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
Health hazards due to the exposure to radon in schools of the cappadocia region
(2017-01-01) Turhan S.; Akyurek S.; Erdogan M.; Kurnaz A.; Altikulac A.
This study presents the results of a survey of radon concentrations in schools (kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, high schools, colleges, and one faculty) located in the province of Nevsehir which is the center of the Cappadocia region. Radon measurements covered two consecutive 6-month periods in the ground floor classrooms inside the school buildings and they were performed using a continuous active radon detector (AlphaGUARD PQ2000 PRO). Data distribution is well fitted by a log-normal curve. The arithmetic average value of the radon concentrations measured in summer and winter was found as 75 ×12 Bqm–3 and 67 × 10 Bqm–3, respectively. From the measured results, the effective doses from radon exposures in summer and winter were estimated as 0.27 and 0.40 mSv and 0.24 and 0.36 mSv for students and teachers, respectively. The results showed that radon concentration measured in schools does not pose significant health hazards for students and teachers.
Measurement of the terrestrial and anthropogenic radionuclide concentrations in Bafra Kizilirmak delta (bird sanctuary) in Turkey
(2014-02-01) Mutuk H.; Gümüş H.; Turhan S.
In this study, the activity concentrations of terrestrial and anthropogenic radionuclides in the soil samples collected from Bafra Kizilirmak Delta were measured by using gamma spectrometry with an NaI(Tl) detector. The average values of activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were found to be 37.2±2.8, 33.7±3.1 and 413.0±59.8 Bq kg-1, respectively. 137Cs was also measured in some samples. It has a mean value of 13.8±1.0 Bq kg-1. From the activity concentrations, the absorbed gamma dose rates in outdoor and the corresponding annual effective dose rates and external hazard index (Hex) were estimated. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in some vegetables and fruits commonly consumed in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey
(2021-12-01) Altamemi R.A.A.; Turhan S.; Kurnaz A.
In this study, the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in some vegetable and fruit samples frequently consumed in Kastamonu province located in the West Black Sea region of Turkey were determined using a gamma-ray spectrometer. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varied from 0.8 ± 0.1 to 32.8 ± 1.3, 0.7 ± 0.1 to 41.3 ± 21 and 391.8 ± 18.3 to 4679.0 ± 311.4 Bq kg-1 (dw), respectively, in twenty-eight vegetables and 1.3 ± 0.1 to 12.6 ± 0.4, 1.4 ± 0.1 to 15.0 ± 0.5 and 133.0 ± 84 to 777.0 ± 69.4 Bq kg-1 (dw), respectively, in seven fruit samples. The highest activity concentration of 226Ra and 232Th was measured in the garlic sample, while the highest activity concentration of 40K was measured in the spinach sample. Artificial radionuclide 137Cs was measured only in four vegetable samples; its activity concentration in garlic, eggplant, cucumber and carrot samples was determined as 9.6 ± 0.3, 3.1 ± 0.1, 3.1 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.1 Bq kg-1 (dw), respectively. The results obtained were compared with the results of similar studies in the literature. Annual effective radiation dose to adults due to the internal irradiation caused by ingestion of the investigated vegetable and fruit samples, and the corresponding excess lifetime cancer risk were estimated as 201 μSv and 8.9 × 10-5, respectively. The contribution of 40K to the total annual effective radiation dose was found as approximately 70%.
Natural radiation exposure and radon exhalation rate of building materials used in Turkey
(2018-06-01) Turhan S.; Temirci A.T.; Kurnaz A.; Altikulac A.; Goren E.; Karatasli M.; Kirisik R.; Hancerliogullari A.
Measuring the natural radioactivity levels and radon exhalation rates (surface and mass) in building materials is essential to evaluate the extent of radiation exposure (external and internal) for residents in dwellings. Gamma-ray spectrometry with a high purity germanium detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of226Ra,232Th, and40K in some building materials used in Turkey. Moreover, an active radon gas analyser with an accumulation container was used to measure their radon surface and mass exhalation rates. Results showed that the activity concentrations of226Ra,232Th, and40K varied from 5.2 ± 0.6 (satin plaster) to 187.0 ± 2.4 (granite) Bqkg–1, 2.6 ± 0.8 (gypsum) to 172.2 ± 7.6 (granite) Bqkg–1 and 12.3 ± ±.17.0 (sand) to 1958.0 ± 83.4 (brick) Bqkg–1, respectively. Radon surface and mass exhalation rates varied from 2.9 (marble) to 2734.6 mBqm–2h–1 (granite) and 0.033 (marble) to 53.866 mBqkg–1h–1 (granite), respectively. The activity concentration index, indoor absorbed gamma dose rate and corresponding annual effective dose were estimated and compared with the recommended limit values. The results indicated that the building materials sampled presented no significant radiological risk.
Radiological assessment of internal exposure resulting from ingestion of natural radionuclides in Arachis hypogaea L. grown in Turkey
(2020-01-01) Karataşli M.; Turhan S.; Abugoufa A.H.A.; Gören E.; Kurnaz A.; Hançerlioğullari A.
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important of all legumes and contains appreciable amounts of dietary oil and protein. Groundnut is added to many foods to enhance their levels of high-quality protein in diets lacking in nutrition. In this study, 51 groundnut samples were collected from the Mediterranean region of Turkey and analysed for naturally occurring radioactive isotopes of radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K). The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in groundnut samples varied from 2.9 ± 0.8 to 7.6 ± 1.0 Bq kg-1 (dw), with an average of 5.4 Bq kg-1 (dw); 4.4 ± 0.9 to 10.7 ± 1.2 Bq kg-1 (dw), with an average of 6.9 Bq kg-1 (dw) and 246.3 ± 18.2 to 541.8 ± 40.1 Bq kg-1 (dw), with an average of 427.1 Bq kg-1 (dw), respectively. The annual effective radiation dose was estimated to assess the health hazards caused by the ingestion of groundnut samples based on the measured activity concentrations of the radionuclides contained in them. The annual effective radiation dose varied from 6.5 to 10.1 μSv y-1, with an average of 8.3 ± 0.1 μSv y-1. The results revealed that consumption of Turkish groundnuts does not pose any radiological health hazards.
