Yasser Ebaid | Cairo University (original) (raw)

Papers by Yasser Ebaid

Scientific Reports

This study investigates the physical and optical properties as well as the radiation shielding ca... more This study investigates the physical and optical properties as well as the radiation shielding capacity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) loaded with x% of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) (x = 0, 1, 3, and 6 wt%). As a non-toxic nanofiller, the designed materials are low-cost, flexible, and lightweight plastic to replace traditional lead, which is toxic and dense. XRD patterns and FTIR spectra demonstrated a successful fabrication and complexation of nanocomposite films. In addition, the particle size, morphology, and elemental composition of the BiVO4 nanofiller were demonstrated through the utilization of TEM, SEM, and EDX spectra. The MCNP5 simulation code assessed the gamma-ray shielding effectiveness of four PVC + x% BiVO4 nanocomposites. The obtained mass attenuation coefficient data of the developed nanocomposites were comparable to the theoretical calculation performed with Phy-X/PSD software. Moreover, the initial stage in the computation of various shielding parameters, such as half-va...

Physics of Particles and Nuclei Letters, Jun 1, 2022

The assessment of the primordial radioactivity levels and associated risks to the manufacturing p... more The assessment of the primordial radioactivity levels and associated risks to the manufacturing process of the single super phosphate fertilizer (SSPF) has been performed. Samples from different stages were collected from hot spots including ores inputs storages and production of phosphate fertilizer factory at Kom-Oshim Fayoum, Egypt. According to the gamma spectrometric analysis, 226 Ra values ranged from 511 ± 45 to 882 ± 65 Bq kg-1 , 238 U values ranged from 500 ± 60 to 919 ± 45 Bq kg-1 , 232 Th values ranged from 3.9 ± 0.4 to 8.1 ± 0.3 Bq kg-1 , and 40 K values ranged from 5.4 ± 0.7 to 210 ± 1.9 Bq kg-1. Radiation indices for these samples were calculated and found to be higher than the world average values. The ambient dose rates of the factory site were monitored and found to vary from 0.06 to 0.11 (μSv/h).

Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, 1995

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - J RADIOANAL NUCL CHEM, 2000

Soil and vegetation samples from 33 sites within the northwestern area of the River Nile delta in... more Soil and vegetation samples from 33 sites within the northwestern area of the River Nile delta in Egypt have been analyzed for natural and man-made radioactivity. Gamma-ray spectrometric measurements were performed where 214Bi and 214Pb were used for 238U-series determinations, while 208Tl and 228Ac were used for 232Th-series determinations. In addition, alpha-spectrometric measurements were also performed for the determination of different isotopes of uranium and plutonium. Other parameters examined included the determination of radium equivalent activities and relationship between the gamma-radiation values and subsequent dose level determinations and the soil types.

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2012

The aim of this study was to comprehensively study the radiological hazards of granite and marble... more The aim of this study was to comprehensively study the radiological hazards of granite and marble used as a building material in Egypt. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were determined using high-resolution hyper-pure germanium detectors in 25 samples of different types of commercially available granite and marble. The measured activity concentrations for these natural radionuclides were compared with the reported data for Egypt and other countries. In order to assess the radiological impact, the radiation hazard parameters such as radium equivalent activity (Ra(eq)) and hazard level index (I(γ)) were calculated. The internal and external dose rates due to natural radionuclides in granite and marble were also calculated. The data obtained were considered as helpful in regulating the use of building materials in Egypt.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2009

In order to calibrate a gamma-ray spectrometer for radioactivity measurements in environmental sa... more In order to calibrate a gamma-ray spectrometer for radioactivity measurements in environmental samples, it is essential to use standard radioactive sources in the appropriate geometrical configuration. However, the lack of standard sample due to any reason would necessitate the use of reference materials as reliable alternative. They often appear in many matrices and densities. Accordingly, special attention should be drawn towards optimizing the calibration. This work studies the errors encountered because of the attenuation process due to the density difference of the samples (including reference samples) aliquots with identical matrix contents. The highest effect was noticed in the lower energy regions. This study suggests that even for the reference samples with the same matrix, it is necessary to set a recommended density for the measurement process to avoid the errors due to the attenuation. If this is not practically possible it is recommended that attenuation correction due to matrix contents followed by another correction due to density correction would be a reliable approach to reach an optimum calibrating condition.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2013

