Integrated Assessment of Natural Radioactivity, Radiological Hazards, and Uranium–Trace Element Geochemistry in Rocks from El Sheikh Soliman, Southwest Sinai | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 September 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.407832.12102 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Esraa Adel Mahmoud* 1; Atef Mohamed El taher2; Abdallah El shami3 | ||
| 1Physics, Science, Assiut university, Egypt | ||
| 2Physics, Science, Al Azhar university, Assiut, Egypt | ||
| 3Geology, Nuclear Material Authority | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study investigates the natural radioactivity levels of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶RaeU, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in 66 rock samples from El Sheikh Soliman area, southwest Sinai, using γ-ray spectroscopy with NaI(Tl) detectors. The activity concentrations exhibit significant variation due to lithological diversity, with heightened levels observed in uranium-rich formations such as ferruginous siltstones, carbonaceous shales, and Fe–Mn ores. Several samples exceed international safety thresholds for radiological parameters, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, and hazard indices, indicating potential health risks and environmental concerns. Radiological indices such as AEDE, AGDE, Iγ, Iα, and ELCR suggest the unsuitability of some rocks for construction and highlight long-term exposure risks. Complementary geochemical analysis reveals strong correlations between uranium and trace elements like Th, Zr, Y, and Nb, suggesting magmatic control via accessory minerals or related to the accommodation of these elements in the same minerals, while moderate associations with V and Cr imply secondary enrichment processes. XRF analysis further confirmed geochemical associations between uranium and trace elements such as Th, Zr, and V, supporting both magmatic control and secondary enrichment pathways. Statistical tools, including correlation and cluster analyses, confirm the influence of both primary mineralogy and post-depositional processes on radionuclide distribution. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive radiological screening and ongoing environmental monitoring in the region. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Natural radioactivity, Uranium; Trace elements, Gamma-ray spectrometry, Radiological hazard indices, El Sheikh Soliman, Sinai | ||
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