Assessment of natural radioactivity in spring water and radiation shielding properties of soil from a tourist hub in outer Himalayas

This study assessed radionuclide concentration in Murree’s natural spring water and the variation of soil mass-attenuation coefficient. Water samples from 20 springs and soil from 15 sites were analyzed. Radium-226, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 activity concentrations averaged 0.43 ± 0.09, 0.52 ± 0.08, and 1.52 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. Radiation hazard indices, including Radium equivalent, External and Internal hazard indices, External and internal absorbed and equivalent doses, and lifetime cancer risk, were quantified but found non-alarming. Mass-attenuation coefficients for various energies were measured experimentally and theoretically. Various radiation shielding parameters were calculated. Murree’s soil demonstrated lower attenuation properties compared to cement, tiles, concrete, and Egyptian soil.