A series of laboratory-scale studies was conducted by preconcentrating (226)Ra from spiked water ... more A series of laboratory-scale studies was conducted by preconcentrating (226)Ra from spiked water test samples using Purolite ion-exchange resin to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of the resin under varying conditions. After removing the resin from the columns, it was sealed in gas-tight containers and measured via gamma spectrometry. The Purolite resin showed high radium uptake and retention from natural waters in the presence of high iron and total dissolved solids (TDS). This procedure allowed us to process a large number of high TDS samples at a typical rate of 15 samples/day using three germanium detectors. Quality assurance and method validation have been achieved by analyzing selected groundwater samples, with different (226)Ra activities and high TDS values, and comparing the results to those using alpha spectrometry with a (133)Ba yield tracer. There was very good agreement between the obtained (226)Ra activities by both methods.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2006

Measurement of 210 Pb has gained a highly scientific attention due to its wide range of environme... more Measurement of 210 Pb has gained a highly scientific attention due to its wide range of environmental applications. The most commonly used analytical techniques: gamma-spectrometry, beta-counting and alpha-spectrometry were used to measure environmental samples (geological, soil, sediment). Our paper is aiming at comparing the capabilities and limits of application of these three different analytical techniques for 210 Pb measurement in various environmental samples. In addition, analytical data of 210 Pb measurements with the three different techniques (gammaspectrometry, beta-counting and alpha-spectrometry) are discussed to highlight the degree of comparability and the most probable sources of discrepancies and errors. Based on the demanded investigation, one analytical technique will be chosen for routine analysis, while the other techniques, if they are available, could be used for analytical quality assurance measures. It was essential to compare the analytical efficacy of each technique, which differ concerning the detection limit (MDA), sensitivity, analytical effort, the duration of analysis and waiting time before analysis.

International Congress Series, 2005

In Egypt, the Nile River water is the main source of water, providing nearly 95% of water require... more In Egypt, the Nile River water is the main source of water, providing nearly 95% of water requirements. The Nile water is impounded in Lake Nasser (LN) in the south of Egypt by the High Aswan Dam (HAD). In this study, we presented the radioactivity levels in LN sediments over the time period 1992-2000 and the distribution pattern of the measured radionuclides (238 U series, 232 Th series, 40 K and 137 Cs). In addition, the uranium concentration in water samples was measured. The distribution pattern of these radionuclides in sediments reflects the geochemical behavior and weathering processes of uranium series, thorium series and the heavy minerals in the Nile pathway and in Nasser Lake.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2008

Gamma-ray spectrometry is a very powerful tool for radioactivity measurements. For accurate gamma... more Gamma-ray spectrometry is a very powerful tool for radioactivity measurements. For accurate gamma-ray spectrometry, certain correction measures should be considered, for instance, systematic uncertainty in the photo-peak efficiency due to the differences between the matrix (density and chemical composition) of the reference and the other bulk samples. Therefore, gamma-ray attenuation correction factors are of major concern for precise gamma-ray spectrometry. Simple practical correction for the photo-peak efficiency, due to discrepancies in both the samples' matrices and densities (self-attenuation), is performed in this study. This study suggests a brief measurement of relative photons transmission through both reference and unknown bulk samples where the variations of photon transmissions are assumed to be linearly correlated to the samples' densities. Specific correction factors would be produced for each analyzed sample to be considered when their activities are calculated. Practically, the suggested method was verified and succeeded in improving the obtained results.

Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, 2019

The assessment of the radioactive content of any sample implies an evaluation of the uncertainty ... more The assessment of the radioactive content of any sample implies an evaluation of the uncertainty associated with its determination process. An evaluation of relative standard uncertainty of the gamma detector efficiency, its dependence on other factors in the measurements procedure as well as its contribution to the total relative standard uncertainty has been performed. The calculations are used for the evaluation of uncertainty of the activity concentration of 226 Ra in reference soil samples.

