Effective Radium Content Research Articles

Optimization of artificial neural network for predicting radon exhalation rates and effective radium content in soil samples

Optimization of artificial neural network for predicting radon exhalation rates and effective radium content in soil samples

Measurements of radon exhalations and radiological doses using LR-115 (II) nuclear track detectors in Tiru region of the Naga Schuppen Belt, India.

In this present study, the nuclear track detector LR-115 (II) was employed to assess radon (222Rn) exhalation rate, effective radium (226Ra) content, and the annual effective dose from coal and soil samples collected in and around the coal mining area of Tiru region of Nagaland, India. The 222Rn mass and surface exhalation rates and 226Ra contents were found to be in the ranges of 7.3-17.3 mBq kg-1 h-1, 242.9-573.6 mBq m-2h-1 and 1.0-2.3Bqkg-1, respectively, for coal and 15.8-22.0 mBq kg-1 h-1, 523.8-730.4 mBq m-2h-1 and 2.1-2.9Bqkg-1, respectively, for soil. The 222Rn exhalation rates and 226Ra contents in soils were found to be higher than in coal. The estimated annual effective doses for coal and soils were found to be in the ranges of 17.6-41.6 and 38.0-53.0μSv y-1, respectively. This study is an important contribution to the understanding of radiation exposure in the coal mining area of the thrust-bound sedimentary sequence of the Naga Schuppen Belt, and it would have potential impact on further human health studies. However, the measured values for all the samples were found to be within the globally recognised permissible range.

Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia

The predominant source of radiation exposure for the global population is natural radiation, originating from radioactive elements present in the Earth's soil, air, and water. These elements, such as uranium, radium, and radon, have existed since the planet's formation. Prolonged exposure, particularly in specific geographic locations, significantly contributes to radiation risks for populations. Exposure routes include inhaling radon gas, ingesting radioactive substances in food and water, and direct exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. While natural radiation exposure generally remains within safe limits, certain factors can elevate risks, such as geological formations rich in radioactive minerals or proximity to nuclear facilities. Environmental conditions and geological factors can also influence radiation levels, leading to fluctuations in exposure risks. Monitoring and regulating radiation exposure are crucial to prevent surpassing permissible levels, which can result in health hazards like an increased risk of cancer. Effective management requires ongoing research, stringent regulations, and public awareness efforts to mitigate the risks associated with natural radiation exposure and protect public health. Effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adigrat in Tigrai state of Ethiopia were experimentally measured by ‘‘Sealed Can Technique’’ using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The values of effective radium content were found to vary from16.11 Bq/kg to 34.24 Bq/kg with an average value of 25.93 Bq/kg and a standard deviation of 6.10. The mass and surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 1.61x10<sup>-6</sup> Bq kg<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup> to 3.42 x10<sup>-6</sup> Bq kg<sup>-1</sup> d<sup>-1</sup> and 0.81x10<sup>-4</sup> Bq m<sup>-2</sup> d<sup>-1</sup> to 1.71x10<sup>-4</sup>Bq m<sup>-2</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. The radium content in soil in the study area is below the permissible value of 370 Bq/kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Assessment of radon concentration of vegetables and fruits in local markets in Muang Nakhon Phanom Municipality, Thailand

Aim of this research is a hazards assessment of radon concentration and effective radium content were estimated in 24 vegetables and 9 fruits samples that were collected randomly from local markets in Muang Nakhon Phanom Municipality, Thailand by active detecting method (RAD 7). The results showed that radon concentrations in vegetables were in the range of 6.27 – 45.11 Bq/m3, the mean was 21.32±2.36 Bq/m3 and radon concentrations in fruits were in the range of 12.11 – 53.19 Bq/m3, the mean was 27.47±2.81 Bq/m3, respectively. All values of radon concentrations for vegetable and fruits in these study were found to be well below than the international standard level of radon concentration 190 Bq/m3 recommended by the EPA. These results were also used to calculate the average effective dose equivalent (EDE) of radium from vegetables and fruits, calculation was 0.034 µSv/y, this is lower than the effective dose equivalent for the standard value of 1.3 mSv/y recommended by the EPA. This study show that vegetables and fruits were found to be safe from radon contamination.

