Browsing by Author "Mahmud, Jubair Al"

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A pioneering study of the radiological mapping in the world's largest mangrove forest (the Sundarbans) and implications for the public and environment
(Scopus, 2024-04-30) Mahmud, Jubair Al; Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Alam, M.S.; Dewan, Md. Jafor; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Osman, Hamid; Tamam, Nissren
Coastal Mangroves are facing growing threats due to the harmful consequences of human activities. This first-ever detailed study of natural radioactivity in soil samples collected from seven tourist destinations within the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, was conducted using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. Although the activity levels of 226Ra (11 ± 1–44 ± 4 Bq/kg) and 232Th (13 ± 1 68 ± 6 Bq/kg) generally align with global averages, the concentration of 40K (250 ± 20–630 ± 55 Bq/kg) was observed to surpass the worldwide average primarily due to factors like salinity intrusion, fertilizer application, agricultural runoff, which suggests the potential existence of potassium-rich mineral resources near the study sites. The assessment of the hazard parameters indicates that the majority of these parameters are within the recommended limits. The soil samples do not pose a significant radiological risk to the nearby population. The results of this study can establish important radiological baseline data before the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins operating in Bangladesh.
Assessing Radioactivity in Soil in the Vicinity of Steel Production Industries
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2023-12-12) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; Alam, M. S.; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Hossain, Z.; Elrahim, Elrashed Abd; Osman, Hamid; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Yeasmin, S.
The steel production process results in the emission of naturally occurring radioactive and toxic heavy metals, which are inherent in the raw materials employed as the initial components. To assess the public exposure through atmospheric dispersions of such radiotoxic metals originating from the production plants and the disposal of associated wastes in nearby landfills, a pioneering study was conducted to assess the radioactivity in forty-four soil samples collected from the environs of sixteen different steel mills in the megacity of Dhaka, Bangladesh, using high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry. The results indicated activity ranges of 6 ± 1 to 37 ± 3 Bq/kg, 6 ± 1 to 45 ± 4 Bq/kg, and 101 ± 9 to 470 ± 45 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, in the soil samples. Radiological hazard parameters were assessed, and none surpassed the recommended limits set by various international organisations. These results underscore that soil samples obtained from the vicinity of the steel mills do not present an immediate and significant risk to the local community in terms of radiation hazards. Nevertheless, given the observed physical alterations in the soil samples, likely resulting from chemical reactions with pollutants released from the steel mills, it is advisable to refrain from using the examined soil samples for agricultural or construction purposes. This study aims to establish a foundational dataset, serving as a crucial reference for the upcoming commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in the fiscal year 2024–25. This study advocates for the adoption of a systematic and regular monitoring programme to assess radiation levels in the vicinity of steel production industries across the country.
Assessment of Radionuclides From Coal-Fired Brick Kilns on the Outskirts of Dhaka City and the Consequent Hazards on Human Health and the Environment
(Elsevier, 2023-05-05) Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Rakib, M.D.A.; Alam, M.S.; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Rashid, Md Bazlar; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Islam, Md. Shafiqul; Yeasmin, S.
In a first-of-its-kind study, terrestrial radionuclide concentrations were measured in 35 topsoil samples from the outskirts of Dhaka using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry to assess the radiological consequences of such a vast number of brick kilns on the plant workers, general as well as dwelling environment. The range of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K is found at 19 ± 3.04 to 38 ± 4.94, 39 ± 5.85 to 57 ± 7.41, and (430 ± 51.60 to 570 ± 68.40) Bq/kg, respectively. 232Th and 40K concentrations were higher than the global averages. Bottom ash deposition in lowlands, fly ash buildup in soils, and the fallout of micro-particles are all probable causes of the elevated radioactivity levels. 137Cs was found in the sample, which indicates the migration of 137Cs from nuclear accidents or nuclear fallout, or the contamination of feed coal. Although the effective dose received by the general public was below the recommended dose limit but, most estimates of hazard parameters surpass their respective population weighted global averages, indicating that brick kiln workers and nearby residents are not safe due to prolonged exposures to terrestrial radiation. In addition, the soil around sampling sites is found to be unsuitable for agricultural purposes.
