Natural radioactivity level of phosphate fertilizers and related products from al-Qaim complex plant in Iraq by using solid state nuclear track detector

Abstract EN

The natural radioactivity level of phosphate rock, P2O5 (29 - 30 %), TSP, MAP, phosphoric acid, NPK, cryolite, zeolite samples obtained from Al-Qaim Complex Plant in Iraq, as well as organic bitmuse fertilizers were recorded by using solid state nuclear track detector, (SSNTD) CR-39.

Three positions were selected for detectors exposure; the upper position that can record the radon originated from uranium; the middle (sample surface), and inside the sample to estimate the total alpha emitter isotopes.

The measured values of the radioactivity level were found to be within the range of 113.52 - 1034.29 Bq/m3 and these values belong to Cold (organic bitmuse fertilizers) and MAP-3 (Monoammonium phosphate) samples, respectively.

The later was obtained from the treatment process of ~ 60 % phosphoric acid (WPA) with phosphate rock in the Wet process.

Generally, the value of the total of radon and thoron radioactivity Ca, roughly indicated by the surface detectors, throughout the chemical process was generally twice the measurement related to uranium at the upper detector.

Zeolite sample showed higher radioactivity level than phosphate rock, and this can be considered, as unexpected result for it is not famous ore for uranium scavenging.-