The present study aimed to assess the radiological parameters from gamma rays due to the uncontrolled disposal of porcelain waste to the environment. Qualitative and quantitative identification of radionuclides in the investigated samples was carried out by means of a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The average activity concentrations of the local porcelain samples were measured as 208.28 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 125.73 Bq/kg for 238U, 84.94 Bq/kg for 232Th and 1033.61 Bq/kg for 40K, respectively. The imported samples had an average activity of 240.57 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 135.56 Bq/kg for 238U, 115.74 Bq/kg for 232Th and 1312.49 Bq/kg for 40K, respectively. Radiological parameters and the radium equivalent Raeq for the investigated samples were calculated. The external and internal hazard indices, representative level index (Iγ), alpha index (Iα), and the exemption level (Ix), were estimated to be higher than the recommended value (unity), while the average activity concentrations for the studied samples were higher than recommended levels. In conclusion, we are concerned that disposal of porcelain in the environment might be a significant hazard.
Keywords: Radioactivity; dose; porcelain; radiological parameters.