Radioactivity of phosphate ore, superphosphate, and phosphogypsum in Abu-Zaabal phosphate plant, Egypt.

A measurement of the radioactivity content of phosphate ore material, phosphatic fertilizer (superphosphate), and by-product phosphogypsum in the Abu-Zaabal phosphate plant, Egypt, has been carried out. According to the results of gamma-ray spectroscopy analysis, 238U was found in concentrations of 523, 473, and 134 Bq kg-1; 226Ra in concentrations of 514, 301, and 411 Bq kg-1; 232Th in concentrations of 37, 24, and 19 Bq kg-1; and 40K in concentrations of 19, 3, and 16 Bq kg-1 for the analyzed materials, respectively. The data are discussed and compared with those given in the literature for some other countries in light of permissible radiation dose rates.