Assessment of radon exhalation rates, effective radium content and radiological exposure dose, of coal and rocks in Tiru Valley Coal Field, India using track etched technique

In this study, the outcomes of assessments of radon exhalation rates for both mass and surface, radium content and annual effective dose from 45 numbers of geological samples in Tiru Valley Coal Field area are presented. The nuclear track detector LR-115 (II) of bulk etch rate, VB = 4 μm h−1 with a spark counter to archive alpha track density of radon was used to measure radon exhalation rate from the samples and to assess radiological exposure in the coalfield area, which has significant geological characteristics. In this work, the surface exhalation rates for coal, carbonaceous shale and sandstone samples have been estimated to be in the range of 217.4–659.9 mBq m−2 h−1, 234.0–381.1 mBq m−2 h−1 and 337.1–741.4 mBq m−2 h−1, respectively. The mass exhalation rates for coal, carbonaceous shale and sandstone samples varied in the range of 6.5–19.8 mBq kg–1 h−1, 7.0–11.4 mBq kg–1 h−1, and 10.1–22.2 mBq kg–1 h−1, respectively. The radium contents have been found to vary in the range of 6.7–20.3 Bq kg−1, 7.2–11.8 Bq kg−1 and 10.4–22.9 Bq kg−1 for coal, carbonaceous shale and sandstone respectively. The annual effective doses related to the inhalation of radon from the exposure to the samples have been estimated to be in the range of 15.8–47.9 μSv y−1, 17.0–27.7 μSv y−1 and 24.5–53.8 μSv y−1 for coal, carbonaceous shale and sandstone respectively. In this investigation, the lifetime fatality-risks have also been assessed. The values were generally higher in rock samples than in coal. However, the findings have shown that the obtained values are within the internationally accepted recommended values.

Estimation of the indoor radon levels using a detection chamber

Indoor radon-222 activity levels, effective radium content and annual effective dose at Jazan University in Jazan, Saudi Arabia are given for a variety of indoor sites (Research Laboratories, Computer Laboratories, Physics Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratories, Cafeteria and Biology Laboratory). A sealed-can technique based on the CR-39 nuclear tracks detector was used to monitor the radon gas study. In all sites in the study region, the obtained results suggest acceptable levels of indoor radon concentration and effective radium content. In computer laboratories, chemistry laboratories, and cafeterias radon contributes a significant amount to the total effective dose.

Investigating Radioactive Content in Various Commercially available Flour Samples in Local Iraqi Markets

The study was conducted to assess the radioactivity of alpha concentration of different samples of flour in Karbala mills and some samples in local Iraqi markets. Alpha sensitive CR-39 plastic paths detectors commonly know as "Solid State Nuclear paths Detectors" were used measuring the concentrations of uranium, efficaious radium content, and ratio of radon. The results indicate that the exhalation levels of mass and surface radon were between 0.214-0.549 mBq/kg.h, and 4.35 -11.185 mBq/m2.h, respectively, with an mediam of 0.385 mBq/kg.h and 7.691 mBq/m2.h. The effective radium content values range from 28 to 78 mBq/kg with an mediam value of 51.06 mBq/kg, respectively. The concentration of uranium values ranges from 0.334 to 0.858 Bq/kg, with a mean value of 0.602 Bq/kg. The measurements of the radon, radium, and uranium concentration in each sample are significant in terms of health safeguard point of view. Hence, easy, and accurate techniques of analysis are highly demanded.

Measurement of radon concentrations in rock samples from the Iraqi Kurdistan Region using passive and active methods

In this study, the analysis of radon activity concentration in 11 types of rock samples has been carried out using a radon monitoring system which consists of long-tube technique equipped with CR-39 SSNTDs as a passive method and electronic RAD7 solid-state detector as an active method. The rock samples were collected from different mountainous areas in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah Governorate in Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Results shows that the range of activity concentrations of radon, effective radium content, surface exhalation rates, and mass exhalation rates of 222Rn in rock samples are 32.21–56.34 Bq.m−3, 0.28–0.54 Bq.kg−1, 1.78–3.12 Bq.m−2.d−1, and 0.051–0.098 Bq.kg−1.d−1, respectively. The indoor annual effective dose (AED) due to radon gas inhalation released from rock samples was estimated and ranged from 0.18 to 1.42 mSv.y−1. The obtained data of the indoor annual effective dose due to inhalation of radon gas from rock samples in Heran 2 (red), Siktan 1 (green), Siktan 2 (red), Hizop (green), Koya (yellow), and Jalli 1 (yellow) locations exceeded the safe limit 1.2 mSv.y−1 as reported in UNSCEAR 2000; WHO 2008.

