Evaluation of natural radioactivity and radiological hazard indicators in soil samples from the environment of Al-Kasik oil refinery in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Physics Dept., College of Science , Mosul University, Mosul

2 Department of physics, College of Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

Abstract

The specific activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples collected from Al-Kasik oil refinery in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, were assessed by γ-spectroscopy analysis using a NaI(Tl). Results show that the average of the measured specific activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 19.80±0.948Bq/kg, 13.65±1.021Bq/kg and 213.71±8.896Bq/kg, respectively. The average specific activity of these radionuclides was compared with the world average value. The radiological hazard indices were calculated for each of (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and compared with the internationally recommended standard exposure limits, as they were within those limits. The study showed that the soil in the study area may not pose a significant risk to workers and residents close to the area. However, further studies and investigations into the level of exposure of flora and fauna in that area are necessary .The data generated in this study will provide a basic database of radioactivity in the area under study and will be useful to the authorities responsible for implementing radiation protection and protection standards and the general population.

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