Distribution pattern of natural radionuclides in Lake Nasser bottom sediments

In Egypt, the Nile River water is the main source of water, providing nearly 95% of water requirements. The Nile water is impounded in Lake Nasser (LN) in the south of Egypt by the High Aswan Dam (HAD). In this study, we presented the radioactivity levels in LN sediments over the time period 1992-2000 and the distribution pattern of the measured radionuclides ((238)U series (232)Th series, (40)K and (137)Cs). In addition, the uranium concentration in water samples was measured. The distribution pattern of these radionuclides in sediments reflects the geochemical behavior and weathering processes of uranium series, thorium series and the heavy minerals in the Nile pathway and in Nasser Lake. 0 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.