Annual Average Internal Dose Based on Alpha Emitters in Milk Sample

Natural radioactivity is common in the environment. As well as in geological formations such as soil, rock, air, water and plants. Which required extensive researches in many countries are due to the global interest in exposure to natural radioactivity. Ten different samples of milk collected from Iraqi markets were evaluated for concentration of alpha radioactivity (uranium concentration, effective radium content and radon concentrations) using CR-39. After exposure, the detectors were etched in a (NaOH) solution of normality (6.25 N) at a temperature of 70 °C for 8 hours. The tracks were calculated by the microscope track-counting system. At a rate of 0.171 ppm, uranium concentrations ranged between 0.079 – 0.263 ppm. While, the effective radium content varied from 53.724 - 178.47 mBq/kg with an arithmetic rate of 116.096 mBq/kg. The variation of the radon exhalation values for the mass unit and for the area unit was also observed between 0.406 - 1.349 mBq/kg.h and 3.076 -10.217 mBq/m 2.h, at a mean rate of 0.943 mBq/kg.h and 6.646 mBq/m2.h, respectively. The average of annual average internal effective dose (AAIED) due to ingestion of 222Rn in milk samples in children and adults has been found 0.60 nSv/y and 0.2 nSv/y respectively, there are excellent correlation between radium concentrations and radon exhalation rate and uranium concentration(R2=1). Thus, the results of this study do not constitute a health hazard to the lives of people because they are within the limits allowed internationally.

Measurements of radium and uranium concentrations in blood samples of lung cancer patients in Iraq

In this study, 30 samples of lung cancer patients were collected from Middle Euphrates Oncology Center in Najaf, Iraq. A plastic track CR-39 Reagent technique, strippable was used to measure radium and uranium concentrations. Normality was a washing solution) NaOH ) was6.25 to clarify chemical drilling to read under the electron microscope to calculate alpha particles paths. Effective radium content values were ranged from 0.1592 Bq / kg to 3.2278 Bq / kg with an average value of 1.246Bq/kg where uranium concentrations values were ranged from 5.5671ppm to 112.8615ppm with an average value of 43.5883ppm for healthy human compared with patients were effective radium content values were found from 0.261Bq/ kg to 3.286 Bq/ kg with an average value of 1.345 Bq/kg where uranium concentrations values were found to be from 9.1099 ppm to 114.8859 ppm with an average value of 47.052ppm. A positive relationship was observed between Radium concentration and uranium concentrations in blood samples. Measurements of Radium and uranium concentrations in lung cancer patients, this research important in terms of health protection, simple and reliable analysis methods which available.

Measurement of Alpha Activity in Several Types of Iraqi Ceramic and Cement in the Iraqi Markets

In this study fifteen samples of ceramic and cement collected from Iraqi markets have been determined for the radium efficacy and radon exhalation rates using the CN-85 plastic track detectors. For the estimation of the effective radium content and exhale rate, these samples comprised 15 different Iraqi materials. The effective radium content values ranged from 2.108 to 21.689 Bq / kg to an average of 9.399 Bq / kg and standard devolution of 6.950. The mass exhalation levels for radon ranged from 0.106 to 1.092 mBq / kg.day, with an average value of 0.473 mBq / kg. day and standard deviation of 0.312 Bq / kg. The exhalation rate for the radon surfaces ranged from 1.889 to 19.44 mBq / kg.day. The mean radon exhalation levels, which are an effective radium element, were found to fall below the world average of 57600 Bq / m2 in the samples of ceramic and concrete materials and Soil: 35 Bq / kg, In addition, the study’s showed that the effective radium content in this study and the associated radon exhalation do not pose a human health risk when they are used in daily life in Iraqi markets.

ASSESSMENT OF RADON CONCENTRATION AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN GROUND WATER AND SOIL AROUND RIRUWAI MINE SITE, KANO STATE, NIGERIA AND ITS ENVIRONS

In this study 10 soil and 11 ground water samples were randomly collected, and the 222Rn concentrations were measured using a DURRIDGE RAD7 electronic radon detector. The radon concentration in ground water ranged from 0.53 BqL-1 to 5.13 BqL-1 with a mean value 2.37 BqL-1. The results show that all the groundwater samples collected have 222Rn concentrations below the US EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 11.1 BqL–1 (for states without radon monitoring policy and enhanced indoor air programs). All the ground water samples also have 222Rn concentrations below MCL of 100 BqL–1 recommended by EU. The annual effective dose due to ingestion (Hing) of 222Rn in the groundwater ranged from 0.00386 – 0.03744 mSvyear-1 with a mean value of 0.01706 mSvyear-1. These values are within the ICRP recommended reference level of 1 mSvy–1 for the intake of the radionuclide in water by the general public for a prolonged exposure. The effective radium content, radon mass exhalation rate and alpha index of the soil samples varied from 0.574 – 1.170 Bqkg-1, 0.104 Bqkg-1d-1 – 0,212 Bqkg-1d-1 and 0.00287 – 0.00585 respectively. The alpha index suggests that none of the selected soil samples have a radon mass exhalation that could cause indoor radon concentrations exceeding 200 Bqkg-1. Therefore, it is concluded that the radon concentration in ground water and soil in the study area indicate that the ground water is safe for drinking and it is safe to use the soil as a building material.

