Multivariate statistical analysis of natural radionuclide distribution and radiation hazard indices within isolated dyke and its usability in the construction industry in the Tekirova region (SW Türkiye)
Nuclear Engineering and Technology, cilt.58, sa.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 58 Sayı: 11
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.net.2026.104486
- Dergi Adı: Nuclear Engineering and Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Antalya, Isolated dyke, Multivariate statistics, Physical-mechanical properties, Radiation hazard, Radioactivity level, Tekirova, Usability in construction
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The study aims to determine the natural radioactivity levels, mineralogical, physical-mechanical properties of isolated dykes in Tekirova; to calculate radiological hazard parameters; to compare them with similar rocks from different regions; and to evaluate the data using multivariate statistical methods. The average activity concentrations in the isolated dykes were 0.9, 0.82, 11.59, and 3.17 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 210Pb, respectively. Skewness values indicate that 232Th(2.122) is strongly right-skewed, 40K(2.168) is strongly right-skewed, and 226Ra(0.458) is almost symmetrical. Kurtosis values show that 232Th(3.03) exhibits a leptokurtic distribution with a sharp peak, 40K(4.214) displays a leptokurtic distribution not one consistent with a normality, and 226Ra(0.722) demonstrates a platykurtic and flattened distribution. Distribution normality was assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis revealed a positive correlation between 226Ra and 232Th. According to Pearson correlation coefficient, indoor and outdoor exposure dose rates appear to be influenced by common factors. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the isolated dykes into two distinct groups. Moderate-very high correlations between radionuclide concentrations and radiological risk indicators, together with strong similarities within these groups, suggest that the samples either share a common geological origin or were exposed to similar environmental conditions.In terms of mechanical performance, these sets exhibited high strength characteristics, including an average hardness of 794.66 HL, a uniaxial compressive strength of 169.98 MPa, and a dry unit weight of 2.89 g/cm3. The combination of low radioactivity and superior mechanical strength is significantly lower than that reported for magmatic and ophiolitic rock types worldwide, and all calculated radiological parameters are below internationally accepted safety limits.