Concentrations Of Radioisotopes Research Articles

Variability of fallout radionuclide accumulation and possible contamination sources of a peripheral glacier in southeast Greenland

Cryoconite, granule-shaped debris found on the surface of glaciers, is known for trapping substantial quantities of pollutants such as radioactive nuclides and heavy metals. This study investigates contamination levels, sources and spatial variability of natural and artificial radioisotopes in cryoconite from Mittivakkat Gletsjer in southeast Greenland by determining the activity and atomic ratios of selected radionuclides. The maximum activity concentrations of artificial radioisotopes were 1129 ± 34 Bq kg−1 for 137Cs, 3.75 ± 0.39 Bq kg−1 for 238Pu; 62.6 ± 6.1 Bq kg−1 for 239+240Pu, and 23.2 ± 2.4 Bq kg−1 for 241Am. For natural radionuclides, the maximum concentrations were 4900 ± 120 Bq kg−1 for 210Pb, 470 ± 17 Bq kg−1 for 40K, and 42.9 ± 1.7 Bq kg−1 for 228Ra. Statistically significant and positive correlations were found between altitude and activity concentrations of 137Cs, 238,239+240Pu, 241Am, and 210Pb. This linkage could be explained by lower ablation rates with altitude and higher presence of supraglacial channels near the glacier front. The major source of plutonium shown by 238Pu/239+240Pu activity ratios in the surveyed area can be attributed to global fallout and is consistent with the activity ratios of 241Am/239+240Pu. The 239+240Pu/137Cs activity ratio suggests that the main source of cesium is global fallout, but possible input from Chernobyl cannot be excluded. Lower values of 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratio indicate a mixture of possible sources, including fallout derived from low-yield nuclear detonations such as from the Novaya Zemlya Test Site or Semipalatinsk. Overall, the findings of this study show that the radionuclide contamination levels on glaciers in southeast Greenland are relatively normal compared to other glaciers worldwide and that the dominating source is global fallout.

Assessment of radiological risk to workers and members of the public from the operation of a groundwater treatment plant in Jordan

ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate the radiation doses received by workers at a pilot water treatment plant (WTP) in Jordan. It also examined the concentrations of gross alpha, gross beta, and radium activities in both groundwater and treated water, along with a radiological risk assessment for the waste generated by the treatment process. The radioactivity levels of gross alpha and gross beta in the groundwater were found to exceed the established drinking water limits. In the pilot WTP, two methods were applied for water treatment, namely, ceramic ultra-filtration (CUF) and reverse osmosis (RO), both of which produced treated water that met drinking water quality standards. The annual effective dose from external radiation exposure to the WTP workers was found to be less than 0.007 mSv y−1 (during the filters backwash operation). However, the average annual dose from internal radiation due to inhalation of radon released from groundwater reached 3.2 mSv y−1, exceeding the 1 mSv y−1 limit. Therefore, monitoring radon levels in workplaces is recommended. Radioisotope concentrations in the waste (sludge) stockpiles exceeded clearance levels, requiring them to be treated as radioactive waste. Overall, the WTP successfully produced drinking water that met quality standards, and the methods used could be replicated in other locations.

The surface of small glaciers as radioactive hotspots: Concentration of radioisotopes during predicted intensive melting in the Alps

Glaciers are considered secondary sources of pollutants, including radioisotopes such as Cesium or Plutonium, with heightened concentrations compared to other ecosystems. The predicted melting of glaciers poses a substantial risk of releasing stored radioisotopes, yet understanding the glacier-specific factors influencing their concentration remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between glacier altitude, surface area, organic matter content in dark supraglacial sediment (cryoconite), precipitation, and activity concentrations of natural (210Pb) and anthropogenic radionuclides (137Cs and 241Am) across 19 Alpine glaciers. Results indicate that radioisotope concentrations depend on organic matter content in the cryoconite, highlighting the role of biotic-abiotic interactions in pollutant accumulation on glaciers. Moreover, 210Pb activity concentration decreases with glacier altitude, likely due to atmospheric variations in 222Rn. Water precipitation events, such as during peaks in 137Cs deposition and after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster, do not impact current activity concentrations. Importantly, radioisotope concentrations in cryoconite are higher on smaller glaciers. This directly supports the hypothesis that the cryoconite retains a significant share of radioisotopes stored in the ice during intensive melting. Since many small glaciers in the Alps are predicted to disappear within the next 50 years, we anticipate release of radioisotopes to mountain ecosystems might be higher than previously forecasted.

