Uranium Concentration In Soil Research Articles

Assessment of uranium-235 distribution in soil samples from Anbar province, Western Iraq

Uranium is a radioactive element that can pose a risk to human health if ingested or inhaled. Exposure to high levels of uranium can increase the risk of cancer. Measuring uranium concentration in soil can help identify areas where there may be a risk of exposure to high levels of uranium and take appropriate measures to protect public health. In this study, uranium concentration in soil samples collected from Anbar province in Iraq was measured using CR-39 detectors irradiated with an Am-Be neutron source. The results showed that the highest concentration of uranium-specific activity (12.029 ± 0.0016 Bq kg−1) was found in Al Fallujah district, while the lowest concentration (0.531 ± 0.0007 Bq kg−1) was found in Al Sagra district. Interestingly, the data suggest that uranium concentrations increase as we move southeast towards Baghdad, where the city’s climate is reportedly polluted. Despite this, the average uranium-specific activity level in Anbar (7.668 Bq kg−1) is relatively low, and it falls below the global average of 35 Bq kg−1 recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. This study concludes that there is no evidence of uranium pollution in Anbar. Although uranium concentrations are considered low, low levels of uranium concentration in soil can have important implications for environmental risk, resource exploration, agricultural productivity, and geological research.

Meteorological Approach in the Identification of Local and Remote Potential Sources of Radon: An Example in Northern Iberian Peninsula.

This paper presents a meteorological approach to identify local and remote sources driving the variability of surface daily radon concentrations. To this purpose, hourly 222Rn concentration and surface meteorological measurements, and air mass trajectories at Bilbao station (northern Iberian Peninsula) during the period 2017-2018 have been taken as reference. To investigate the potential transport pathways and potential 222Rn sources, the backward trajectory cluster analysis, trajectory sector analysis (TSA), and potential source contribution function (PSCF) are applied. On average, the diurnal 222Rn cycle shows the expected behaviour, with larger concentrations during the night and minimum concentrations during the daylight hours, with differences in the seasonal amplitudes. According to daily differences between maximum and baseline values, 222Rn daily cycles were grouped into six groups to identify meteorological conditions associated with each amplitude, and potential source areas and transport routes of 222Rn over Bilbao. The trajectory cluster and the TSA method show that the main airflow pathways are from the south, with small displacement, and the northeast, while the analysis of surface wind speed and direction indicates that the highest amplitudes of 222Rn concentrations are registered under the development of sea-land breezes. The PSCF method identified south-western and north-eastern areas highly contributing to the 222Rn concentration. These areas are confirmed by comparing with the radon flux map and the European map of uranium concentration in soil. The results have demonstrated the need in combining the analysis of local and regional/synoptic factors in explaining the origin and variability of 222Rn concentrations.

Assessment of NORM from oil refineries and fields northwest of Mosul

The uranium concentration and radioactivity of radon gas were measured in Al-Kasik refinery and Ain Zala field using the CR-39 detector. Soil and water samples associated with the production stages of oil, Sludge and crude oil were collected. The levels of uranium concentration in soil ranged from 0.703 to 1.480 ppm, in water samples from 0.681 to 0.716 ppm, in Sludge samples from 0.849 to 1.014 ppm, and in crude oil from 0.785 to 0.933 ppm. As for the radioactivity of radon gas, when comparing the radon rate in the samples we obtained with the global values, it was found that it falls within the internationally permissible limit, where the radon rate in the soil was 12.81 Bq/kg and when compared with the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) which has a value of 32 Bq/kg, and in the produced water it was 8.66 Bq/kg compared to (UNSCEAR)which has a value of 50 Bq/kg. In Sludge samples 11.81 Bq/kg and when compared with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) whose value is(8-5×〖10〗^5) Bq/kg, and in crude oil samples 10.56 Bq/kg and when compared with the International Federation of Oil and Gas Producer (IOGP) whose value is (800-4×〖10〗^5) Bq/kg. As for the alpha ray hazard index, the results showed that it is within the permissible limits internationally, where the results were less than 1 and therefore does not pose a threat to the health of workers and environment.