Baseline radioactivity in the five candidate sites for the second nuclear power plant in Bangladesh and concomitant hazards assessment
(Scopus, 2024-05-01) Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Alam, M.S.; Rashidc, Md. Bazlar; Hossaina, Z.; Dhara, A. Joy
To meet the increasing energy demands and foresee the shortage of fossil fuels as a source of energy, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has decided to install a second Nuclear Power Plant in the southern region of Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess the baseline radioactivity using the High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector of the five candidate sites to construct a nuclear power plant in the southern regions of Bangladesh and to evaluate the associated radiological hazard parameters. This pioneering study demonstrates that the mean activity concentrations (range) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in forty-five soil samples collected from the five candidate sites were 28.95 ± 2.72 (2.65–48.75), 30.10 ± 2.95 (10.35–46.65), and 278.82 ± 25.78 (126.05–418.61) Bqkg−1. The evaluated area poses insignificant radiological concerns regarding mean absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices, and excess lifetime cancer risk values. This study revealed a thorough picture of radioactive dispersion in soil samples from Bangladesh’s southern areas, allowing policymakers to take appropriate measures in identifying viable candidate sites for constructing a Nuclear Power Plant. Moreover, the data of this study can be used as a reliable source of baseline radioactivity in the particular area.
Baseline Radioactivity in the Five Candidate Sites for the Second Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh and Concomitant Hazards Assessment
(Springer, 2023-05-01) Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Alam, M.S.; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Hossain, Z.; Joydhar, A.; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Razzaque, M. Abdur; Rahman, A.F.M. Mizanur; Yeasmin, S.
To meet the increasing energy demands and foresee the shortage of fossil fuels as a source of energy, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has decided to install a second Nuclear Power Plant in the southern region of Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess the baseline radioactivity using the High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector of the five candidate sites to construct a nuclear power plant in the southern regions of Bangladesh and to evaluate the associated radiological hazard parameters. This pioneering study demonstrates that the mean activity concentrations (range) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in forty-five soil samples collected from the five candidate sites were 28.95 ± 2.72 (2.65–48.75), 30.10 ± 2.95 (10.35–46.65), and 278.82 ± 25.78 (126.05–418.61) Bqkg−1. The evaluated area poses insignificant radiological concerns regarding mean absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices, and excess lifetime cancer risk values. This study revealed a thorough picture of radioactive dispersion in soil samples from Bangladesh’s southern areas, allowing policymakers to take appropriate measures in identifying viable candidate sites for constructing a Nuclear Power Plant. Moreover, the data of this study can be used as a reliable source of baseline radioactivity in the particular area.
Evaluation of Radioactivity in Soil and Rock Samples From an Undiscovered Sea Beach in the Southeastern Coastline of Bangladesh and Associated Health Risk
(Springer, 2023-08-10) Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Kamal, Md Hossain; Khan, Zulfiqar Hasan; Alam, M. S.; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Rashid, Md Bazlar; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Osman, Hamid; Yeasmin, S.
This study marks the first-ever assessment of radiological hazards linked to the sands and rocks of Patuartek Sea Beach, situated along one of the world's longest sea beaches in Cox' Bazar of Bangladesh. Through the utilization of an HPGe detector, a comprehensive analysis of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K was conducted, and their activity ranged from 7 to 23 Bq/kg, 9-58 Bq/kg, and 172-340 Bq/kg, respectively, in soils, and 19-24 Bq/kg, 27-39 Bq/kg, and 340-410 Bq/kg, respectively, in rocks. Some sand samples exhibited elevated levels of 232Th, while the rock samples displayed higher levels of 40 K compared to the global average. The radiological hazard parameters were assessed, and no values surpassed the recommended limits set by several international organizations. Hence, the sands and rocks of Patuartek sea beach pose no significant radiological risk to the residents or tourists. The findings of this study provide crucial insights for the development of a radiological baseline map in the country, which is important due to the commissioning of the country's first nuclear power plant Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The data may also stimulate interest in the rare-earth minerals present in the area, which is important for the electronics industry, thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles.
Evaluation of Transfer Factors of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K Radionuclides from Soil to Grass and Mango in the Northern Region of Bangladesh
(Springer, 2023-04-17) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; Das, S. K.; Mondol, M. S.; Alam, M. S.; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Yeasmin, S.
