Abstract
This study presents the results of atmospheric particulates sampling using high volume air sampler for selected places at Al Tuwaitha nuclear site. The collected samples were analyzed for gross alpha /beta radioactivity using Ludlum model 3030 and measurement particles activity in Al Tuwaitha nuclear site and the surrounding areas for the period from 28/12/2016 to 13/4/2017.The measurement of activity concentrations ranged from (0.42±0.03 to 4.18±0.13) Bq/m3 for alpha particles and from(0.93±0.06 to 9.21±0.26) Bq/m3for beta particles. The activity concentration of nuclides inversely proportional with air temperature and wind speed while humidity is directly proportional with it. Highest value of activity concentration has been found at(Near nuclear and radiation safety directorate/ In the center of planning department/T9)while the lowest value has been found at (the right side of Nuclear application and researches directorate / building 61/T42). The results of this study show that the region has natural nuclides which are the daughters of the two decay series, namely the thorium and the uranium series. In both cases, it is a radioactive Radon isotope which can escape from the soil and ascend into the air.
Highlights
Radiological contamination is the deposition of, or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids or gases, where their presence is unintended or undesirable
A number of sites in Iraq has some degree of radiological contamination and require decommissioning and remediation in order to ensure radiological safety
In this study, the outdoor alpha and beta concentrations were measured in 50 locations at AlTuwaitha nuclear site and some surrounding locations in winter and spring
Summary
Radiological contamination is the deposition of, or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids or gases (including the human body), where their presence is unintended or undesirable. Such contamination presents a hazard because of the radioactive decay of the contaminants which emit harmful ionizing radiation (1). Airborne radioactive particles may emit alpha, beta, gamma or neutron radiation, depending on the radioisotope present. For an airborne radioactivity detection system, it is the most important to be able to detect alpha particles and their energies, for radioisotope identification and risk evaluation (2). Atmospheric radioactivity is a matter of concern because the inhalation pathway is a major avenue for the entry
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