Vol.:(0123456789) Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-025-10078-2 Mineralogical investigation and environmental radioactivity risk of uranium mineralization from altered granites Mahmoud R. Khattab 1  · Neveen S. Abed 1  · Mohamed H. E. Monged 2  · A. F. Tawfic 3  · Sherif A. Taalab 4  · Turki Kh. Faraj 5  · Mayeen Uddin Khandaker 6,7,9  · Mohamed Y. Hanfi 8,10 Received: 5 November 2024 / Accepted: 8 March 2025 © Akadémiai Kiadó Zrt 2025 Abstract The study explores uranium series disequilibrium in altered granites to evaluate uranium mineralization and its radiochro- nological implications. Disequilibrium occurs due to chemical fractionation and alpha-recoil mechanisms, affecting isotopic ratios ( 238 U, 234 U, 230 Th, 226 Ra) and resource assessment. Gamma-ray spectrometry indicated varied radioactivity ratios 234 U/ 238 U close to equilibrium (⁓1) and others deviating (0.85–1.08), revealing uranium mobilization and secondary miner- alization processes. The ratios of 238 U/ 235 U (21.97–26.91) vs. 21.7 imply alteration processes. These findings provide insights into the geochemical history and uranium migration within granites, aiding uranium resources evaluation and exploration by interpreting migration history and disequilibrium’s role in deposit accuracy. Keywords Geochronology · Environmental radioactivity · Uranium · Thorium · Isotopic ratios · Granitic ore · Gamma spectrometry Introduction The fundamental element indispensable to the growth and development of any nation is energy. Consequently, there is an imperative for the utilization of renewable energy sources. Nuclear energy is receiving increased attention due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel supplies and the associated issues with thermal energy emissions [1]. Ura- nium, a pivotal nuclear fuel, is imperative for the sustained and future expansion of nuclear energy. To this end, Egypt is currently undertaking an extensive exploration initiative across multiple regions, with the objective of identifying new uranium deposits and reserves. In the majority of cases, the accurate assessment of resources has been hindered by * Sherif A. Taalab sheriftaalab@azhar.edu.eg * Mohamed Y. Hanfi mokhamed.khanfi@urfu.ru 1 Department of Geochemical Exploration, Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA), P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo, Egypt 2 Department of Siting and Environment, Nuclear and Radiological Safety Research Center (NRSRC), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Nasr City, Cairo 11762, Egypt 3 Nuclear Engineering Department, Military Technical College, Kobry El Kobbah, Cairo, Egypt 4 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt 5 Department of Soil Science, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 6 Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia 7 Faculty of Graduate Studies, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh 8 Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia 620002 9 Department of Physics, College of Science, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea 10 Department of Medical and Radiological Research, Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA), P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo, Egypt