Effect of porosity on evaluation of radon concentration in soil samples collected from Sulaymania governorate, Iraq

Abstract

In this study maximum concentration of radon in different location of soil samples collected from Sulaymania governorate has been determined depending on the porosity, pores in the soil, allow water and gases to flow through these media. The porosity of different soils has been determined by diffusing radon gas through these soils. The maximum values of porosity have been found in Kanikurda (0.48), but the minimum in Sheakh-mhiddin (0.40). The lower and higher values of concentration of radon have been found in Zargata (66.80) Bq m-3, (128.00) Bq m-3 in Sheakh- mhiddin. Result showed that the maximum values of specific density and bulk density have been found (1777.77, 1047.11) kg m-3 in Twiymallik, and minimum (1423.49, 777.22) kg m-3 in Malkani, respectively. Average value of specific density (1551.607 kg m-3, 64%) was higher than the average value of bulk density (876.4335 kg m-3, 36%), also the average value of maximum concentration of radon - Cmax (1813.859 Bq m-3, 95%) was higher than the average value of concentration of radon (98.529 Bq m-3, 05%).