222RN and 220RN concentrations measured in various natural honey samples by using nuclear track detectors and resulting radiation doses to the members of the rural populations in Morocco

Abstract

Radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) concentrations were measured in sixteen natural honey material samples collected from different regions in Morocco by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The concentrations of these radionuclides were also measured in nectar solutions corresponding to the studied honey samples. The measured concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn in honey samples ranged from (2.3 +/- 0.2) to (8.1 +/- 0.6) Bq.l(-1) and (1.8 +/- 0.1) to (3.9 +/- 0.3) Bq.l(-1), respectively. Committed equivalent doses due to annual intakes of 222Rn were evaluated in the human gastrointestinal tract compartments of adult members of the Moroccan populations from the ingestion of studied honey samples. The influence of the target tissue mass and activities due to 222Rn on the annual committed equivalent doses in the compartments of the human gastrointestinal tract was investigated.

Radon Measurement and Radiological Dose Assessment From Terrestrial Rocks Using Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors

“…According to the drilling work and mining process, the investigated samples have been taken within the mine from a certain depth ranging from surface to 5 meters. In addition, some samples have been collected from the residual material stored after gold extraction, taking the geological features into chronology as shown in Figure (1) which illustrates the distribution pattern of the collected samples. The sampling strategy followed the Egyptian Geological Survey and Mining Authority standards and IAEA guidelines for the environmental pollutants.…”

“…Internal radiation doses in the human body are derived from inhalation of radioactive gases, particularly radon and thoron gases, and incorporation of multiradionuclides which are the primary routes by which radioactive isotopes enter the human body [1,2]. Because an alpha decay chain of 226 Ra produces 222 Rn in sediment, soil, and rocks, it is gaseous decay in this series as a noble gas, accounting for a portion of the 222 Rn discharged into the atmosphere.…”

“…Radionuclides always exist on Earth's surface and are affected by the natural geological structure. The distribution of radioactive nuclides is associated with geochemical and geographical aspects of location, with varying magnitudes of the environmental process concerning strike-slip sheared zones, thrusts, folds, attitude/plunge of alienation, major fractures, and orogenic strike-slip faults that occur sequentially as shown in the geological map of Figure (1), as well as ongoing drilling and exploration work at the Sukari gold mine. All of the aforementioned make a noticeable change in the background, which prompted the study to monitor the radioactivity and assess the radiological impact [2,4].…”

“…This unit comprises mature Island Arc Assemblages of Meta-volcanic, Meta-pyroclastic, and very thick and widespread schists. The geological map of SGMA and the distribution pattern of examined materials are shown in Figure (1).…”

Assessment of radon level in soil samples from Manzala Lake East Nile Delta, Egypt using passive technique

“…1 Radon is produced through α-decay of uranium series in the soil is the only gaseous decay in this series as a noble gas, part of 222 Rn emitted from the soil grains into the air and diffuses to the atmosphere. Radon is an important natural radioactive gas harmfully influencing the human population, because radon gas comes from the natural decay of uranium series deposits in soil, which is very harmful on human and the environment.…”