Uranium exposure of the Swiss population based on 24-hour urinary excretion.

Important regional differences in uranium exposure exist because of varying uranium concentrations in soil, water and food. Comprehensive data on the exposure of the general population to uranium is, however, scarce. Based on the 24-hour urinary excretion, the uranium exposure of the adult Swiss population was assessed in relation to age, sex, place of residence, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit and type of drinking water, as well as risk factors in relation to kidney impairment and indicators of a possible renal dysfunction. Uranium was quantified in 24-hour urine from a nationwide population-based sample (n = 1393). The ratio 238U/233U was measured for isotope dilution calibration with a sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS). Overall median and 95th percentile were 15 and 67 ng/24 h, respectively. The place of residence significantly influenced urinary uranium excretion. However, most of the highest urinary uranium excretion levels could not be associated to areas known for their elevated uranium concentrations in the drinking water. Sources other than the local drinking water (e.g., bottled water) might be important, too. Gender as well as albumin excretion also had a significant effect on uranium excretion. The latter was, however, strongly dependent on the presence of diabetes mellitus. No association was found for age, BMI, smoking habit or the other examined kidney related variables. On the basis of uranium exposure, assessed via 24-hour urinary uranium excretion, and current knowledge of the toxicity of naturally occurring uranium, a substantial corresponding health risk for the general adult population is unlikely. However, as long as no specific sensitive biomarker for the biological impact of low-dose chronic uranium exposure has been identified and validated, assessing subtle health impact of such exposure will remain difficult.

Determination of Uranium Contents in Soil Samples in AL-Hamdaniya Region Using Solid State Nuclear Track Detector CR-39

Uranium is a common radioactive element in Earth’s crust (soil, rock), so it is important there quantity to be under control. The concentration of uranium in soil varies widely, Depending on the geological location, its concentration in the surface soil vary from 0.1 mg.Kg-1 (ppm) to 20 mg.Kg-1 (ppm) with a world average of 2.8 ppm and the allowed limit that equals 11.7 ppm. The uranium concentration, radon activity, radon concentration, in twenty soil samples collected from AL-Hamdaniya region (East of Mosul city) were measured using the sealed-can technique based on the CR-39 SSNTDs. The estimated values for the uranium activity which equal to radon activity at secular equilibrium were found vary between (581.11-1453.5) mBq with mean value 905.89 mBq, the uranium concentration are between (0.313-0.784) ppm with mean value of 0.488 ppm. All values of the samples under the test are below of allowed limit and world average value.

Determinations of uranium concentrations in soil, water, vegetables and biological samples from inhabitants of war affected areas in eastern Croatia (ICP-MS method)

The occurrence of elevated uranium levels in post-war areas raise concerns among populations, especially in areas affected by heavy bombardment and potential use of depleted uranium weapons. The aim of this study was to assess public exposure to the uranium Water, soil, vegetables, urine, serum and hair samples were collected for the first time in eastern Croatia and analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method, in order to try to explain the possible origins of uranium in the population and environment. Urine, serum and hair samples were collected from 389 inhabitants. A large variation of uranium concentrations in urine, serum and hair samples was found in this study. The majority of urine, serum and hair samples from our study had uranium concentrations below the reference literature values. A higher uranium concentration in the hair of 4% of inhabitants, mostly from rural areas, could not be explained at this stage of research. A further, extended epidemiological study should be made of uranium in the region.

