This study analyses the natural radionuclides concentration (226Ra and 232Th) along with the radon and thoron exhalation rates in 50 soil samples collected from the Manali-Leh Highway region of the Himalayas. The specific activity of 226Ra and 232Th radionuclides was determined using a NaI(Tl) detector, revealing that the concentration values of these radionuclides are lower than the global average. The radon and thoron exhalation rates in the soil samples were measured utilizing a SMART RnDuo detector. The radon mass exhalation rates range from 6 to 87 mBq kg-1 h-1, with average values of 25 mBq kg-1 h-1. The thoron surface exhalation rates vary from 110 to 757 Bq m-2 h-1, with a mean value of 385 Bq m-2 h-1. Additionally, the emanation coefficient and alpha dose equivalent for radon were calculated and the correlation between parent and daughter radionuclides was also explored.
Keywords: Himalayas; Radon exhalation; Soil; Thoron exhalation.
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