Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 4 ), 306 – 316 © SFRP , 2024 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2024012
Available online at : https :// www . radioprotection . org /
ARTICLE
Measurement of some natural radioactive isotopes concentrations in soil samples in the northern part of West Bank � Palestine
K . M . Thabayneh * and R . J . Shawamreh
Faculty of Science and Technology , Hebron University , Hebron , Palestine . Received : 3 February 2024 / Accepted : 18 March 2024
Abstract – In this specific study , the concentration of radon , radium content , and annual effective dose were meticulously measured and calculated utilizing solid-state nuclear track detectors ( CR-39 ). The research was centered on soil samples extracted from diverse locations in the northern regions of the West Bank , Palestine . A comprehensive set of 40 soil samples was systematically collected from Tulkarm , Jenin , and Tubas Governorates . The average concentrations of 222 Rn and 226 Ra in Tulkarm , Jenin , and Tubas governorates were found to be 505.2 Bq / m 3 and 22.0 Bq / kg ; 528.4 Bq / m 3 and 23.1 Bq / kg ; and 515.3 Bq / m 3 and 22.5 Bq / kg , respectively . Calculating the overall total average effective dose for these governorates yielded values of 17.5 , 18.3 , and 17.8 mSv / year , respectively . These values slightly exceed the action levels ( 3 – 10 mSv / year ) recommended by ICRP-1993 . It ’ s noteworthy that the measurements established in this study provide a foundational database of activity levels , serving as a reference for future studies assessing the potential impacts of events to come .
Keywords : radioactive isotopes / radon / CR-39 detector / soil samples . Palestine
1 Introduction
Radon-222 , an isotope of radon , an inert , colorless and tasteless noble gas , is naturally generated as a byproduct of the decay sequence of uranium-238 . This radioactive gas undergoes decay through the emission of alpha particles , each carrying a specific amount of energy . This decay process gives rise to a series of short-lived radionuclides , including polonium-218 and polonium-214 . Radon-222 , with a halflife of 3.82 days , provides a relatively extended window for detection and measurement , especially when compared to its progenies . The soil surface is the primary contributor to radon- 222 gas in the atmosphere . Nevertheless , additional sources contribute to its presence , including ground and surface water , as well as natural and volcanic gases . The characteristics of radon-222 , both in terms of its radioactivity and its various sources , make it a subject of interest and concern in environmental and health-related studies ( Hatif and Muttaleb , 2016 ; Ahmed and Abdulameer , 2019 ).
Once inhaled , this gas enters the lungs , leaving behind radioactive residues that constitute a significant portion of the overall radiation exposure experienced by individuals . This underscores the importance of monitoring and managing radon-222 levels , especially in enclosed spaces where
* Corresponding author : khalilt @ hebron . edu prolonged exposure could have health implications ( Alrowaili , 2023 ; Deveci and Oncel , 2023 ). The heightened health risk associated with radon-222 gas is exacerbated by the prevalent practice of spending a substantial amount of time indoors , thereby increasing the probability of monitoring and mitigating radon-222 levels , especially in areas where prolonged indoor exposure occurs within enclosed spaces . Radon-222 gas is a byproduct of the decay of radium in the soil , permeating the air from soil particles . The release of this gas into the atmosphere involves diffusion through pores , with some radon-222 atoms potentially becoming trapped in confined spaces . This indoor accumulation that underscores the importance of exposure is common ( Wanga et al ., 2022 ; Yonca et al ., 2023 ). Given the alarming global health crisis associated with inhaling elevated concentrations of radon-222 , it becomes imperative to address this issue . Vigilant monitoring and control of radon-222 levels are crucial in mitigating the potential health risks associated with prolonged indoor exposure , underlining the significance of proactive measures in safeguarding human well-being ( Yonca et al ., 2023 ).
Radon-222 gas easily escapes from surface soils and rocks through a process known as exhalation . Numerous factors impact the exhalation of radon-222 from soil into the air , including concentrations of uranium , thorium , and radium in the bedrock and soil , the emanation capacity of the ground , soil or rock porosity , barometric pressure gradients , soil moisture