he Adriatic coastline (Shëngjini bay, Lalzi bay, Durrës bay and Spille bay) is previously investigated for the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in sand samples by means of high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry technique. The highest activity concentrations of ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th are found to be 458 Bq/kg, 67 Bq/kg and 91 Bq/kg, respectively. This study aims to investigate the dose rate and elemental composition of beach sands in order to better understanding of the behaviour of radionuclides in the coastline of the Adriatic Sea in Albania. The same sand samples are characterized for the chemical composition by means of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) together with some REEs (rare earth elements). A good correlation is found between natural radionuclide concentration and REEs in general giving a good indication on weathering conditions in the region. In particular, the highest concentration of REEs is measured for the same sample showing the highest concentration of natural radionuclides. Therefore, this area is investigated for the gamma dose rates by direct measurements using identiFINDER® 2, a handheld instrument. Results indicate layered deposits of showing relatively higher dose rates and confirming the presence of heavy minerals. However, it is required to obtain further information about geology and geochemistry of this area for investigating the mineralogy and origin of these deposits.

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