AL-J.H. AL-MUKREN, Y.Y. EBAID, A. EL-SHARKAWY and H. AL-GHAMDI 1 Physics Department, College of S... more AL-J.H. AL-MUKREN, Y.Y. EBAID, A. EL-SHARKAWY and H. AL-GHAMDI 1 Physics Department, College of Science, Princess Noura University, P.O.Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, E-mail: ahalmoqren@pnu.edu.sa; E-mail: hmalghmdi@pnu.edu.sa 2 Technology Experts Company, P.O. Box 361301, Riyadh 11313, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, E-mail: yebaid@t-experts.com; E-mail:a.sharkawy@t-experts.com 3 Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt, E-mail: yasser.ebaid@yahoo.com 4 Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority, Cairo 11762, P.O.Box 7551, Egypt, E-mail: a.sharkawy@t-experts.com

Uranium is a rare earth element found in the earth’s crust with an average of 3 ppm. Natural uran... more Uranium is a rare earth element found in the earth’s crust with an average of 3 ppm. Natural uranium is a mixture of three radioactive isotopes U (99.27% abundance), U (0.72% abundance) and U (0.0054% abundance). It has been employed over the last seven decades as a source of energy and weapon. Enrichment processes were widely practiced to produce the necessary fuel. On the other hand, depleted uranium (DU) was also produced as a by-product of this enrichment processes. It was successfully used in many fields e.g. for shielding gamma radiation, penetrating calibers and as ballasts in aircrafts. Accordingly, monitoring of the isotopic U/U ratio could be a good indicative of the origin and/or activities associated with any uranium containing samples. Gamma-ray spectrometry is a powerful non-destructive analytical tool to determine the gamma emitters both qualitatively and quantitatively. Hyper-pure germanium detectors (HpGe) are widely used for gamma spectrometry measurements. They ar...

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

The accurate evaluation of the absolute intensity of the gamma-ray transition 1001.03 keV of 234m... more The accurate evaluation of the absolute intensity of the gamma-ray transition 1001.03 keV of 234mPa is crucial for accurate determination of 238U in nuclear material and environmental samples. Over the last decades, a wide range of 1001.03 keV absolute intensity values were published by different researchers and ranged from 0.59 to 1.12%. Nowadays, one of the most commonly used values is 0.847 ± 0.008% that seems not accurate and would eventually lead to an overestimation of 238U activity concentration. The absolute intensity of 1001.03 keV gamma transition was re-evaluated using different fundamental parameter method (FPM) modes, uranium ore and granite samples, samples' geometries, sample-to-detectors' geometries and gamma ray spectrometers. The mean ± standard deviation of newly optimized absolute intensity value is 1.067 ± 0.084% with an average relative bias of - 20% from the commonly used value.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

In this study the commonly used f-value for the 1001.03 keV (0.835 ± 0.004%) energy transition of... more In this study the commonly used f-value for the 1001.03 keV (0.835 ± 0.004%) energy transition of the 234mPa was re-evaluated due to an obvious consistent overestimation of the 238U activity concentration. Different calibration protocols, samples' matrices and geometries, and gamma-ray spectrometers were exploited in order to assure the accuracy of the derived data. An average positive relative bias of about 24% from the currently used f-value was estimating leading to newly adopted f-value of 1.037 ± 0.052%. This newly suggested f-value will lead to an improvement in the accurate assessment process of the 238U using gamma-ray spectrometry in both environmental and nuclear safeguard fields.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

An oil and gas production facility in the western desert of Egypt was investigated for possible r... more An oil and gas production facility in the western desert of Egypt was investigated for possible radiation risks due to the routine operation. Radium-226, Radium-228 and Potassium-40 were assessed in the soil samples collected from the adjacent soakaway pond. The average 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K activity concentrations were 881.0 ± 42.0, 966.0 ± 43.0 and 143.0 ± 8.0 Bq kg−1, respectively. Both 226Ra and 228Ra were above the world ranges, while 40K was within the world range. Water samples from the facilities effluent’s produced water showed elevated levels of both radium isotopes. The effective doses at three different points on the separator outer surfaces over the period between 1995 and 2014 were assessed. The maximum reading was 5.4 μSv h−1 on 2014. The time has significantly contributed to the enhancement of the effective dose readings. However, they are still within the expected range encountered in similar studies reported by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Scientific Reports

