August 4, 2025

Assessment Of Natural Radioactivity And Radiological Health Risk In Soil Samples From South AL-Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq

HAHuda Q. Abulkadhim MAMurtadha Sh. AswoodUniversity of Al-Qadisiyah MSMariyam ShaheedCombined Military Hospital

Key Points

Elevated concentrations of uranium-238 and thorium-232 in soil samples indicate potential radiological health risks.
Measured radioactivity levels for U-238 reached 10.38 Bq/kg, Th-232 reached 11.45 Bq/kg, and K-40 reached 201.31 Bq/kg.
Analysis was conducted using a high-purity germanium detector to assess lifetime cancer risk based on radioactivity measurements.
Findings suggest ongoing assessments are needed to mitigate radiation exposure in areas exceeding permissible limits.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40 in soil samples taken from 20 sites in the Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq. Using a high-purity germanium detector (HPGE), the lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was calculated based on the measured radioactivity. The results showed clear differences in the concentrations of radioactive elements between sites, where 10.38, 11.45 and 201.31 (Bq/kg) respectively for U-238, Th-232 and K-40. The ELCR value ranged from 0.00019 in the Karamah area to 0.00030 in the Al-Sudair border area. When these values are compared with the internationally permitted (ELCR) value of 0.00029, as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), we find that some sites exceeded this permissible limit, indicating potential radiological health risks in those areas. Accordingly, the study concluded that ongoing assessments are necessary, along with the development of strategies to reduce radiation exposure in areas with high values.

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