Estimation of radon concentrations for black desert truffles in southern of Iraq using CR-39NTDs

Abstract

The radon-222 concentrations have been measured in black desert truffles collected from Samawah governorate in southern Iraq. The truffle samples have been collected randomly from several locations in Samawah desert. The radon concentrations were found to vary from 30.86 to 112.34 with an average of 58.27 Bqm. The present results have been compared with other evaluations of radon concentrations in different foodstuff. The values of radon concentrations seems to be acceptable and within permissible values recommended by (ICRP) and (UNSCEAR). The results obtained in this work indicated that the concentration of radon present in the truffles is acceptable which can be consumed by the population and does not pose any risk to health.