Long-Term In Situ Monitoring of Ambient Gamma Dose Equivalent Rates in Macedonia: Temporal Trends from 2010 to 2020

In situ measurements of ambient dose equivalent rates were conducted across the territory of Macedonia at five-year intervals in 2010, 2015, and 2020. Data were collected from 68 uniformly distributed locations in 2010 and from 72 locations in both 2015 and 2020, ensuring representative spatial coverage. The main objective of this study was to establish a baseline dataset of outdoor gamma dose rates, evaluate their potential temporal variations, and identify the dominant factors influencing their spatial variability. The results indicate a high degree of temporal stability over the investigated decade, with mean values of 113 nSv/h in 2010 and 110 nSv/h in both 2015 and 2020. Following descriptive statistical analysis, spatial distribution maps were created, revealing that the observed dose rate variability is primarily associated with the country’s diverse geology rather than anthropogenic sources. These findings confirm the reliability of direct in situ monitoring and provide a robust reference framework for assessing environmental and atmospheric contributions to external gamma radiation exposure in Macedonia.