Measurement of Uranium Concentrations in soil of some regions in south east of Baghdad using nuclear track detector (CR-39)

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Mapping uranium concentration in soil: Belgian experience towards a European map

A map of uranium concentration in soil has been planned for the European Atlas of Natural Radiation. This Atlas is being developed by the Radioactivity Environmental Monitoring (REM) group of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The great interest in uranium compared to other terrestrial radionuclides stems from the fact that radon (222Rn) is in the decay chain of uranium (238U) and that public exposure to natural ionizing radiation is largely due to indoor radon.With several different databases available, including data (albeit not calibrated) from an airborne survey, Belgium is a favourable case for exploring the methodology of uranium mapping. A harmonized database of uranium in soil was built by merging radiological (not airborne) and geochemical data. Using this harmonized database it was possible to calibrate the data from the airborne survey.Several methods were used to perform spatial interpolation and to smooth the data: moving average without constraint, by soil class and by geological unit. When using the harmonized database, it is first necessary to evaluate the uranium concentration in areas without data or with an insufficient number of data points.Overall, there is a reasonable agreement between the maps on a 1 km × 1 km grid obtained with the two datasets (airborne U and harmonized soil U) with all the methods. The agreement is better when the maps are reduced to a 10 km × 10 km grid; the latter could be used for the European map of uranium concentration in soil.

Measurement of Uranium Concentrations in soil of some regions in south east of Baghdad using nuclear track detector (CR-39)

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Use of a geographic information system (GIS) for targeting radon screening programs in South Dakota.

Because 222Rn is a progeny of 238U, the relative abundance of uranium may be used to predict the areas that have the potential for high indoor radon concentration and therefore determine the best areas to conduct future surveys. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software was used to construct maps of South Dakota that included levels of uranium concentrations in soil and stream water and uranium deposits. Maps of existing populations and the types of land were also generated. Existing data about average indoor radon levels by county taken from a databank were included for consideration. Although the soil and stream data and existing recorded average indoor radon levels were sparse, it was determined that the most likely locations of elevated indoor radon would be in the northwest and southwest corners of the state. Indoor radon levels were only available for 9 out of 66 counties in South Dakota. This sparcity of data precluded a study of correlation of radon to geological features, but further motivates the need for more testing in the state. Only actual measurements should be used to determine levels of indoor radon because of the strong roles home construction and localized geology play in radon concentration. However, the data visualization method demonstrated here is potentially useful for directing resources relating to radon screening campaigns.

Uranium concentrations in Soil of Salahdin Governorate Using CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector

Uranium concentrations in soil were determined for ten locations in Salahdin governorate using CR-39 track detector, fission fragments track technique was used, the nuclear reaction of nuclear fission fragments obtained by the bombardment of 235U with thermal neutrons from (Am-Be) neutron source with flux (5000n.cm-2.s-1), the concentration values were calculated by a comparison with standard samples. The results of the measurements show that the uranium concentration in soil samples various from 0.42±0.018ppm in Beji province to 0.2±0.014 ppm in Tooz province with an average (0.31±0.08ppm), the values of uranium concentration in all samples are within the permissible limits universally.

Uranium concentrations in Soil of Salahdin Governorate Using CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector

Uranium concentrations in soil were determined for ten locations in Salahdin governorate using CR-39 track detector, fission fragments track technique was used, the nuclear reaction of nuclear fission fragments obtained by the bombardment of 235U with thermal neutrons from (Am-Be) neutron source with flux (5000n.cm-2.s-1), the concentration values were calculated by a comparison with standard samples. The results of the measurements show that the uranium concentration in soil samples various from 0.42±0.018ppm in Beji province to 0.2±0.014 ppm in Tooz province with an average (0.31±0.08ppm), the values of uranium concentration in all samples are within the permissible limits universally.