Radiological, geochemical, and mineralogical characterization of natural stones used in Turkey
(2017-09-01) Yapici N.; Gezer F.; Nurlu N.; Turhan S.; Ufuktepe Y.
In the study, radiological, geochemical, and mineralogical characterization of natural stone samples used for covering or ornamental purposes collected from different quarries in Turkey was done using gamma spectrometric technique with high-purity germanium detector, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic technique, X-ray diffraction technique and thin sections. The mean activity concentrations of226Ra,232Th, and40K were measured in natural stone samples as 28.9, 30.8, and 355.0 Bqkg-1, respectively. The assessment of radiological hazards from utilization of stone samples as covering or ornamental material in building sector was made by estimating activity concentration index, absorbed gamma dose rate and annual effective dose rate. The examined natural stone samples were composed of calcite, dolomite, quartz, orthoclase, albite, biotite, hornblende, oligoclase, olivine and talc.
Radiometric analysis of micas used in many industries and evaluation of radiological hazards
(2021-08-01) Gezer F.; Turhan S.; Ufuktepe Y.
Mica group minerals have been utilized in various industries such as paint, cement, rubber, plastic, paper, automotive, cosmetics, textile, etc. due to their unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. In this study, the radiometric properties of 58 mica samples collected from three quarries operated commercially in Turkey were investigated using gamma-ray spectroscopy with an HPGe detector. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K analyzed in mica samples were found as 12, 44, and 2763 Bq kg-1, respectively. The radon emanation coefficient and radon mass exhalation rate of mica samples varied from 4 to 22% with an average of 10% and 0.4-5.9 μBq kg-1 s-1 with an average of 2.6 μBq kg-1 s-1, respectively. The radiological hazard caused by the utilization of mica samples as raw materials in the cement and concrete industry was evaluated for adults by calculating the gamma index and annual effective dose due to external exposure indoor. The study results revealed that there are no significant radiological hazards associated with the utilization of mica samples as building raw materials.
Radiometric properties of sepiolite minerals from quarries in central anatolia of Turkey
(2019-01-01) Hancerliogullari A.; Madee Y.G.A.; Kurnaz A.; Turhan S.
Sepiolite is a naturally occurring clay mineral of sedimentary origin and is a magnesium hydrosilicate. Sepiolite has been widely used as an additive raw material in ceramics and ce-ment industry, pharmaceutical, cleaning-detergent, paper, paint, cosmetic agriculture, fertilizer, etc. In this study, the natural radioactivity levels, radon emanation coefficients and radon exhalation rates of 30 sepiolite samples collected from open three sepiolite quarries (Beylikova, Polath and Sivrihisar) in Central Anatolia region of Turkey were determined by using a gamma-ray spectrometry with an HPGe detector. The average absorbed gamma dose rates directly measured in Beylikova, Polath and Sivrihisar open three sepiolite quarries lo-cated in Central Anatolia region of Turkey were found as 59, 65, and 64 nGyh–1, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and40K in 30 sepiolite samples collected from those quarries were found as 38.6, 12.4, and 67.4 Bqkg–1, respectively. The average ema nation coefficient and exhalation rate of radon of sepiolite samples were determined as 22 % and 0.065 Bqkg–1h–1, respectively. Also, radiological parameters (outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose rate, external and internal index) were estimated to evaluate the use of sepiolite samples as additive raw materials in the building sector.
Radionuclide determination and radioactivity evaluation of surface soil samples collected along the Erçek Lake basin in eastern Anatolia, Turkey
(2014-11-01) Yildiz N.; Oto B.; Turhan S.; Uğur F.; Gören E.
In the present study, the mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K and fission products 137Cs in the soil samples measured by using high-purity germanium gamma spectrometry were 18.9, 27.2, 524.0 and 10.6Bqkg-1, respectively. The activity results were analyzed for frequency distribution, tabulated and compared with Turkey and worldwide literatures. Radiological risk evaluation was done by calculating absorbed gamma dose rate in outdoor air and the corresponding annual effective dose due to external exposure to radionuclides distributed in soil. The mean values of the outdoor gamma dose rates and the external annual effective doses received by members of the public from terrestrial radiation and 137Cs were estimated at 47 nGy h-1 and 0.6 nGy h-1 and 57.7μSv and 1.2μSv, respectively.
Tritium activity levels in drinking water of Adana, Turkey
(2014-01-01) Gören E.; Turhan S.; Uǧur F.; Gezer F.; Özdemir B.; Ufuktepe Y.
Tritium activity in potable drinking water samples from Adana city were measured using liquid scintillation counting after distillation procedure. The results exposed that the activity concentrations of the tritium measured in one-third of these samples were lower than minimum detectable activity which has a value of 2 Bq/L for counting time of 1,500 min. However, the maximum and mean value of the tritium activity was found to be 9.1 Bq/L (77.3 TU) and 7.0 Bq/l (59.4 TU), respectively. These values were substantially below the 100 Bq/L which is normative limit in Turkey for waters intended for human consumption. The highest values of annual effective dose received by infants, children and adults due to measured tritium activity were estimated as 0.041, 0.057 and 0.120 μSv/y, respectively. © 2014 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.