Radiological, environmental, and structural investigations of Wadi El Markh granitic rocks, southeastern desert, Egypt

The radiological and environmental hazards of Wadi El Markh granitic rocks were investigated, and magnetic data were used to delineate the structural framework and determine the bedrock depth in the area. The result displayed that geological structures influence the occurrence of uranium mineralization in this area and are mainly associated with altered granitic formations. The activity concentrations of radioisotopes in the regions studied showed a range of values: 238U varied between 345 and 1729 Bq.kg−1, averaging 980 Bq.kg−1; 232Th ranged from 73 to 162 Bq.kg−1, with an average of 120 Bq.kg−1; and 40K varied from 829 to 1790 Bq.kg−1, average 1245 Bq.kg−1. The measured concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the analyzed granitic rocks samples exceeded the worldwide average of 35, 45, and 412 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The primary radiological risks related to these granitic rocks were associated with the gamma radiation emitted by the radioactive elements. The statistical assessment confirmed that the main contributors to the radiological risks were uranium, potassium, and associated minerals in the granitic rocks. The entire investigation region has been determined to exceed the permissible safe radiation dose rate limit of 1 mSv/year. As a result, the study determined that the granitic rocks in the surveyed area were deemed unsuitable for construction because of their elevated levels of radioactivity. The effects of pollution on the ecological system were evaluated using several ecological indices, including the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Contamination factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (Cd), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Potential ecological risk factor (Eri), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI). Based on Cd and PLI, 100 % of the samples were found to be very highly polluted to the ecological system and suggest deterioration if used. Regarding RI, the metals were arranged as Cd > As > Co > Cu > Pb > Cr > V > Zn, with considerable risk in all samples.

Geochemical characteristics, hazards impact assessment and radiogenic heat production of the alkaline rocks.

This study primarily investigates the natural radioactivity level in alkaline rocks collected from the Wadi El-Dib ring complex (WDRC) in North Eastern Desert of Egypt, and assesses potential health risks associated with their use as decorative building materials. The work was accomplished using a high-purity germanium detector as well as ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques. The WDRC composed essentially of trachyte, quartz syenite, granite and syenite. Geochemically, these rocks contain high SiO2 and alkalis with metaluminous to slightly peraluminous features. All rocks contain high concentrations of rare earth elements (∑REEs = 109-1075ppm), with clear enrichment in light REEs compared to heavy REEs [(La/Yb)N = 8.3-25.3. Radiometrically, the concentrations of the natural radioisotopes (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in the studied rock types surpassed the worldwide average values assigned for building materials by UNSCEAR. This elevation of the radioisotope concentration values is due to the presence of supplement minerals such as monazite, zircon, allanite, and rutile. Granites exhibit the highest mean concentrations of 238U (av. 164.24 ± 14.76Bq/kg) and 232Th (av. 214.37 ± 23.33Bq/kg), while trachytes demonstrate the highest 40K (av. 1352.56 ± 65.56Bq/kg) concentrations. In contrast, syenites exhibite the lowest mean concentrations for 238U (av. 54.51 ± 6.81Bq/kg) and 232Th (av. 56.76 ± 6.25Bq/kg), while quartz syenites display the lowest mean concentration of 40K (av. 1144.78 ± 96.19Bq/kg). The radiogenic heat production (RHP) associated with U, Th, and K range between 1.41 to 9.33μW/m3, exceeding the typical crustal mean value of 0.8 to 1.2μW/m3. The radiological parameters and indices evaluating risks of the outdoor and indoor radiation doses due to the investigated rocks were assessed. The results indicated that these rocks meet globally accepted values and safety standards (approved by UNSCEAR, ICRP, and EC) for surface building materials, as well as they underscore the importance of adhering to safety protocols to safeguard workers from radiation exposure within the WDRC area. Ultimately, the data herein provide a valuable database for assessing the compatibility of geochemical data and natural radioactivity level in WDRC rocks. Additionally, it reveals that from the radiological perspective, the investigated rocks are considered safe for use as decorative construction materials.