Uranium Concentrations measurement for Ground Water and Soil Samples in Al-Najaf/Iraq

In this work, Uranium concentrations in groundwater and soil samples from some areas of Al-Najaf city, Iraq were measured solid state nuclear track detector (CR-39) detector technique. The uranium concentration in groundwater samples was found to vary from (1.617782869±0.04342) μgl −1 to (5.079235843±0.137827) μgl −1 , while in soil samples vary from (0.093558±0.000938) ppm to (0.184325±0.017511) ppm. This study showed that levels of uranium concentration in groundwater and soil of study area of were compared with safe limit values recommended by WHO and UNSCEAR below the safe limit . Keyword: Uranium Concentrations in groundwater, Uranium Concentrations in soil, Najaf Holy city

Measurement of Uranium Concentration in Soil of Middle of Iraq using CR ?V 39 Track Detector

The aim of this research is to determine the uranium concentration in soil and water samples taken from different locations from the middle and south of Iraq using fission fragments track registration. Twelve samples of soil and water were taken from middle and South of Iraq. The nuclear reaction used as a source of nuclear fission fragments is U-235 (n.f) obtained by bombardment U-235with thermal neutrons from (Am-Be) neutron source with flux (5X103 n.cm-2.s-1). The concentration values were calculated by a comparison with standard samples recommended by IAEA.The results of the measurements show that the uranium concentration in soil samples were in Thekar (16.38 ppm), AL-Basra (16.1ppm) and (0.78 ppm) in Baghdad, from the results which show that this governorate were contaminated with depleted uranium after the Wars against Iraq . The uranium concentration in the water samples of Tigers river were in AL-Qurna (8.85 ?g/l) and in AL-Suwera (4.72 ?g/l).

Measurement of Uranium Concentration in Soil of Middle of Iraq using CR ?V 39 Track Detector

The aim of this research is to determine the uranium concentration in soil and water samples taken from different locations from the middle and south of Iraq using fission fragments track registration. Twelve samples of soil and water were taken from middle and South of Iraq. The nuclear reaction used as a source of nuclear fission fragments is U-235 (n.f) obtained by bombardment U-235with thermal neutrons from (Am-Be) neutron source with flux (5X103 n.cm-2.s-1). The concentration values were calculated by a comparison with standard samples recommended by IAEA.The results of the measurements show that the uranium concentration in soil samples were in Thekar (16.38 ppm), AL-Basra (16.1ppm) and (0.78 ppm) in Baghdad, from the results which show that this governorate were contaminated with depleted uranium after the Wars against Iraq . The uranium concentration in the water samples of Tigers river were in AL-Qurna (8.85 ?g/l) and in AL-Suwera (4.72 ?g/l).

Shallow Groundwater and Cultivated Soil Suitability Assessments with Respect to Heavy Metal Content in the Köprübaşı U Mineralization Area (Manisa, Turkey)

Shallow groundwater and cultivated soil samples were collected from the area within Köprübaşi U mineralization and analyzed to determine U and selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co and Ba). After this, the suitability of the shallow groundwater and soil samples were evaluated for irrigation, livestock watering and agricultural use, respectively. One groundwater sample (4) showed Mn-concentration of 112.6, exceeding the FAO (Ayers and Westcot 1985) livestock drinking limit (50 microg/l). Nevertheless, the amount of heavy metals including Fe, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Cr and Co in groundwater is not high for irrigation and livestock drinking water standards cited by the FAO (Ayers and Westcot 1985). On the other hand, all cultivated soil samples have higher uranium concentrations than the typical concentration of natural uranium in soil (ATSDR 1999). The majority of the cultivated soil samples showed higher concentrations than the values for heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ba) found in normal soils of the world (Connor and Shacklette 1975). However, according to G.L.C guidelines, these soils are classified as uncontaminated with Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr, slightly contaminated with Ba and As.

