Browsing by Author "Yeasmin, S."

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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 gross alpha/beta activity in tap water of Dhaka city using ZnS (Ag) scintillation detector and concomitant health hazard
(Scopus, 2022-11-02) Pervin, S.; Banika, S.; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Yeasmin, S.
Quantification of gross alpha and beta-emitting radionuclides in drinking water helps to understand the water quality as well as the long-term exposures to human health. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations have been measured in 35 tap water samples taken from different residential areas of Dhaka city in the year 2020–2021. The measurement was performed using a dual phosphor Zinc Sulphide Scintillation Detector, ZnS(Ag). The activity of gross alpha of the collected tap water samples ranged from 0.45 ± 0.04 to 16.53 ± 0.01 mBq/L with an average value of 7.22 ± 0.43 mBq/L, which is below the WHO recommended limit of 0.5 Bq/L (WHO, 2011) or 0.1 Bq/L (WHO, 1978). Furthermore, the activity of gross beta in the tap water samples ranged from 3.26 ± 1.25 to 57.99 ± 1.98 mBq/L (mean 30.78 ± 1mBq/L) which is below the WHO recommended limit of 1 Bq/L (WHO, 2011). The total annual equivalent dose due to tap water was found below the WHO recommended dose limit of 100 µSv/y due to radionuclides in water. Present results may help to create baseline data for gross alpha and beta activity in drinkable water in Bangladesh and also for further analysis in identifying specific radionuclides.
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
(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.
EFFECT OF SOME CHEMICAL INSECTICIDES AND NONCHEMICAL MEASURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RED PUMPKIN BEETLE ON WHITE GOURD
(Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Research System (SAURES), Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2012-01) Latif, M. A.; Asaduzzaman, M.; Yeasmin, S.
The experiment was conducted to determine the comparative effectiveness of three chemnical insecticides such as cypennethrin 10EC, chlorpyriphos 20EC, cartap 50SP, and three nonchemical methods viz. mosquito net barrier at seedling stage, application of ash, hand collection and destruction of adult against red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas) infesting white gourd in the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangia Agricultural University, Dhaka during March to August, 2008. Among the insecticides, cypennethrin was found as the most effective treatment and reduced 88.20% beetle population over control. The treatment had the lowest percent of leaf area damage (17.08%), increased vine length (94.16%), fruit length (23.62%), diameter of fruit (50.75%) and produced the highest amount of fruit yield (30.41 t ha") . Chlorpyriphos and cartap reduced beetle population more than 80% over control, produced moderate yield as compared to cypennethrin. Application of ash and hand collection and destruction of adult showed better performance against the beetle among the nonchemical methods and gave higher fruit yield of white gourd. The perfonnance of mosquito net barrier at seedling stage was not satisfactory. All chemical insecticides showed better performance than nonchemical methods against red pumpkin beetle & cypennethrin was the best.
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.
Measurement of Radioactivity in Soils of Karamjal and Harbaria Mangrove Forest of Sundarbans for Establishment of Radiological Database
(PLOS ONE Publications, 2023-10-19) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; M., Jubair A.; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Hossain, Z.; Khandake, Mayeen Uddin; Bradley, D. A.; Yeasmin, S.
This work presents the first in-depth study of soil radioactivity in the mangrove forest of Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans. It used HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry to measure the amount of natural radioactivity in soil samples from Karamjal and Harbaria sites of the world’s largest mangrove forest. The activity concentrations of most of the 226Ra (14±2 Bqkg-1 to 35±4 Bqkg-1) and 232Th (30±5 Bqkg-1 to 50±9 Bqkg-1) lie within the world average values, but the 40K concentration (370± 44 Bqkg-1 to 660±72 Bqkg-1) was found to have exceeded the world average value. The evaluation of radiological hazard parameters revealed that the outdoor absorbed dose rate (maximum 73.25 nGyh-1) and outdoor annual effective dose (maximum 0.09 mSvy-1) for most samples exceeded the corresponding world average values. The elevated concentration of 40K is mainly due to the salinity intrusion, usage of fertilizers and agricultural runoff, and migration of waste effluents along the riverbanks. Being the pioneering comprehensive research on the Bangladesh side of the Sundarbans, this study forms a baseline radioactivity for the Sundarbans before the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh.
Pioneering study of radioactivity in soil near the Payra 1320 MW Thermal Power Plant, the largest coal-fired thermal power plant in Bangladesh
(2024-09-18) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; Reza, Ashik; Khan, Mohammad; Shafiqul Alam, Mohammad; Al Mahmud, Jubair; 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.
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.
