Radioactivity and elemental oxidation composition in soil from Yangjiang, a high background natural radiation area, China

Soil is an important source and medium of radionuclides, and the content of radioactivity in soil is crucial for radiological impact evaluation. In this study, twenty soil samples in the high background natural radiation area of Yangjiang, China were collected and analyzed for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs concentrations in order to evaluate the radiological health risk in the area. Results showed that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 66 Bq/kg, 109 Bq/kg and 211 Bq/kg, respectively. The calculated radiological parameters of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), internal and external hazard indices (Hin and Hex) show a large variation at different sampling sites. Additionally, the elemental oxidation composition and 40K/K mass ratio in the soil were analyzed to further augment the background information of the high background radiation area in Yangjiang. •The contents of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in soil were measured.•The radiological parameters of soil were calculated.•Elemental oxidation composition of soil was analyzed.•40K/K ratio in soil were determined.