Quantifying Gamma-Ray Emission and Radiological Hazards in the clay samples of Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India

Driven by the rising global demand for clay, this study utilizes gamma-ray spectrometry to evaluate natural radionuclide concentrations in raw materials. A total of 32 clay samples were collected from the Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, India, and analyzed using a NaI (Tl) detector to determine the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. The results were compared against established global average values to assess safety levels. To evaluate the radiological risks associated with using these clays in construction, several radiation hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rate (DR), annual effective dose rate (HR), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), criteria formula (CF), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The analysis indicates that these clay samples are suitable for use in the brick industry, providing essential baseline data for stakeholders in clay-based manufacturing and radiological safety.