Radiometric analysis of Hazara phosphate rock and fertilizers in Pakistan

Natural radioactivity due to 40K, 226Ra and 232Th has been measured in phosphate rock samples, collected from various localities of Hazara division of Pakistan, and in locally prepared and imported fertilizer. For data acquisition and analysis, a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector and a PC-based MCA were used. The 226Ra content was very high and was found to vary from 307.7 Bq kg−1 to 617.5 Bq kg−1. This can result in a significant radiation exposure if the rock and fertilizer are handled in places with poor ventilation that could lead to radon accumulation. These data can be used to determine the radioactivity being spread along with fertilizer on agricultural lands.