Comparison study of CR-39 and CN-85 detectors to evaluate the alpha radioactivity of some samples of drinks in Iraq

Radon and progeny concentration measurements in various drink samples are intrinsically important for assessing the health risks resulting from daily consumption of these drinks. In this study the comparison between two Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs), the CR-39 and the CN-85 has been conducted for the purpose of evaluating the radon concentration, annual effective dose, the rate of exhalation of radon and the effective radium content in thirty-two different samples of soft drink, water, and milk available in the local Iraq markets. The results showed that there are significant differences in the measurement results for the two detectors. The annual effective dose of the investigated samples is still below the limit of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendation in the measurements of both detectors.

Alpha radioactivity emitted from Turkish edible oils used in Iraqi kitchen

The radioactivity of alpha particles is a natural part of our daily life in which exposure to radiation activity is received by all people and which takes place naturally in food, water, and air. Ten different samples of edible oils of Turkish origin obtainable in the Iraqi market were examined using CR-39 nuclear solid-state tracks detectors to detect the radon exhalation rate and the effective radium content and uranium concentrations. The uranium concentration was found to vary from 0.051 ppm to 0.215 ppm and with an average value of 0.132 ppm. For samples, the content of effective radium varies from 345.366 mBq/kg to 1455.027 mBq/kg and with an average value of 900.196 mBq/kg. The mass exhalation rates of radon values differ from 2.610 mBq/kg.h to 10.998 mBq/kg.h, and with an average value 6 of .804 mBq/kg.h, while the rates of exhalation surface of radon differ from (3.076 to 12.958) mBq/m².h, with a mean value of 8.017 mBq/m².h. The results of this study do not represent a danger to people from the point of view of the health risks associated with radiation, being within the limits allowed internationally, as well as compared with the results of other studies, including various foods, by many researchers.

Health Assessment Based On the Exposure of Alpha Radioactivity in Narghile Smoking

Introduction: Smokers and non-smokers are at the risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to alpha rays as a result of the relatively low levels of radium and radon that may be present in different tobacco species. There is a great interest in studies and research on the radionuclides in narghile tobacco emitting alpha particles to know the relationship between smoking narghile and cancer, especially lung cancer. Material and Methods: This study was conducted to measure the alpha rays in 30 different narghile samples in the markets of Iraq. Radon concentrations were determined using time-tested passive radio doses containing CR-39 solid-state pathway detectors. Results: The radon concentrations in samples varied from27.44±4.4 Bq/m3 to 214.61±18.1 Bq/m3 with the mean value of 65.60±41.04 Bq/m3. The annual effective dose varies from 0.69±0.09 mSv/y to 5.41±2.20 mSv/y with the mean value of 1.64±1.03 mSv/y. The lung cancer risk cases per year vary from 12.46±2.11 to 97.45±7.34 with the mean value of 29.77±18.63 per million people. The effective radium content ranged between 0.054Bq/kg and 0.425Bq/kg with the mean value of 0.131 of Bq/kg, while the radon emission values for the mass and surface units ranged from 0.410 to 3.212 with the mean of 0.996 mBq/kg.h and 9.040 to 70.703 with the mean value of 21.943mBq/m2.h, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that alpha rays are within the internationally accepted limits and presently do not pose a threat to human health and life in terms of the radiation activity of the investigated narghile tobacco species in this study.

Estimation of Natural Radionuclides and Rare Earth Elements Concentration of the Rocks of Abu Khuruq Ring Complex, Egypt

The naturally occurring radionuclides (radium-226, thorium-232, potassium-40 and radon-222) were investigated in the alkaline rocks of Abu Khuruq Ring, southern Eastern Desert, Egypt. A high-resolution germanium detector was used for the detection of 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra (Canberra, GR4020 model) while 222Rn concentration was measured by the Alpha-Guard Saphymo GmbH system, model PQ 2000 (AG). Major and rare earth elements (REEs) were assessed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry techniques. Positive correlations were observed between REEs, indicating symmetrical chemical properties and their overall presence in the parent material—also, a positive correlation was observed between effective radium content and radon concentrations pointing to the strong linear dependency between both contents in the studied rocks. The average values of activity concentration of 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, and 222Rn were less than the suggested level by a factor of 1.38%, 3.16%, 2.09%, and 1.16%, respectively. Significant variations were found among the radiological hazards parameters, e.g., the mean value of the annual effective dose (0.55 mSv y−1) was more than the global reference value (0.41 mSv y−1) by a factor of 1.34. The calculated average value of the gamma index was 0.90, and that of the alpha index was 0.37. Hex, Hin and Raeq showed fewer average values than the standard values of unity and 370 Bq kg−1, respectively.

