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.