radiological hazards in soil and water of the gold mining area in the kolar gold field (kgf) of karnataka state, india

This study examines the radiological characteristics of soil and drinking water from selected locations in the kolar gold fields (kgf) region of karnataka, india, an area historically affected by mining and industrial activities. radon activity in drinking water was measured using the emanometry method, while soil samples were analyzed for natural radionuclides using standard laboratory techniques. physicochemical parameters such as ph, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids were also evaluated to understand their influence on radionuclide behavior. although seasonal leaching from mine tailings and industrial waste can alter water chemistry, the measured physicochemical values in this study were found to be within permissible limits. radon (rn-222) and radium (ra-226) concentrations in drinking water also remained below recommended safety thresholds. in soil samples, naturally occurring radionuclides, ra-226, th-232, and k-40, were quantified to assess possible radiological hazards. the average radium equivalent activity (172.18 bq.kg−1 ) was well below the international safety limit of 380 bq.kg−1 , and individual raeq values ranged between 30.54±2.51 and 215.55±7.62 bq.kg−1 . both the external and internal hazard indices (hex and hin) were less than unity, indicating that the soils pose no significant risk from gamma radiation or radon inhalation. overall, the results confirm that the studied soil and water samples are radiologically safe for environmental use, including potential construction applications. the findings contribute valuable baseline data for radiation protection, environmental monitoring, and sustainable management of natural resources in mining-affected regions.