Assessment of Possible Radionuclides in Granites of North Peninsular Malaysia and Their Associated Hazards

Azlinawati, Ali and Siti., S.S.Sb (2014) Assessment of Possible Radionuclides in Granites of North Peninsular Malaysia and Their Associated Hazards. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 15 (1). pp. 690-698. ISSN 2307-4531

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Abstract

High radiation above the Earth is mainly due to naturally occurring radioactive elements in the Earth’s crust and are concentrated in granites.Granites on the other hand are widely used in the constructions of houses, buildings, and event as ornamental stones. This study investigates the possible radionuclides present in the granites of the northern Peninsular Malaysia and the potential hazard associated with them. Thirty nine samples were taken from random locations in Penang, Perak and Kedah to measure their alpha, beta and gamma radiations present. Eleven of them with significant radiation counts were taken for further analysis as to predict in more detail of the possible radionuclides present based on the alpha, beta and gamma radiations measured. The radionuclides predicted are based on the three prominent radioactive series of the natural radioactivity and Potassium-40. Most of the samples are predicted as to have Potassium-40 and several other radionuclides of the Uranium and Thorium Series of long half-life. The results then can be used to investigate the potential health hazard of the granite samples as of the radionuclides present. High activity of radiation is measured in the granites of Bayan Lepas Waterfall, Bukit Hijau, Hot Spring, Kampar, Kampung Raga, Kuala Woh, LataMengkuang and Shamrock Beach.

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