Determination of Radon Gas Concentration in the Water of Midelt Region, Morocco, Using a Nuclear Track Detector (LR-115) and Assessment of Radiological Health Risk

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Physics (LSTI), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco

2 Material and subatomic physics laboratory, LPMS, University of Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco

3 Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, Egypt

4 Department of General Educational Development, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, Daffodil International University, Ashulia, Dhaka - 1341, Bangladesh

Abstract

 The article aims to assess radon concentration in various water samples, revealing levels ranging from 0.53 Bq/L to 4.68 Bq/L. Radon, specifically the isotope 222Rn, is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed during the decay of the 238U decay series, originating from the breakdown of 226Ra. This gas is commonly found in rocks, soil, natural gas, and groundwater. Exposure to airborne and waterborne radon can increase the risk of certain cancers due to human radiation exposure. The primary Aim of this study was to assess the concentration of radon in water samples collected from diverse regions of Morocco, particularly the Midelt province and the Draa-Tafilalt region located at coordinates 32° 40' 48″ North, 4° 44' 24″ West. For this purpose, Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors of the LR-115 variety were used. The evaluations of annual effective dose equivalents exhibited a range spanning from 11.51 to 1.30 μSv/y, showcasing a consistent pattern of decline. Correspondingly, projections of excess lifetime cancer risk encompassed a spectrum from 4.00 to 1.98. Significantly higher risks were associated with samples S1 and S2, while notably lower risks were tied to S14 and S15. It is worth noting that all the water samples subjected to analysis registered annual effective doses that fell within the global average level recommended for ingestion exposure dose values (0.23 mSv/y) by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Given these results, there seem to be no radiation risks from radon gas in the study area.

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References

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Pollution
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 248-255

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