Bangladesh is a rapidly developing country, which is vulnerable to various types of pollution due to the large-scale industrial and associated human activities that might potentially affect the locally harvested foodstuffs. Therefore, the transfer factor is an essential tool to assess the safety of foodstuffs due to the presence of natural radioactivity in environmental matrix and/or strata. This is a first study of its kind conducted in a well-known region for mango farming in Bangladesh, measuring the uptake of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) by grass and mango from soil to assess the ingestion doses to humans. The HPGe gamma-ray detector was used to determine the concentrations of NORMs in samples of soil (20), grass (10), and mango (10), which were then used to calculate the transfer factors of soil to grass and soil to mango. Average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in associated soil samples (47.27 ± 4.10, 64.49 ± 4.32, 421.60 ± 28.85) of mango and 226Ra and 232Th in associated soil samples (45.07 ± 3.93, 52.17 ± 3.95) of grass were found to exceed the world average values. The average transfer factors (TFs) for mango were obtained in the order of 40K(0.80) > 226Ra (0.61) > 232Th (0.31), and for grass, it shows the order of 40K (0.78) > 232Th (0.64) > 226Ra (0.56). However, a few values (3 mango samples and 3 grass samples) of the estimated TFs exceeded the recommended limits. Moreover, Bangladesh lacks the transfer factors for most of the food crops; therefore, calculation of TFs in the major agricultural products is required all over Bangladesh, especially the foodstuffs produced near the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.
Pioneering Study of Radioactivity in Soil near the Payra 1320 Mw Thermal Power Plant, the Largest Coal-fired Thermal Power Plant in Bangladesh
(Taylor & Francis Publication, 2024-09-28) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; Reza, Ashik; Khan, Mohammad; Alam, Mohammad Shafiqul; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Begum, Mahbuba; Sultana, Nazneen; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Osman, Hamid; Yeasmin, S.
Coal combustion increases atmospheric radioactivity, harming those live in the periphery of coal-fired thermal power plants (CFTPPs). A pioneering study has been performed using a high-purity germanium detector by analysing 30 soil samples collected from distances of 50, 600, 1200, and 3000 metres in the periphery of the largest 1320 MW CFTPP, Payra, Bangladesh. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K ranged from 19–32, 31–90, and 420–870 Bq/kg, respectively, with most of the samples show 232Th and 40K levels above global averages. Elevated levels of 232Th and 40K in soil around Payra thermal power plant stem from natural minerals, granitic rocks, ash disposal, coal combustion residues, and environmental factors. Radiological hazard indices, including dose rates and cancer risk, exceed global averages, indicating unsafe radiation exposure for coal miners and locals. These findings are crucial for planning coal-fired power plants and stress the need for municipal regulation of fly ash and health monitoring to mitigate risks for workers and residents.
Radionuclide Transfer in Tea Cultivation: Assessing Radiological Risks in the Largest and First Established Tea Garden in Bangladesh
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-05-03) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; Kamal, Md. Hossain; Khan, Zulfiqar Hasan; Alam, Mohammad Shafiqul; Mahmud, Jubair Al; Rashid, Md. Bazlar
To address potential health risks associated with radioactivity in tea consumption, a study was conducted utilizing high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry to measure the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides in soil and tea leaves collected from several major tea gardens (including the Malnicherra tea garden which is the largest and first established tea garden in the Indian subcontinent) situated in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Although nearly all soil samples showed the presence of 137Cs (with a maximum activity of 6.5 ± 1.31 Bq/kg), none of the analyzed tea leaf samples exhibited its presence, which can be attributed to its restricted transferability from soil to plants. The range of transfer factors for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from soil to tea leaves was calculated to be (0.39–0.54), (0.25–0.46) and (1.39–3.03), respectively. The heightened concentrations of 40K identified in the tea leaf samples can be mainly ascribed to specific metabolic processes associated with potassium, along with the heightened utilization of potassium chloride-based fertilizers aimed at enhancing tea production. The examination of hazard parameters, including the estimated committed effective dose and the excess lifetime cancer risk associated with tea consumption, reveals values that are comparatively lower than the recommended limits. Consequently, the radiation exposure from tea consumption does not present a significant radiological health concern for the general population.