Natural Radioactivity Measurements for Assessment Radiation from soils of Hadhramout Region, Yemen

Measurements of gamma-emitting radionuclides were performed on soil samples collected at various depth levels from different locations in the Hadhramout region, Yemen. The activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, and 137 Cs were determined by gamma spectrometry detector. The measurement concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th, 40 K in the soil samples ranged from 9.25 to 423.84 Bq/kg, 7.85 to 667.23 Bq/kg, and from 31.54 to 373.12 Bq/kg, respectively. The concentrations of these radionuclides are compared with the recommended values. According to the present lower concentration levels of 137 Cs, it does not pose any radiological complication. However, this data may provide a general background level for the area studied and may also serve as a guideline for future measurement and assessment of possible radiological risks to human health in this region.