Natural Radioactivity Levels in Soil Samples of Some Schools in Al-Shatrah City at Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

In this article, natural radioactivity emitted from 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K were measured in the samples of soil which were gathered from different schools of Al-Shatrah in Dhi Qar Governorate using Gama ray spectroscopy (NaI (Tl), "3×3" volume) technique. The radiation effects resulted from the exposure to radioactivity of the samples under study (e.g. radium equivalent parameter (Raeq), the absorbed dose rate (Dr), the external hazard (Hex) and the internal hazard (Hin) indices, and the representative gamma rays hazard index (Iγ)) were calculated. The annual effective dose (AEDE) together with Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) index were also estimated. The results demonstrated that the averages of the specific activity of the 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K were 10.85±1.34Bq/Kg, 5.81±0.66 Bq/Kg and 354.11±21.60 Bq/Kg, respectively. The average values of each of Raeq, Dr, Hex, Hin, Iγ, AEDEtotal and ELCR were 46.43±2.94 Bq/kg, 23.29±1.44 nGy/h, 0.125±0.007, 0.154±0.010, 0.366±0.022, 0.142±0.008 mSv/y and (0.499±0.030)×10 -3 respectively. By comparing the resulted data of this study with that of the average world limits which have been established by UNSCEAR, OCDE and ICRP, one can concluded that there are no health risks threatening the residents of Shatrah due to these radionuclides exist in the soil.

Assessment of environmental radioactivity in soil samples of primary schools in North of Al-Najaf governorates

“…Then, samples were weighed by digital balance. The samples were stored for 1 month for obtaining permanent radioactive of secular equilibrium (8,9) . The distribution of radioactivity of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K in the soil samples were next analyzed.…”

Mapping of Natural Radioactivity in Soil Samples of Kufa Districts, Iraq Using GIS Technique

“…Also, resolution of NaI (TI) detector for 137 Cs were measured which was equal 7.9%. Gamma energies 1764 keV in 214 Bi and 2614 keV 208 Tl which are in secular equilibrium with 238 U and 232 Th, respectively0, and directly gamma-line of 1460 keV with 40 K were used to measure specific activity in all radionuclides in the present study [8,10].…”

“…As a result, understanding the distribution of radionuclides in soils is critical for reducing health hazards to the impacted population. A number of studies have determined natural radioactivity in soil and maps using GIS [7][8][9][10]. In order to obtain baseline data from nature radiation levels, determine nature radiation at environmental isotopes haven carry out in several nations.…”

Estimation of Natural Radioactivity in Soil of Primary Schools at Old City in Najaf

“…Because many peopleespecially children -spend most of their time at home and school, schools are likely to be the most important source of background radiation exposure after home. The most significant contributor to background radiation for most school children and staff are expected to be exposed to their schools [7]. As a result, those schools must test as well as homes for background radiation levels.…”

“…Furthermore, because no other research of this type has been performed in the region, the expected results may be used as a baseline for determining any future variations and developing a database for the area under investigation. There are many experts in Iraq who use NaI(Tl) detector to measure natural radioactivity in soil [8][9][10][11].…”