Accumulation of Technogenic and Natural Radionuclides in the Don Delta Sediments

The study of current sedimentation processes and radioactive contamination in the total area of the Don Delta is the research goal. The presented paper contains data analysis of radioecological and lithologic studies on bottom sediments, sampled in the northern part of the Don Delta in 2022. Based on the research results obtained, the authors provide the characteristics of the current conditions of sedimentation and specific activity of artificial and natural radionuclides in fluvial deposits, as well as indicate that similar in characteristics sandy-silty aleurites and sandy aleurite-clayish silts with inclusions of plant and shell detritus compose the bottom sediments of numerous braided channels. The authors determined the zonal accumulation character of both 137Cs technogenic and 226Ra, 40K, and 232Th natural radionuclides which conditions their accumulation and content increase from the lower delta to the upper delta areas. The velocity of currents in the braided channels (bayous) and related sedimentation conditions of suspended matter, as well as the lithotype of the bottom ground determine the indicated regularity. We assume that unlike 137Cs the distribution of natural radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, and 232Th) mainly depends on the mineral content of sediments entering the delta with the river runoff. Relatively low indices – on average ca. 9 Bq/kg of dry weight (d.w.) – characterise the current range of 137Cs radioisotope concentrations in the sediments of the Northern Don Delta. Such a level of specific activity is of no danger to the regional ecosystem.

Water activation products generation and transport in DEMO divertor

In water-cooled nuclear reactors, the issue of neutron-activated products transport along the primary heat transfer system (PHTS) is very demanding, as it is a coupled neutronic/fluid-dynamic problem requiring a challenging balance between accuracy and reasonable computational time. This work addresses the transport of water activation products in large hydraulic circuits. Regarding the nuclear calculations, the assessment of the production rates of the radioisotope concentrations has been performed by Monte Carlo analyses adopting the MCNP5.1.6 code, while for the transportation calculations, an innovative method has been expressly developed. It foresees a one-dimensional nodalization, in a MATLAB-Simulink environment, of the hydraulic circuit considered with a computational fluid-dynamic (CFD) characterization (by ANSYS CFX code) of the nodes under neutron flux, that is the components where radioisotopes are formed, and the highest gradients of concentration are present. The method was compared with one-dimensional models not supported by fluid-dynamic analysis. The results of this comparison showed that in cases involving fairly complicated geometries and radioisotopes with a small half-life, CFD analyses are necessary to achieve adequate accuracy. The procedure was applied to very large and rather complex hydraulic circuits like the divertor PHTSs of DEMO fusion reactor to obtain the concentrations of the activation products of the water constituents (16N, 17N, 19O, 14C, 41Ar) along such systems.

In situ U-Pb dating of Jurassic dinosaur bones from Sichuan Basin, South China

Abstract Direct dating of vertebrate fossils is difficult due to complex postburial diagenetic processes and the often low and heterogeneous concentration of radioisotopes (e.g., U) in fossilized bone material. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach to dating vertebrate fossils via laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry U-Pb dating of early diagenetic calcite cements precipitated within bone cavities of a Jurassic sauropod from the Sichuan Basin, South China. Early diagenetic calcite yielded a U-Pb age of 165.3 ± 3.6/5.6 Ma, in agreement with a maximum depositional age of 165.8 ± 1.0 Ma from detrital zircon ages of the surrounding rocks, suggesting that diagenesis occurred shortly after the death of the sauropod. This new age demonstrates that the best-known Jurassic large sauropod faunas in South China are much older than those in North America and Africa, suggesting the geographical isolation of South China. Authigenic apatite U-Pb dating on the fibrolamellar bones from the same sauropod gave a distinctly younger age, indicating more complex U-Pb system behavior, possibly due to U uptake by residual organic matter and recrystallization of apatite after early diagenesis. Our findings demonstrate that U-Pb dating of calcite cements within bone cavities has significant potential for constraining the burial age of vertebrate fossils, which could aid in constructing a more robust temporal framework for the radiation and evolution of vertebrates.

Unveiling threats to glacier biota: Bioaccumulation, mobility, and interactions of radioisotopes with key biological components

