Assessment of Natural Radionuclide and Radiation Hazard Indices Using Data Analysis and Multivariate Statistical Approach in Duzkoy, Trabzon, Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine activitiy concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) in granitic rocks from northeast of Turkey and to evaluate their suitability as building materials based on their radiation hazard indices. Activity measurements were interpreted together with geochemical properties and assessed through a multidisciplinary approach involving physics, geology, civil engineering, and multivariate statistics. The mean activity of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 30.10, 52.59, and 805.03 Bq/kg−1, respectively; which are higher than 32 Bq/kg−1 for 226Ra; lower than 45 Bq/kg−1 for 232Th, and higher than 420 Bq/kg−1 for 40K global mean values, as reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Radiological hazard parameters such as absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent indoor (AEDEindoor), annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (AEDEoutdoor), activity utilization index (AUI), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) yielded average values of 79.24 nGy/h−1, 389.00 µSv/yr−1, 97.25 µSv/y−1, 167.30 Bq/kg−1, and 0.98 and 340.38 µSv/y−1 for the Duzkoy samples, respectively. Numerical results indicate that these parameters exceed global mean values. The findings suggest that Düzköy granites are more appropriate for exterior applications; however, due to their relatively high 232Th-40K concentrations, they should be carefully assessed before use in interior environments. Further radiological health investigations are recommended for the region.