Radon concentrations in thermal waters related to seismic events along faults in the Denizli Basin, Western Turkey

WOS: 000247802200013The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the earthquakes and radon concentrations in thermal waters along faults in the Denizli Basin, an area in Turkey known for its high seismic activity and thermal waters. This area was chosen because it exhibits active crustal movements combined with seismicity and there are numerous outflow thermal waters and gas outputs. In addition, this region has the type of tectonic activity where graben groups and faults take place. Measurements of radon levels and of some chemical and physical characteristics of thermal waters were made at seven sampling stations in the region. Radon concentrations were measured by a ZnS(Ag) scintillation counter in a collector chamber. The activity levels varied between 0.67 and 25.90 kBq m(-3) during the period of May-December 2000. In the evaluation of the results, the seismic data reported by Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, Seismological Laboratory were used. The increases observed in radon concentration at two stations were probably related to the earthquakes that took place in the region during the study period. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System for a Remote Rural Community Using HOMER Pro

As the Philippines strives towards energy security, there remains the concern for reliable and stable electricity in rural areas due to the lack of access to the main grid and the high cost of expansion. Standalone energy systems in rural areas can increase energy security from local renewable sources such as solar, wind, and water resources. This study modeled and designed a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) in a remote rural community using HOMER Pro simulations. The goal is to assess the feasibility of integrating solar and wind energy resources with the existing micro-hydro power plant to provide 24/7 electricity in the community. A techno-economic assessment and an implementation strategy of the HRES are presented in this paper. Results show that the optimal HRES configuration has an additional cost of energy of PHP 3.98 per kW and includes 84-kW solar PV panels, 84 batteries, and a 27-kW converter. These can be integrated into the existing 10-kW micro-hydro power system. Together with the hardware technical specifications and system configuration, this contribution provides cost calculations, and has identified approaches to add to the overall system\u27s long-term sustainability

Determination of radioactivity levels in Akhisar, Gordes, Golmarmara and Sindirgi regions, Western Turkey

WOS: 000330780800008In this study, radioactivity measurements in the environment of Akhisar, Golmarmara, Gordes and Sindirgi regions in Western Turkey were investigated in order to evaluate the implications of any excess radioactivity in the environment of geological formation. The radioactivity concentrations of K-40, U-238 and Th-232 radionuclides in the soil samples were measured by a NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer system, and the radium activity concentrations in the water samples were also analyzed by an ZnS(Ag) alpha counter by the collector chamber method. The radioactivity of K-40, U-238 and Th-232 in soils ranged 2.80-2,347.77, 9.90-256.19 and 9.66-106.53 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity of Ra-226 in the water samples ranged from 0.03 Bq L-1 (0.89pCi/L) to 0.80 Bq L-1 (21.58pCi/L). In addition, the external terrestrial gamma dose rate in air (nGy h(-1)), annual effective dose rate (mSv year(-1)) and radium equivalent activity (Bq kg(-1)) were calculated and compared with international standard values.Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP)Celal Bayar University [2010/10]In this study, Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP) No. 2010/10 with the Project is supported

Determination of natural radioactivity levels in soil and travertine of the region of Tokat and Sivas, Turkey

WOS: 000429070100015In this study, the environmental radioactivity measurements for Tokat and Sivas provinces in the northeast of Turkey were performed. Using gamma ray spectrometry, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in soil and travertine samples (Th-232, Ra-226, and K-40) were determined. The annual effective dose equivalent, the absorbed doses rate in air, the radium equivalent, and the external hazard index were obtained from these activities. The activity concentrations vary from 9.09 to 17.04 Bq kg(-1) for Th-232, from 36.53 to 76.95 Bq kg(-1) for Ra-226, and from 216.56 to 576.59 Bq kg(-1) for K-40 in soil samples. The activity concentrations in travertines vary from 15.99 to 21.01 Bq kg(-1) for Th-232, from 19.89 to 67.71 Bq kg(-1) for Ra-226, and from 179.89 to 314.43 Bq kg(-1) for K-40. The average dose rate in air for soil and travertine samples was 43.41 and 41.05 nGy h(-1) respectively. The obtained results are presented and compared with other studies, and the results of this study are lower than the international recommended value (55 nGy h(-1)) given by UNSCEAR (2000). The results show that the region has a background radiation level within the natural limits.Gaziosmanpasa University Scientific Research Projects Department (BAP)Gaziosmanpasa University [24/2013]This work is supported by Gaziosmanpasa University Scientific Research Projects Department (BAP) under project no. 24/2013

Geologic materials and gamma radiation in the built environment

Human exposure to natural ionizing radiation is due to both internal sources such as ingestion and inhalation of radioactive isotopes, and external sources from cosmic radiation and primordial radionuclides present in the Earth crust. Primordial radionuclides are K-40 and radioisotopes of the decay series of U-238 and Th-232, which emit gamma radiation at low doses. Gamma emission can occur both in outdoor, due to background geologic radiation, and in indoor spaces, due to the use of geologic materials in dwellings. This radiation has received less attention than man-made sources because it contributes less to the total doses that affect humans, on the average. However, there are geographical areas and rocks used as building materials that contain high concentrations of radionuclides, thus being a source of relatively high gamma dose exposures. Assessing exposure is difficult, especially in indoor situations where there are marked variations regarding materials application. Nonetheless, some measures and regulations to control such dose exposures on building materials have been suggested. This article reviews gamma radiation in geologic materials used for buildings. We discuss: (1) procedures that relate radionuclide contents in building materials to external gamma radiation, considering namely indoor applications and that are used for establishing restrictions on building materials commerce; (2) relation of rock radionuclide contents with their geologic history that can lead to listing of some geologic materials as potentially hazardous in terms of gamma radiation; and (3) the implications for the European regulation, which has an universal criteria that might be excessively restrictive for the commerce of geologic materials used in small amounts, and does not have provisions regarding existing structures where geologic materials are used in extended amounts.The Lab2PT-Landscapes, Heritage and Territory laboratory-AUR/04509 is supported by the Portuguese "Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia" (FCT UID/AUR/04509/2013), with Portuguese funds and when applicable of the FEDER co-financing, in the aim of the new partnership agreement PT2020 and COMPETE2020-POCI 01 0145 FEDER 007528. J. Sanjurjo-Sanchez is also grateful for funding from "Consolidacion y estructuracion de unidades de investigacion competitivas-Grupo de potencial de crecimiento" (GPC2015/024), Xunta de Galicia.info:eu-repo/semantics/draf