Radioactivity investigation of water and aerosols in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis research was conducted relating to the presence of radiation in the United Arab Emirates. More importantly, the country is engaging in the nuclear industry. With the construction of four Advanced Power Reactors (APR-1400), it is imperative to measure radiation levels before their operation for future reference and hence, the initiative to carry out this work.Radiation monitoring is defined as the measurement of radiation dose or radionuclide contamination. This research high lights the radiation levels in water and aerosols in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Water samples were collected from Sharjah sea, whereas air samples were collected within the University of Sharjah. Activity levels in each sample were determined using a scintillation counter for water samples and an alpha-beta counter for samples of air. Results obtained in this research were compared against the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. The maximum tritium concentration in water was 56 Bq/L. However, in air samples, the maximum activities for alpha and beta were 0.1 Bq/m3 and 0.4 Bq/m3respectively, which are considered as trace amounts.