Depth-wise distribution of 238U, 232Th and 40K in sand samples of high background radiation areas (Tamilnadu coast), India

To understand the depth wise distribution of the primordial radionuclides, especially in high background radiation areas, their radioactivity content in sand samples at three different depths have been studied. While 232Th activity content keeps decreasing up to 43% at first foot depth as compared to top surface, 238U and 40K activity contents remain almost same, though they too record marginally higher activity on the top surface samples. From the radiation protection point of view, keeping ALARA in mind, it is prudent if the beach sands used in construction and other industries are taken from below 05 cm sand samples.