Contemporary melting glaciers are considered a secondary source of pollutants including radionuclides. Cryoconite - biogenic sediment on the glacier surface - exhibits high concentrations of natural and anthrophogenic radioisotopes. Understanding the interactions between radioisotopes and organisms is essential for evaluating their potential impact on glacier-related ecosystems. Using a multidimensional approach and intensive sampling (17 glaciers), we investigated the relationships between activity concentrations of 137Cs and 210Pb and various biotic components of cryoconite such as the amount of organic matter, chlorophyll concentration, the ratio of cyanobacteria to all bacteria, and size of cryoconite granules. Additionally, to better understand the bioavailability and fate of radioisotopes in this ecosystem, we measured the uptake ratio of 137Cs, 210Pb, 238Pu, and 239+240Pu in the top consumers, and examined the mobility of radioisotopes by measuring 137Cs and 210Pb activity concentrations after a parallel extraction using media with different specific ion exchange capacities. The activity concentrations of both 137Cs and 210Pb showed a large variability reaching 5.8 kBq kg−1 and 7.2 kBq kg−1, respectively. Their activity concentrations were positively related to the amount of organic matter, however, the 210Pb also increased with the chlorophyll concentration. This might be due to the difference in the deposition of both elements: lead, being deposited constantly, binds also to currently developing communities, while caesium deposition peaked in the 1960s. The mobility analysis revealed that the loosely bound fraction of 210Pb was more strongly related to organic-metallic complexes than 137Cs. Firmly bound radioisotope fractions (anhydrous interlayer sites of minerals) were three times higher for 137Cs than for 210Pb. The median uptake ratios of radioisotopes were determined as 0.07–0.111 for 137Cs, 0.177 for 210Pb, 0.07 for 239+240Pu. Our findings emphasize the importance of organisms in the accumulation of radioisotopes on glaciers and suggest an impact of radionuclides on glacier organisms.

Radiation protection studies for the INRNE-BAS cyclotron facility using Monte Carlo FLUKA code

The Bulgarian National Cyclotron Centre at the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (INRNE-BAS), is going to be a new facility dedicated to production of medical radioisotopes and research in the corresponding fields. This work details the shielding requirements of the facility and the preliminary radiological studies that we have carried out. The activity concentration of the long-lived radioisotopes is also evaluated which provides a useful guideline for the decommissioning plan of the facility. For these purposes we have performed simulations with the Monte Carlo particle transport and interaction code FLUKA.

Development and validation in water of FLUNED, an open-source tool for fluid activation calculations

In nuclear fusion installations, high-energy plasma neutron activates the cooling and breeding fluids, generating a mobile and distributed source of radiation. In water-cooled fusion reactors, such as ITER and DEMO, the most concerning radioisotopes present in the coolant are the 16N and 17N. Their prompt emission impacts the design, safety, and, ultimately, the economics of the plant as it can be the dominant source of radiation in regions far from the plasma. The flowing condition makes the calculation of radioisotope concentrations within an irradiated cooling circuit particularly challenging as it requires the coupling of the neutronics and fluid dynamics characteristics of the problem. Recent works showed that, except for simple and limited cases, the coupling requires the implementation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. Nevertheless, the use of ad-hoc methodologies or the application of proprietary codes has hampered the participation and formation of common benchmarks among the neutronics community. In this work, we present the development of an open-source tool called FLUNED that studies the evolution of the concentration of radioactive species inside a fluid and that considers the fluid dynamics of the carrier. The tool is based on the open-source CFD code OpenFOAM and makes use of its modular nature to complement the fluid continuity equation with the radioisotope decay and production terms. In the second part of this work, we show the code validation using experimental data from the water activation experiment performed at FNG in Frascati in December 2019. The validation was performed by producing a computational chain that simulated the main components of the water circuit and estimated the counts in the two experimental detectors caused by the decay of the 16N and 17N isotopes. Finally, the positive comparison between the calculated and the experimental values allowed us to establish the validation of FLUNED for studies of fluid activation in water-cooled fusion experiments and reactors.

Multiparametric analysis for the determination of radon potential areas in buildings on different soils of volcanic origin

The transposition of the European EURATOM directive into the regulations of the different member states of the European Union involved governments making great efforts to define priority action maps against indoor radon exposure in buildings over a short time period. In Spain, the Technical Building Code established 300 Bq/m3 as a reference level and set up a classification of municipalities in which remediation measures should be adopted for radon exposure in buildings. Oceanic volcanic islands, such as the Canary Islands, present high geological heterogeneity in a small space due to their volcanic origin. This variability poses a challenge to the elaboration of radiological risk maps, which makes it necessary to have a high density of data to collect local variations. This paper presents a methodology to obtain accurate radon risk maps based on geological criteria and terrestrial gamma radiation. The predictive efficiency of these maps is statistically verified using indoor radon concentration data measured in buildings. Other radiological variables, which are commonly used as criteria for radon risk prediction found in the literature, were also applied, such as the geogenic radon potential and the activity concentration of natural radioisotopes in soils. The higher resolution of the maps obtained allows for a more detailed classification of radon risk zones in the study area than the current risk maps published in the Spanish building regulations.

