Radiological profiling of environmental matrices around the proposed multipurpose research reactor in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE), operated by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, serves as a premier hub for scientific research and specialized services. This study aimed to assess background radiation levels in various locations within the AERE campus, identified using ArcGIS software. Soil and herb/grass samples were systematically collected and analyzed to determine the presence of primordial radionuclides using high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of radionuclides in soil samples were found to be 56.8 ± 6.7 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 93.7 ± 5.8 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 369.5 ± 35.1 Bq/kg for 40K. Corresponding values in herb/grass samples were 20.0 ± 10.9 Bq/kg, 8.3 ± 2.0 Bq/kg, and 272.5 ± 67.4 Bq/kg, respectively. Notably, the activity concentrations of artificial radionuclides (e.g.,137Cs, 60Co, 131I, and 54Mn) were found to be below the minimum detectable activity (MDA) of the gamma spectrometric counting system. The obtained data were compared with the reported data from national and international studies. The associated radiological hazard indices were also evaluated to assess potential health risks. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous monitoring and safety protocols during reactor operation and waste disposal.