Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which organisation conducted the study on background radiation levels in Kerala?
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Ministry of Environment
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) conducts systematic studies on natural background radiation levels in the monazite-rich coastal areas of Kerala. These regions, particularly the Kollam district, contain high concentrations of thorium-bearing sands which contribute to elevated levels of natural radioactivity.
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) conducts systematic studies on natural background radiation levels in the monazite-rich coastal areas of Kerala. These regions, particularly the Kollam district, contain high concentrations of thorium-bearing sands which contribute to elevated levels of natural radioactivity.
Geography: Kerala's coastal regions are characterized by heavy mineral sand deposits, specifically monazite, ilmenite, rutile, and zircon, which are economically and radiologically significant.
BARC is India's premier nuclear research facility headquartered in Trombay, Mumbai.
The high natural background radiation in Kerala is primarily due to the presence of thorium-232 in monazite sands.
BARC monitors these zones to assess the long-term biological effects of low-dose radiation on local populations.
Monazite sand along the Kerala coast is one of the richest sources of Thorium in the world.
Studies by BARC provide essential data for radiological safety and public health policies regarding environmental radiation.
Option B (Ministry of Environment) focuses on policy and regulation rather than conducting specialized radiological physics research.
Option C (GSI) focuses on geological mapping and mineral exploration rather than radiation biology.
Option D (ISRO) focuses on space research, satellite technology, and launch vehicle development.
A is correct тАФ The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is responsible for surveying and monitoring natural background radiation in the coastal belt of Kerala.
When studying India's mineral resources, link the 'Monazite sands of Kerala' to the 'Atomic Energy Act of 1962' in Polity/Governance, as the government maintains strict control over these strategic radioactive materials.