Study on the relationship between soil properties and activity concentrations of radioisotopes in some environmental samples

Study on the relationship between soil properties and activity concentrations of radioisotopes in some environmental samples

Application of the hydrological model chain of the RODOS decision support system for nuclear emergencies to the analysis of possible consequences of severe accident

The paper deals with the implementation of the full hydrological model chain for the area where the first Polish nuclear power plant is to be constructed. One of the tasks to be performed is to estimate possible concentration of radioisotopes and doses, both during normal operation of the nuclear power plant and in case of accidental releases to the environment, in particular, including severe accidents. In the case of surface waters, the contamination can result from the release into the atmosphere, deposition, transport in the whole catchment system, and finally into the sea. Therefore an integrated approach has been applied for the implementation of the hydrological model chain in the RODOS system, starting from atmospheric dispersion, through the transport and dispersion of contamination in the catchment basin, which includes rivers and big lake, up to the sea and in coastal waters. Finally dose calculations have been performed.

Spatial modeling of geogenic indoor radon distribution in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea using enhanced machine learning algorithms

Prolonged inhalation of indoor radon and its progenies lead to severe health problems for housing occupants; therefore, housing developments in radon-prone areas are of great concern to local municipalities. Areas with high potential for radon exposure must be identified to implement cost-effective radon mitigation plans successfully or to prevent the construction of unsafe buildings. In this study, an indoor radon potential map of Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, was generated using a group method of data handling (GMDH) algorithm based on local soil properties, geogenic, geochemical, as well as topographic factors. To optimally tune the hyper-parameters of GMDH and enhance the prediction accuracy of modelling radon distribution, the GMDH model was integrated with two metaheuristic optimization algorithms, namely the bat (BA) and cuckoo optimization (COA) algorithms. The goodness-of-fit and predictive performance of the models was quantified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and standard deviation (StD). The results indicated that the GMDH-COA model outperformed the other models in the training (AUC = 0.852, MSE = 0.058, RMSE = 0.242, StD = 0.242) and testing (AUC = 0.844, MSE = 0.060, RMSE = 0.246, StD = 0.0242) phases. Additionally, using metaheuristic optimization algorithms improved the predictive ability of the GMDH. The GMDH-COA model showed that approximately 7 % of the total area of Chungcheongnam-do consists of very high radon-prone areas. The information gain ratio method was used to assess the predictive ability of considered factors. As expected, soil properties and local geology significantly affected the spatial distribution of radon potential levels. The radon potential map produced in this study represents the first stage of identifying areas where large proportions of residential buildings are expected to experience significant radon levels due to high concentrations of natural radioisotopes in rocks and derived soils beneath building foundations. The generated map assists local authorities to develop urban plans more wisely towards region with less radon concentrations.

Evaluation of Radionuclide Levels in Drinking Water from Communities near Active and Abandoned Gold Mines and Tailings in the West Rand Region, Gauteng, South Africa

The history of gold mining in the Witwatersrand Basin has led to exponential growth in the economy, residential development, and the abundance of radionuclides in the environment, including the water system. This study aimed to evaluate the radionuclide levels in drinking water (municipal water and groundwater) and the health risks associated with the ingestion of the water in the communities of the West Rand region of Gauteng Province. The activity concentrations of uranium, radium, and thorium radioisotopes were established through alpha spectrometry and the activities were subsequently used to assess the health impacts. The results indicated that the groundwaters contain elevated activities of most radionuclides owing to prolonged periods of water–rock interactions. Similarly, the highest annual effective doses were recorded in groundwaters with a range of 0.0237–0.3106 mSv/yr, with most samples exceeding the WHO- and EU-prescribed limits of 0.1 mSv/yr. Cancer morbidity and mortality risks were higher in females than in males due to the higher life expectancy of females. Nonetheless, all morbidity and mortality risks were well below the USEPA radiological risk limit of 0.001. Based on the findings of this study, continuous monitoring is paramount to ensure that the activities remain below recommended regulatory limits.

Distribution and temporal variability of uranium and toxic metal(loid)s in snow and rainwater from an oil industry and urban area in Thessaloniki-Greece.