Investigation of radon concentrations and effective radium content in soils and dwellings of Wolaita Sodo Town, Ethiopia

Background: People in the world have always been exposed continuously to natural radionuclides originated from the Earth's crust. Radionuclide of terrestrial origin like radon is the most abundant in the environment and the second leading cancer risk next to cigarette. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radon concentration and effective radium content in soil samples and dwellings of Wolaita Sodo town, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 soil samples and 24 records in dwellings were collected. The radon concentrations and effective radium content in soil samples and dwellings were estimated using LR-115 plastic track detector and alpha spectroscopy, respectively. Results: The result shows the concentrations of radon gas and effective radium content in soil samples ranges from 74.74 to 436.97 Bq/m3 with an average value of 221.4 Bq/m3 and 89.30–522.07 Bq/kg with an average value of 264.54 Bq/kg respectively. While radon in dwellings ranges from 30.78 to 708.12 Bq/m3 with an average value of 236.72 Bq/m3. Conclusion: Generally, the average radon concentration both in soil samples and dwellings of the area was higher than the recommended level by the International Commission on Radiation Protection.

Measurement of radon exhalation rate in various building materials used in Morocco

Measurements of radon surface and mass exhalation rates were made for 35 types of building material samples frequently used in Morocco. In this survey, we used the Can technique, containing CR-39 detectors, to estimate the radon exposure from building materials. The surface and mass exhalation rates ranged from 37.92 mBq−2 h−1, 3.05 mBq kg−1 h−1 to 1545.60 mB q m−2 h−1, 43.14 mBq kg−1 h−1, with an average of 271.4192 mBq m−2 h−1 and 10.23 mBq kg−1 h−1, respectively. All the values of effective radium content and effective dose were calculated and they were within the safe limit in all samples studied.

Estimation of indoor radon levels using etched track detector

In this investigation, the activity levels of Indoor Radon-222, effective radium contents, exhalation rate of radon, and annual effective dose are reported for different indoor locations (Offices, Laboratories, Meeting rooms, and Storerooms) at two students divisions (boys, and girls) in science college, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sealed-can technique based on CR-39 nuclear tracks detector was distributed to radon gas survey. The obtained results indicate normal levels of indoor radon concentration and effective radium content in all locations of the studied area. A strong correlation (R2 = 1) has been observed between effective radium content and radon exhalation rate. There is a slight increase in the values of exhalation rate at all locations. The average values of annual effective dose for boys division are 1.26, 1.51, 2.02, and 2.38 mSvy−1 for meeting rooms, offices, storerooms, and laboratories, respectively. For girls division, the average values of annual effective dose are 0.86, 0.95, 1.53, 0.78 mSvy−1 for meeting rooms, offices, storerooms, and laboratories, respectively.

Radon Exhalation Rate Study of Sand Samples Collected from Sea Coast of Tirur, Kerala, India Using Track Etch Technique

The sand samples have been collecting from the sea coast (Unniyal beach) of Tirur of Malappuram district of Kerala state (India) by the grab sampling method. Radon exhalation rates have measured by “Sealed Can Technique” using LR-115 type II plastic track detector to estimate the health risk level in the environment. The value of radon activity varies from 444.44 to 2204.44 becquerel meter−3 (Bq m−3) with a geometric mean (G.M.)/standard deviation (S.D.) value of 1017.21 Bq m−3/433.27. The value of mass exhalation rate for radon varies from 0.01 to 0.05 Bq kg−1 h−1 with a G.M./S.D. value of 0.024 Bq kg−1 h−1/0.010. The value of area exhalation rate for radon varies from 0.27 to 1.33 Bq m−2 h−1 with a G.M./S.D. value of 0.62 Bq m−2 h−1/0.26. The values of radon emanation ranged from 2.90 × 10−3 to 2.98 × 10−3 (%) with a G.M./S.D. value of 2.98 × 10−3(%)/0.05. The alpha dose equivalent of the studied area is found and it varies from 0.68 to 1.66 milli sievert year−1 (mSv yr−1) with a G.M./S.D. value of 1.03 mSv yr−1/0.24. Good positive correlation is observed between the effective radium content and area exhalation rate for sand samples. Therefore, the obtained result shows that this region is safe as for as the health risk effects of radium and radon exhalation rate are concerned.