This study investigates the physical and optical properties as well as the radiation shielding ca... more This study investigates the physical and optical properties as well as the radiation shielding capacity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) loaded with x% of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) (x = 0, 1, 3, and 6 wt%). As a non-toxic nanofiller, the designed materials are low-cost, flexible, and lightweight plastic to replace traditional lead, which is toxic and dense. XRD patterns and FTIR spectra demonstrated a successful fabrication and complexation of nanocomposite films. In addition, the particle size, morphology, and elemental composition of the BiVO4 nanofiller were demonstrated through the utilization of TEM, SEM, and EDX spectra. The MCNP5 simulation code assessed the gamma-ray shielding effectiveness of four PVC + x% BiVO4 nanocomposites. The obtained mass attenuation coefficient data of the developed nanocomposites were comparable to the theoretical calculation performed with Phy-X/PSD software. Moreover, the initial stage in the computation of various shielding parameters, such as half-va...

Physics of Particles and Nuclei Letters, Jun 1, 2022

The assessment of the primordial radioactivity levels and associated risks to the manufacturing p... more The assessment of the primordial radioactivity levels and associated risks to the manufacturing process of the single super phosphate fertilizer (SSPF) has been performed. Samples from different stages were collected from hot spots including ores inputs storages and production of phosphate fertilizer factory at Kom-Oshim Fayoum, Egypt. According to the gamma spectrometric analysis, 226 Ra values ranged from 511 ± 45 to 882 ± 65 Bq kg-1 , 238 U values ranged from 500 ± 60 to 919 ± 45 Bq kg-1 , 232 Th values ranged from 3.9 ± 0.4 to 8.1 ± 0.3 Bq kg-1 , and 40 K values ranged from 5.4 ± 0.7 to 210 ± 1.9 Bq kg-1. Radiation indices for these samples were calculated and found to be higher than the world average values. The ambient dose rates of the factory site were monitored and found to vary from 0.06 to 0.11 (μSv/h).

Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, 1995

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - J RADIOANAL NUCL CHEM, 2000

Soil and vegetation samples from 33 sites within the northwestern area of the River Nile delta in... more Soil and vegetation samples from 33 sites within the northwestern area of the River Nile delta in Egypt have been analyzed for natural and man-made radioactivity. Gamma-ray spectrometric measurements were performed where 214Bi and 214Pb were used for 238U-series determinations, while 208Tl and 228Ac were used for 232Th-series determinations. In addition, alpha-spectrometric measurements were also performed for the determination of different isotopes of uranium and plutonium. Other parameters examined included the determination of radium equivalent activities and relationship between the gamma-radiation values and subsequent dose level determinations and the soil types.

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2012

The aim of this study was to comprehensively study the radiological hazards of granite and marble... more The aim of this study was to comprehensively study the radiological hazards of granite and marble used as a building material in Egypt. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were determined using high-resolution hyper-pure germanium detectors in 25 samples of different types of commercially available granite and marble. The measured activity concentrations for these natural radionuclides were compared with the reported data for Egypt and other countries. In order to assess the radiological impact, the radiation hazard parameters such as radium equivalent activity (Ra(eq)) and hazard level index (I(γ)) were calculated. The internal and external dose rates due to natural radionuclides in granite and marble were also calculated. The data obtained were considered as helpful in regulating the use of building materials in Egypt.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2009

In order to calibrate a gamma-ray spectrometer for radioactivity measurements in environmental sa... more In order to calibrate a gamma-ray spectrometer for radioactivity measurements in environmental samples, it is essential to use standard radioactive sources in the appropriate geometrical configuration. However, the lack of standard sample due to any reason would necessitate the use of reference materials as reliable alternative. They often appear in many matrices and densities. Accordingly, special attention should be drawn towards optimizing the calibration. This work studies the errors encountered because of the attenuation process due to the density difference of the samples (including reference samples) aliquots with identical matrix contents. The highest effect was noticed in the lower energy regions. This study suggests that even for the reference samples with the same matrix, it is necessary to set a recommended density for the measurement process to avoid the errors due to the attenuation. If this is not practically possible it is recommended that attenuation correction due to matrix contents followed by another correction due to density correction would be a reliable approach to reach an optimum calibrating condition.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2013