The concentrations of uranium and nine elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in snow and rainwater samples were determined. Samples were collected in Thessaloniki-northern Greece in three sites, one in the industrial area close to an oil production power plant and two in the centre of the city. Snow samples were collected during January-February 2019 and 2021 whereas in the case of rainwater, a two-year survey has been performed during 2019 and 2020. The activity concentrations of the uranium radioisotopes were measured by alpha spectrometry whereas the metal(loid)s concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The elevated concentrations of uranium (U) and the deviation of the isotopic ratio of U-234/U-238 from the equilibrium value indicated intensive dissolution of uranium. The results were analyzed using statistical analysis (Shapiro-Wilk, Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests). The obtained data and the calculated enrichment factors (Efs) denote variation of the concentration values between industrial and urban area and different elemental distribution influenced from anthropogenic contributions, meteorological conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Radionuclide Transfer Ratio from Soil to Crops in Selected Fertilized Farms and Estimation of Its Health Risk in Rivers State of Nigeria

The study was carried out to investigate the transfer ratio of radionuclide from soil to crops of the selected fertilized farmers in Rivers State Nigeria. Using a well calibrated sodium iodide (NaI) detector. The activity concentrations of 40K, 234U, and 232Th in crops and soils of the selected fertilized farmers of Rivers State have been determined. The activity concentration of radionuclides of 40K, 234U, and 232Th were all higher than its respective control values, which show that the fertilized farms contain more radionuclide than the unfertilized farms(control) and this may be due to the long use of inorganic fertilizers during cultivation on the selected Agricultural Development programme farms (Fertilized Farms). This variation may be due to differences in organic matter, soil content and type of soil of the selected farms. The mean transfer factor obtained is of the order 234U < 232TH < 40K which shows that activity concentration of natural radio isotopes within the study area are high and also the rate at which the radionuclides are transfer from soil to crops is also high. The result obtained show that there is high transfer ratio of radionuclide from soil to crops of the selected fertilized farms and this requires that the uses of NPK fertilizers should be under radiological control for consumption safety.

Investigation and mapping of natural and artificial radioactivity in sediment samples from Borçka Black Lake, Artvin-Turkey

ABSTRACT All living creatures in nature are constantly exposed to ionising radiation, which is emitted from natural and artificial radiation sources. For this reason, it is important to monitor the levels of radioactivity in living spaces and visited areas. In this study, natural (238U, 232Th, 40K) and artificial (137Cs) radioactivity concentrations in sediment samples taken from Borçka Black Lake located on the Nature Park in Artvin province were determined using a high purity germanium detector (HPGe). It was determined that 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs radioisotope concentrations in the sediment samples varied between 8.73 and 26.45, 7.01 and 22.98, 289.92 and 578.98, and 6.26 and 70.96 Bq kg−1, respectively. Mean radioactivity concentrations were found to be 14.99 ± 0.89 Bq kg−1 for 238U, 13.85 ± 1.10 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, 473.67 ± 14.21 Bq kg−1 for 40K and 35.06 ± 0.96 Bq kg−1 for 137Cs. In order to evaluate the radiological hazards, radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, absorbed dose rate in the air, the annual effective dose rate and excess life time cancer risk were calculated and compared with the values recommended by international organisations. As a result, it has been shown with this study that the radioactivity caused by the examined radioisotopes will not pose any health risk for the visitors of Borçka Black Lake.

MEASUREMENT OF RADIOISOTOPE CONCENTRATIONS IN HOSPITAL SEWAGE

The purpose of the study is to know the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes of (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in samples collected from the wastewater treatment system of Iraqi hospitals - in 2021, and using gamma ray spectrometry technology, which showed Results (The highest value of 214Pb in the sample N3 after treatment there is an increase (0.16 ± 0.6211) higher than the global determinant (0.1Bq/l)*, the highest value of 203Hg (0.029 ± 0.103) in the sample N4, the value is higher than the global determinant, while the rest of the isotopes it was less than the international limit. The highest value of 212Pb in the sample N3 before and after treatment there was an increase, as well as Av before and after treatment (1±0.1) (0.7±0.78) higher than the international limit (0.5Bq/l). The highest value of 224Ra in N3 sample (0.79 ±1) is higher than the international limit (0.6Bq/l) before treatment. The rest of the isotopes were less than the international limit Radius equivalent (Raeq), absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose (internal and external), external risk index (Hex), internal risk index (Hin), and gamma index (Ig) mean values were determined. The Radiation Hazard Index has been determined to be safe for the general populace as well as the environment. The issue of determining radioisotope concentrations in hospital wastewater before and after treatment has never been addressed in previous research.