Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Phosphogypsum Generated in Senegal: A Radiological Investigation

The concentrations of radioisotopes (238U, 234U, 235U, 210Po, 232Th, 40K, and 226Ra) in naturally occurring radionuclide materials were determined through gamma and alpha spectrometry. The average activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were matched with literature data from various countries. The radium equivalent value derived is 532.3 Bq kg−1, which exceeds the recommended limit of 370 Bq kg−1for building materials without restrictions by 43.86%. The mean absorbed dose rate is 245.3 nGy h−1, significantly superior than 57 nGy h−1reference value. The global annual effective dose, resulting from external radiation exposure and dust inhalation, is 0.3 mSv y−1, below the 1 mSv y−1limit approved by the International Commission on Radiological Protection for public exposure.