A series of laboratory-scale studies was conducted by preconcentrating (226)Ra from spiked water ... more A series of laboratory-scale studies was conducted by preconcentrating (226)Ra from spiked water test samples using Purolite ion-exchange resin to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of the resin under varying conditions. After removing the resin from the columns, it was sealed in gas-tight containers and measured via gamma spectrometry. The Purolite resin showed high radium uptake and retention from natural waters in the presence of high iron and total dissolved solids (TDS). This procedure allowed us to process a large number of high TDS samples at a typical rate of 15 samples/day using three germanium detectors. Quality assurance and method validation have been achieved by analyzing selected groundwater samples, with different (226)Ra activities and high TDS values, and comparing the results to those using alpha spectrometry with a (133)Ba yield tracer. There was very good agreement between the obtained (226)Ra activities by both methods.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2006

Measurement of 210 Pb has gained a highly scientific attention due to its wide range of environme... more Measurement of 210 Pb has gained a highly scientific attention due to its wide range of environmental applications. The most commonly used analytical techniques: gamma-spectrometry, beta-counting and alpha-spectrometry were used to measure environmental samples (geological, soil, sediment). Our paper is aiming at comparing the capabilities and limits of application of these three different analytical techniques for 210 Pb measurement in various environmental samples. In addition, analytical data of 210 Pb measurements with the three different techniques (gammaspectrometry, beta-counting and alpha-spectrometry) are discussed to highlight the degree of comparability and the most probable sources of discrepancies and errors. Based on the demanded investigation, one analytical technique will be chosen for routine analysis, while the other techniques, if they are available, could be used for analytical quality assurance measures. It was essential to compare the analytical efficacy of each technique, which differ concerning the detection limit (MDA), sensitivity, analytical effort, the duration of analysis and waiting time before analysis.

International Congress Series, 2005

In Egypt, the Nile River water is the main source of water, providing nearly 95% of water require... more In Egypt, the Nile River water is the main source of water, providing nearly 95% of water requirements. The Nile water is impounded in Lake Nasser (LN) in the south of Egypt by the High Aswan Dam (HAD). In this study, we presented the radioactivity levels in LN sediments over the time period 1992-2000 and the distribution pattern of the measured radionuclides (238 U series, 232 Th series, 40 K and 137 Cs). In addition, the uranium concentration in water samples was measured. The distribution pattern of these radionuclides in sediments reflects the geochemical behavior and weathering processes of uranium series, thorium series and the heavy minerals in the Nile pathway and in Nasser Lake.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2008

Gamma-ray spectrometry is a very powerful tool for radioactivity measurements. For accurate gamma... more Gamma-ray spectrometry is a very powerful tool for radioactivity measurements. For accurate gamma-ray spectrometry, certain correction measures should be considered, for instance, systematic uncertainty in the photo-peak efficiency due to the differences between the matrix (density and chemical composition) of the reference and the other bulk samples. Therefore, gamma-ray attenuation correction factors are of major concern for precise gamma-ray spectrometry. Simple practical correction for the photo-peak efficiency, due to discrepancies in both the samples' matrices and densities (self-attenuation), is performed in this study. This study suggests a brief measurement of relative photons transmission through both reference and unknown bulk samples where the variations of photon transmissions are assumed to be linearly correlated to the samples' densities. Specific correction factors would be produced for each analyzed sample to be considered when their activities are calculated. Practically, the suggested method was verified and succeeded in improving the obtained results.

Arab Journal of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, 2019

The assessment of the radioactive content of any sample implies an evaluation of the uncertainty ... more The assessment of the radioactive content of any sample implies an evaluation of the uncertainty associated with its determination process. An evaluation of relative standard uncertainty of the gamma detector efficiency, its dependence on other factors in the measurements procedure as well as its contribution to the total relative standard uncertainty has been performed. The calculations are used for the evaluation of uncertainty of the activity concentration of 226 Ra in reference soil samples.

