Heat Production Rate and Radiation Hazard Indices from Radioactive Elements in Different Types of Natural Water in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq.

Abstract

The current study sheds light on the measurement and estimation of the radioactivity of radionuclides (238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40k) in natural waters of different regions of Nineveh Governorate in Iraq.15 samples were collected from different sources of natural waters, where gamma-ray spectroscopy was used using NaI)TI) sodium iodide detector to determine the concentration of radioactivity in the samples. According to the results, the radioactivity concentration in the tested water sample were ranged from 0.36 ± 0.04-1.57 ± 0.09with an average value of 0.69 ± 0.06 Bq/l for 238U, and 2.9 ± 0.02-0.88 ± 0.03 with an average value of 0.65 ± 0.03 Bq/l for 226Ra Bq/l, and 0.48 ± 0.04-1.36 ± 0.06 with an average value of 0.88 ± 0.05 Bq/l for 232Th, while for 40K 13.00 ± 0.69-36.89 ± 1.12 with an average value of 25.1 ± 0.95 Bq/l, respectively. The results obtained from the water samples are below the safe and standard limits established by UNSCEAR. In addition to calculating the radiological hazard indicators that included Radium equivalent (Raeq), air absorbed dose rate (Dγ), effective annual equivalent dose rate (AEDE), indoor and outdoor radiation hazard (H) indices, lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), gonadotropin equivalent dose (AGDE), and ideal level index of gamma rays (Iγ) has been calculated. To verify its deleterious character. On the other hand, the results showed that the rate of heat production values ranged between 0.006-0.0015 μW/m3, which indicates a low rate of heat production and does not affect the temperature of the Earth's crust. Finally, In addition to physicochemical parameters such as PH, dissolved solids TDS, and electrical conductivity Ec. All tested data are within the permissible limit of WHO standards. The results of the current study can be used to provide essential baseline data for future epidemiological investigations and surveillance programs in the areas under study.