Risk Assessment of Naturally Occurring Radioactivity in Soil Adjacent to a Coal-Fired Brick Kiln
(Elsevier, 2023-08-15) Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Al Mahmud, Jubair; Alam, M.S.; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Hossain, Zakir; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Bradley, D.A.; Miah, M.M.H.; Alshahrani, B.; Yeasmin, S.
Being aware of the potential health effects brought on by exposure to radionuclides, besides chemical and air pollution, produced by coal-fired brick kilns, first-ever measurements of terrestrial radionuclides were performed in the topsoil sampled from the surrounding of a randomly chosen coal-fired brick kiln operating at the outskirts of megacity Dhaka, Bangladesh. By employing the HPGe gamma-ray spectroscopy, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 4 K was found to be in the range of (19.2 ± 2.7–54 ± 7.0) Bq/kg, (33 ± 5.3–68 ± 9.5) Bq/kg, and (360 ± 43–540 ± 65) Bq/kg respectively, where almost all the values of 40 K, 232Th; and some of the values of 226Ra exceeded the corresponding world average values. Possible causes of the elevated level of radionuclides include the deposition of bottom ash in lowlands, the accumulation of fly ash in soils, and the fallout of fine particles that absorb the minerals released from the coal burning process. 137Cs was also found in two samples that might indicate contamination of the feed coal. Most of the outdoor absorbed dose rates, some internal absorbed dose rates, annual effective dose, gamma level index and excess lifetime cancer risk surpass the worldwide average. According to these hazard parameters, there are health risks to the brick kiln workers and the populace who consumes food crops produced in the studied agricultural soils. The present quantitative measurements urge the municipal authorities to manage and monitor the discharge of fly ash from the brick kilns and take precautionary actions to reduce unwanted health hazards. It also demands to monitor of the human health of workers and residents near the brick kilns.
The presence of carcinogenic radon in the Padma River water, adjacent to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
(Daffodil International University, 2023) Siraz, M.M. Mahfuz; Alam, M.S.; A.M., Jubair; Das, , S.C.; Ferdous, J.; Hossain, Z.; Das, S.; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Bradley, D.A.; Tokonami, Shinji; Yeasmin, S.
Radon is a naturally occurring carcinogenic agent, poses a serious health hazard when inhaled or ingested in significant amounts. The water of the Padma river will be used as a tertiary coolant for the soon-to-be-commissioned ‘Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant’. Hence, it is important to assess the radiological status of the river prior to the commission of this power plant. Therefore, for the first time, 25 samples of water were collected from various locations of the Padma River and analyzed for radon concentration using the RAD H2O (DURRIDGE) radon monitoring device. The radon concentrations were found in the range from 0.077 ± 0.036 to 0.494 ± 0.211 Bq/L with a mean of 0.250 ± 0.093 Bq/L. All the concentrations were found to be below the recommended limits of WHO (100 Bq/L) and USEPA (11.1 Bq/L). The mean annual effective dose due to the radon exposure via inhalation and ingestion pathways were 0.638 μSv/y and 0.629 μSv/y, respectively, which were all well below the annual effective dose recommended by WHO (0.1 mSv/y). Since Bangladesh lacks a national safety limit of radon in water, this pioneering study provides baseline data on radon levels for the environment around Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
Vertical distributions of radionuclides along the tourist-attractive Marayon Tong Hill in the Bandarban district of Bangladesh
(Daffodil International University, 2023-02-10) Siraz, M. M. Mahfuz; Roy, Debasish; Dewan, Md. Jafor; Alam, M. S.; Jubair A. M.; Rashid, Md. Bazlar; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Bradle, D. A.; Yeasmin, S.
This is the first attempt in the world to depict the vertical distribution of radionuclides in the soil samples along several heights (900 feet, 1550 feet, and 1650 feet) of Marayon Tong hill in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bandarban by HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K were found to be 37.15 ± 3.76 Bqkg−1, 19.69 ± 2.15 Bqkg−1, and 347.82 ± 24.50 Bqkg−1, respectively, where in most cases, 232Th exceeded the world average value of 30 Bqkg−1. According to soil characterization, soils ranged from slightly acidic to moderately acidic, with low soluble salts. The radium equivalent activity, outdoor and indoor absorbed dose rate, external and internal hazard indices, external and internal effective dose rates, gamma level index, and excess lifetime cancer risk were evaluated and found to be below the recommended or world average values; but a measurable activity of 137Cs was found at soils collected from ground level and at an altitude of 1550 feet, which possibly arises from the nuclear fallout. The evaluation of cumulative radiation doses to the inhabitants via periodic measurement is recommended due to the elevated levels of 232Th.This pioneering work in mapping the vertical distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) can be an essential factual baseline data for the scientific community that may be used to evaluate the variation in NORMs in the future, especially after the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh in 2024.