Estimation of levels of radioactivity and heavy metals in Al-Zahraa Preparatory School for Girls in Al-Kut City

Bassima M.  Mashkour

doi:10.51699/cajotas.v6i4.1616

Bassima M. Mashkour Ministry of Education, Wasit Education Directorate, Kut, Wasit, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51699/cajotas.v6i4.1616

Keywords: NaI (Tl) Detector, Gamma Radiation, Radium Equivalent, Radioactivity, Heavy Metals

Abstract

The level of radioactivity concentrations was measured for samples from the soil of Al-Zahraa Preparatory School for Girls. Where 5 samples were taken at two depths 5 and 15cm.The samples were prepared for examination using theThallium-Activated Sodium IodideNaI (Ti) activated sodium iodide detector system. The results showed that the rate of Uraniumm (U) radioactivity was 24.72 Bq/kg, and that of the Thorium (Th) series was 16.8 Bq/kg. It was also found that the radioactivity rate of Potassium (K) was 229.71 Bq/kg. Also, the radium equivalent, the dose absorbed in the air, the internal and external hazard coefficients, and the annual effective dose were calculated. It was found that all the calculated values within the permissible limits. As for the heavy metals test, the concentrations of lead (Pb), (Zinc) Zn, (Manganese) Mn, (Copper) Cu, (and Cadmium) Cd, was reached 24.8ppm, 88.23ppm,4 02.45ppm, 23.83ppm and 0.98ppm respectively. The average concentrations of heavy elements that were found, and according to the concentrations set by the World Health Organization, all concentrations are considered normal and within the permissible limits.

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