Page 135 - AJWEP-v22i2

Radioactive levels in Ali Al-Sharqi and Kumait soils

Figure 2. Soil sample locations in Ali Al-Sharqi city

energies and a file containing the parameters provided. subtracting the background, activity concentrations (A)
In addition, the detector’s parameters and the measuring of Ra, Th, and K in each sample were computed
232
40
226
geometry were established. The detector is composed using Equation I, 27
of specific materials and has specific measurements, as
indicated by the manufacturer’s documentation. The A Bq A n (I)
shape of the measurement is determined by the position kg p � �� Mt
of the monitor and sample with one another, as well as
the material and dimensions of the measuring vessel. Where A is the net count rate under the full energy
n
A 0.5 L cylindrical polypropylene measure container peaks, ɛ is the detector efficiency at the specified energy,
was placed directly on the detector head. The efficiency Pγ is the absolute transition probability, M is the sample
of the detector, the material of the calibration reference, mass (kg), and t is the counting time (second).
and the material of the tested sample are other factors
considered when determining the amount of gamma 2.4. Evaluation of radiation health risk parameters
radiation absorbed by the sample and how to account Radiation risk parameters were evaluated to obtain
for self-absorption at specific radiation energies. Soil relevant information on the radiation health status of
samples were placed sequentially on the detector and the research areas.
counted for 3,600 s. The efficiency and minimum
detectable activity for radionuclides 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 2.4.1. Radium equivalent activity
40 K in soil were determined (Table 3). The radium equivalent activity is a very useful guideline
The background distribution that resulted from in organizing the safety standards in radiation protection
natural radionuclides in the areas surrounding the for humans, and it was calculated using Equation II. 28,29
detector was also measured by counting an empty It is assumed that 370 Bq/kg of 226 Ra, 259 Bq/kg of
Marinelli beaker the same way the samples were 232 Th, and 4,810 Bq/kg of K produce the same gamma-
40
prepared in the laboratory. After calculating and ray dose rate,

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 129 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060032