Environmental radioactivity studies in Kabul and northern Afghanistan

authored by

Mohammad Tanha, Beate Riebe, Atsushi Ikeda-Ohno, Jana Marie Schulze, Fazal R. Khalid, Abobaker Storai, Clemens Walther

Abstract

From earlier surveys conducted by soviet researchers, the Kabul area was identified as a region of high natural radioactivity. In addition, depleted uranium ammunition was used by the Soviet armed forces. Fragmentary maps (often only given in relative units) indicate regions of anomalously elevated gamma radiation dose rates. In recent years, residential houses have been built in some of these places. However, no detailed information of uranium and thorium distributions in the upper soil and rock exists. In order to assess possible radiological risk, soil and rock samples as well as all-purpose water samples were collected and measured with regard to radioisotope content and contamination by other pollutants such as, e.g., heavy metals. Activity concentrations in soil and rocks ranged between 160 to 28,600 Bq/kg, 73 to 383,000 Bq/kg, and 270 to 24,600 Bq/kg for uranium, thorium, and potassium, respectively. The elevated thorium abundances was traced back to incorporation into cheralite minerals. No anomalies of the radioactive equilibria were found in the decay chains. Hence, contributions of depleted uranium or other anthropogenic sources can be excluded. However, the high uranium content causes enhanced radon levels in houses and dwellings up to mean activity concentrations of 2000 Bq/m³ strongly exceeding the reference level of 300 Bq/m³ recommended by the ICRP. Heavy metal concentrations of some of the investigated waters also exceed the regulatory limits and are not safe for drinking. Dose assessments are given.

Organisation(s)

Centre for Radiation Protection and Radioecology
Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

External Organisation(s)

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
Afghan Atomic Energy High Commission

Type

Article

Journal

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

Volume

318

Pages

2425-2433

No. of pages

9

ISSN

0236-5731

Publication date

12.2018

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Analytical Chemistry, Nuclear Energy and Engineering, Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging, Pollution, Spectroscopy, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-018-6242-1 (Access: Closed)
https://doi.org/10.15488/9077 (Access: Open)