AL-J.H. AL-MUKREN, Y.Y. EBAID, A. EL-SHARKAWY and H. AL-GHAMDI 1 Physics Department, College of S... more AL-J.H. AL-MUKREN, Y.Y. EBAID, A. EL-SHARKAWY and H. AL-GHAMDI 1 Physics Department, College of Science, Princess Noura University, P.O.Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, E-mail: ahalmoqren@pnu.edu.sa; E-mail: hmalghmdi@pnu.edu.sa 2 Technology Experts Company, P.O. Box 361301, Riyadh 11313, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, E-mail: yebaid@t-experts.com; E-mail:a.sharkawy@t-experts.com 3 Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt, E-mail: yasser.ebaid@yahoo.com 4 Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority, Cairo 11762, P.O.Box 7551, Egypt, E-mail: a.sharkawy@t-experts.com

Uranium is a rare earth element found in the earth’s crust with an average of 3 ppm. Natural uran... more Uranium is a rare earth element found in the earth’s crust with an average of 3 ppm. Natural uranium is a mixture of three radioactive isotopes U (99.27% abundance), U (0.72% abundance) and U (0.0054% abundance). It has been employed over the last seven decades as a source of energy and weapon. Enrichment processes were widely practiced to produce the necessary fuel. On the other hand, depleted uranium (DU) was also produced as a by-product of this enrichment processes. It was successfully used in many fields e.g. for shielding gamma radiation, penetrating calibers and as ballasts in aircrafts. Accordingly, monitoring of the isotopic U/U ratio could be a good indicative of the origin and/or activities associated with any uranium containing samples. Gamma-ray spectrometry is a powerful non-destructive analytical tool to determine the gamma emitters both qualitatively and quantitatively. Hyper-pure germanium detectors (HpGe) are widely used for gamma spectrometry measurements. They ar...

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

The accurate evaluation of the absolute intensity of the gamma-ray transition 1001.03 keV of 234m... more The accurate evaluation of the absolute intensity of the gamma-ray transition 1001.03 keV of 234mPa is crucial for accurate determination of 238U in nuclear material and environmental samples. Over the last decades, a wide range of 1001.03 keV absolute intensity values were published by different researchers and ranged from 0.59 to 1.12%. Nowadays, one of the most commonly used values is 0.847 ± 0.008% that seems not accurate and would eventually lead to an overestimation of 238U activity concentration. The absolute intensity of 1001.03 keV gamma transition was re-evaluated using different fundamental parameter method (FPM) modes, uranium ore and granite samples, samples' geometries, sample-to-detectors' geometries and gamma ray spectrometers. The mean ± standard deviation of newly optimized absolute intensity value is 1.067 ± 0.084% with an average relative bias of - 20% from the commonly used value.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

In this study the commonly used f-value for the 1001.03 keV (0.835 ± 0.004%) energy transition of... more In this study the commonly used f-value for the 1001.03 keV (0.835 ± 0.004%) energy transition of the 234mPa was re-evaluated due to an obvious consistent overestimation of the 238U activity concentration. Different calibration protocols, samples' matrices and geometries, and gamma-ray spectrometers were exploited in order to assure the accuracy of the derived data. An average positive relative bias of about 24% from the currently used f-value was estimating leading to newly adopted f-value of 1.037 ± 0.052%. This newly suggested f-value will lead to an improvement in the accurate assessment process of the 238U using gamma-ray spectrometry in both environmental and nuclear safeguard fields.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Radiation Protection Dosimetry

An oil and gas production facility in the western desert of Egypt was investigated for possible r... more An oil and gas production facility in the western desert of Egypt was investigated for possible radiation risks due to the routine operation. Radium-226, Radium-228 and Potassium-40 were assessed in the soil samples collected from the adjacent soakaway pond. The average 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K activity concentrations were 881.0 ± 42.0, 966.0 ± 43.0 and 143.0 ± 8.0 Bq kg−1, respectively. Both 226Ra and 228Ra were above the world ranges, while 40K was within the world range. Water samples from the facilities effluent’s produced water showed elevated levels of both radium isotopes. The effective doses at three different points on the separator outer surfaces over the period between 1995 and 2014 were assessed. The maximum reading was 5.4 μSv h−1 on 2014. The time has significantly contributed to the enhancement of the effective dose readings. However, they are still within the expected range encountered in similar studies reported by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).