Investigation of natural background radiation of sediments in Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, India

The aim of the study is to assess the natural background radiation in and around Rameswaram Island. In this context, samples were collected to measure the gamma radiations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K using NaI(Tl) detector-based gamma ray spectrometer. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K are noted to be well below the world average values. The calculated absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, and hazard index values were below the prescribed limit. The grain size of the sediment was analyzed following Trefethen’s nomenclature, and its correlation with the natural background radioactivity was studied. The sample that contained clay show elevated activity of 40K. The percentage of heavy minerals shows concomitant variation in natural radioactivity, especially in the activity of 238U and 232Th.