Investigation into Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples from Wheat Cultivation Sites in Kapchorwa District Uganda

Since the earth's formation, radioactivity has existed in our surroundings on a naturally occurring basis. Radionuclides of uranium, thorium, and potassium are found in quite large amounts in rocks and soils. The overuse of fertilizers and other poor farming practices cause radioactive materials to build up in the soil. These radionuclides are considered exposure hazards because of their radiation, which can lead to health problems including cancer in people who are exposed. As a result, worries about the potential health effects of this type of exposure to naturally occurring radiation sources in our surroundings are growing. Using a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides, 238 U, 232 Th, and 40 K, were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The average values found for 238 U, 232 Th, and 40 K are 47.8±4.1 Bqkg -1 , 61.0±3.8 Bqkg -1 , and 1339.05±65.3 Bqkg -1 , respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as well as gamma and alpha indices. The findings revealed that the annual effective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose rate (DR) are respectively 0.58±0.03 mSvy -1 and 118.1±7.7 nGyh -1 , and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is 246.9±10.4 Bqkg -1 . The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93±0.05 and 0.25±0.02, respectively, whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66±0.04 and 0.79±0.04, respectively. The findings showed that although the soil's radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soils and their effects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas is provided by this study.