Gamma Ray Spectrometric Analysis of Sand Samples from Selected Beaches along Kenyan Coastline.

In this study, the activity concentration levels of U, Th, and K in sand samples collected from Shanzu, Nyali, Kenyatta, Tiwi, Shelly, and Diani beaches selected along the Kenyan coastline were determined using a gamma ray spectrometer with a NaI(Tl) detector. The average activity concentrations of U, Th, and K in sand samples were analyzed as 87 ± 4, 98 ± 4, and 1254 ± 62 Bq/kg, respectively. Also, radium equivalent (Ra) activity and internal ( ) and external ( ) hazard index were calculated to assess the radiological hazards associated with the use of sand samples as building materials. The average values of Ra, , and were found as 327 ± 16 Bq/kg, 0.98, and 0.72, respectively. The average values of outdoor and indoor annual effective dose rates were estimated as of 0.23 and 0.63 mSv/y, respectively, which are below maximum recommended limit of 1 mSv/y. Generally, these results indicate no significant radiological health hazards for the studied beaches.