Natural radioactivity and elemental composition of sands in the Douala region, Littoral of Cameroon Using Portable XRF and HPGe detector

Abstract

Twenty four sand samples from seven sand quarries alone the Gulf of Guinea, Douala Littoral region of Cameroon, were analyzed using high purity germanium detector and a portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer. A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the natural radioactivity concentrations and the geological provenience of sand samples from seven different quarries sites of the Douala, a popular city, and its surroundings. The radioactivity investigation was performed by using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. From the measured gamma-spectra, the average activity concentrations were determined for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 235U for a depth of 5–25 cm. Results of this study were compared to values from other locations around the world. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) measurements were performed for the quantitative elemental analysis of the sands, revealing the major, minor and trace elements present in the investigated samples. Reference marine and geological sample are used to check precision and accuracy of the equipment for major and minor components. From XRF experimental results it was possible to estimate the geological provenience of the analyzed sands. These data record the radioactivity background levels in sands and could be used as reference information in Cameroon. The comparison of major (Si, Al), minor (K, Ca,Fe), and trace (Ti, Mn, Zr, Rb, Sr) element ratios was made. The results indicate that the levels of Si and Al can be very helpful in subgroup definition and provide useful clues to the raw materials used for glassmaking in Cameroon