Measurements of 238U and 232Rn concentrations in sediment of marshes in south of Iraq by using solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs)‎

Abstract EN

Uranium (238U) concentrations and Radon (222Rn) activity concentration were measured in sediments of marshes in Iraq.

(185) samples of sediment were brought from the different stations of three southern governorates, in Basrah governorate which represented Al-Qurna and Al-Mediena marshes and in Thi Qar governorate are represented suq ashukh, Garmat Bani Saeed, Al-Akieka, Al-Chibayish,Al-fohood and Alhamaar marshes and in Missan governorate are represented Al-kahlaa, Qalaat Saleh, Al- Mejar Al-Kabeer and Al- Azeer marshes.

The selected areas were chosen according to civilian population.

CR-39 detector and a closed cylindrical plastic container technique were used in this investigation.

Maximum concentration of uranium is (4.1719 ppm) which observed in sediment of Al-Kahla marsh in Missan governorate (station number 136 (Al-Seliayl (2))) and minimum concentration is (0.2683 ppm) which observed in sediment of Al- Akiekah.

marsh in Thi Qar governorate (station noumber 72 (Al Harbea (2))).

The maximum activity of radon concentration is (53471.766 Bq m-3) which observed in the sediment of Al-Kahla marsh in Missan governorate (station number 136(Al-Seliayl (2))) and minimum activity concentration is (3438.699 Bq m-3) which observed in sediments of Al- Akiekah marsh in Thi Qar governorate (station noumber 72 (Al Harbea (2))).

In this study most of measured concentrations for uranium and radon in natural limits according to (ICRP) where the concentration of uranium in sediments varies widely, but typically contains about 3 ppm, While other many concentrations are relatively high values, all results in this paper are discussed.