Soil Bacterial Abundance and Diversity of Uranium Impacted Area in North Western Pirin Mountain

ABSTRACTThe former uranium mine Senocos (Blagoevgrad district, Bulgaria) has been exploited until 1991 when it was closed and later (1994–1997) reclaimed. Recently, the reclamation is compromised due to the erosion of protective layers and the mine wastes continue to affect the area resulting in increased radiation and uranium concentration in mine area. Soil bacterial abundance in more radioactive environment of mine remains unchanged (on average ((8.52±5.1) x 108 cell g−1) compared to the control ((8.76±3.5) x 108 cell g−1) in contrast to their dehydrogenase activity which decreases more than two times. Physiological and species diversity of bacterial mine communities are also affected by the pollution as it is expressed by lower values of Shannon indices compared to the control communities. All carbon sources in BIOLOG assay except 2-hydroxy benzoic acid are available for control bacterial communities and the number of unavailable carbon sources increases linearly with increasing the concentration of uranium in soil. The high levels of radionuclide pollution decrease the biodiversity to 3–4 species (66% of total) in the most polluted point of the mine territory (SPS(5)).

Uranium(VI) reduction and removal by high performing purified anaerobic cultures from mine soil

Biological uranium reduction was investigated using bacteria isolated from a uranium mine in Limpopo, South Africa. Background uranium concentration in soil from the mine was determined to be 168 mg kg −1 much higher than the typical background uranium concentration in natural soils (0.30–11.7 mg kg −1). Therefore it was expected that the bacteria isolated from the site were resistant to U(VI) toxicity. Preliminary studies using a non-purified consortium from the mine soil showed that U(VI) [uranyl(VI) dioxide, UO 2 2 + ] was reduced and re-oxidized intermittently due to the coexistence of U(VI) reducers and U(VI) oxidisers in the soil. Results from U(VI) reduction by individual species showed that the purified cultures of Pantoea sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Enterobacter sp. reduced U(VI) to U(IV) [U(OH) 4(aq)] under pH 5–6. Klebsiella sp. had to be eliminated from the cultures since these contributed to the remobilisation of uranium to the hexavelant form. The initial reduction rate determined at 50% point in 30 mg L −1 batches was highest in Pseudomonas sp. at 30 mg L −1, followed by Pantoea sp. Rapid reduction was observed in all cultures during the first 6 h of incubation with equilibrium conditions obtained only after incubation for 24 h. Complete U(VI) reduction was observed at concentrations as high as 200 mg L −1 and up to 88% removal after 24 h in batches with an initial added U(VI) concentration of 400 mg L −1.

ASSESSMENT OF DEPLETED URANIUM CONTAMINATION IN SELECTIVE IRAQI SOILS

The aim of this research was to measure the radiation exposure rates in three selected locations in southern part of Iraq (two in Nassireya, and one in Amara) resulted from the existence of depleted uranium in soil and metal pieces have been taken from destroyed tank and study mathematically the concentration of Depleted Uranium by its dispersion from soil surface by winds and rains from 2003 to 2007. The exposure rates were measured using inspector device, while depleted uranium contamination in soil samples and tank's metal pieces were detected with Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs). The wind and rain effects were considered in the calculation of dispersion effect on depleted uranium concentration in soil, where the wind effect were calculated with respect to the sites nature and soil conditions, and rain effect with respect to dispersive-convective equation for radionuclide in soil. The results obtained for the exposure rates were high near the penetrated surface, moderate and low in soil and metal pieces. The Depleted Uranium concentration in soil and metal pieces have the highest value in Nassireya .The results from dispersion calculation (wind & rain) showed that the depleted uranium concentration in 2008 will be less than the danger level and in allowable contamination range.

A Study of Uranium, Radium, Radon Exhalation Rate and Indoor Radon in the Environs of Some Areas of the Malwa Region, Punjab

Indoor radon measurements in dwellings in the Malwa region, Punjab, were carried out, using LR-115 type II cellulose nitrate films in the bare mode. The annual average indoor radon value in the study area varied from 54Bq·m-3to 168Bq·m-3, which is well within the recommended action level given by International Commission on Radiological Protection. Uranium, radium and radon exhalation studies were also carried out in soil samples collected from these areas. A good correlation was obtained between uranium concentration in soil and indoor radon in dwellings. The indoor radon values obtained in the present investigation are higher than the world average of 40Bq·m-3.