Multivariate statistical approach on distribution of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides and associated radiation indices along the north-western coastline of Aegean Sea, Greece

Shahrokhi, Amin; Adelikhah, Mohammademad; Chalupnik, Stanislaw; Kovács, Tibor

Multivariate statistical approach on distribution of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides and associated radiation indices along the north-western coastline of Aegean Sea, Greece

2021

Shahrokhi, Amin | Adelikhah, Mohammademad | Chalupnik, Stanislaw | Kovács, Tibor

A comprehensive radiological survey using multivariate statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the distribution of ⁴⁰K, ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, ²³⁵U, and ¹³⁷Cs, and associated radiation indices in beach sand samples of the coastal area of the Aegean Sea. The activity concentration of selected radionuclides was measured and no clue of recent migration of radiocaesium by not only precipitation but also through an indirect way, such as ocean runoff, was found. As part of radiological risk assessment, external radiation hazard index, radium equivalent activity, effective dose, and absorbed dose rate were estimated. Pearson correlation, cluster, and PCA analysis were used by processing observed radiological parameters to determine the correlation between the radiological parameters and locations. Pearson correlation shows a strong association between all parameters and activity of ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th. A spatial distribution map was provided to a distinct visual representation of the distribution of radionuclide contents in the study area.

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