The effect of gamma, γ, radiation on the surface morphology and the optical properties of a prepared alpha-methyl curcumin: PMMA film were studied under different doses (7, 14, 21 and 28 Gy) of γ-rays emitted by 137Cs source. To monitor the effect of γ radiation on the prepared sample, the UV–visible absorbance and transmittance measurements of the pristine and the irradiated sample were carried out in the spectral range 400–900 nm at room temperature. An optical microscope and image J software were utilized to examine any changes in the surface morphology for the pre and post irradiated samples. The obtained results indicated that the surface morphology, linear and nonlinear optical properties of the films have been affected by γ radiation.

Uranium, radionuclide’s, thorium and potassium are relatively abundant in soils. Because of their radiation, these radionuclide’s pose exposure risks that can lead to health problems such as cancer for exposed people. There is therefore growing concern about the health risks associated with exposure to the natural sources of radiation in our environment. The specific activity 238U, 232Th, 40K,226Ra in forty soil samples collected from different locations of Al-sindbad land in the province of Basra – Iraq using Sodium Iodide NaI(TL) detector. The specific activities for the whole study areas were compared the Local, world average and permissible recommended limits. The results showed thatthe specific activity of226Ra,232Th,238U, and 40K, in the samples rang from( 17.14-39.07)Bq/kg, ( 1.8-22.88) Bq/kg, (0.68-2.24) Bq/kg and (278.11-402.29)respectively, Also evaluation of radiological hazard effects for Gamma ray (the radium equivalent rate (Raeq) which calculated from concentration of 232Th,238Uand 40K ranges between (30.72-65.48) Bq/kg with mean value of (43.362)Bq/kg, the absorbed dose Rate (D γ ) for the soil samples in the study area range from (26.54-43.92) nGy/h with an average value of(33.216)nGy/h, the annual effective dose rate (AEDEoo) range (0.13-0.22)mSv/y with an average value of(0.163) mSv/y, The annual effective dose rate (AEDEin) range (0.03-0.05) mSv/y with an average value of(0.04) mSv/y, The internal hazard index (Hin) range (0.2-0.35) with an average value of(0.255)and the external hazard index (Hex) range (0.15-0.25) with an average value of (0.186).The results of the present study have shown that the rates of Specific activity of226Ra,238U, 232Th and 40K, and radiological hazard effects Rate for Gamma-ray in environmental samples were all lower than the value of the global limit(33, 35, 30, 400)Bq/kg respectively according to UNSCEAR. We conclude from this study that the environment of Al-Sindbad land in the province of Basra – Iraq is within a normal background radiation.

Radon and its progenies are the main cause of lung cancer when they are trapped inside the lungs. Therefore, the radon activity concentration in air, water and soil samples should be measured, monitored and analysed. In this paper, river sediment samples collected from 30 different locations of Mahajran River, Basra, Iraq, were studied by using solid-state nuclear track detector type CR39. The track detector used for this purpose must be calibrated for concentrations of radon, Thoron and their daughters likely to be found in samples. The chamber used in the present calibration work had a volume of 125 L and contained a standard radon source (226Ra) and radon distribution fan. Results illustrated the dependence of the CR-39 calibration factor on the dosimeter height. The calibration factor used in this application was 0.34±0.0 Tr/cm2·day / Bq·m−3 for a height of 10 cm.

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Radon concentration, exhalation rate, annual effective dose, radium activity, thorium, uranium potassium and radium equivalent have been measured in the present investigation for soil in the area around the old fertilizer factory in southern of Basrah Governorate. The measurements based on CR39 track detector for passive method, RAD7 for active method and NaI(Tl) for gamma concentration measurements. Average values for radon concentration in soil were 112.04±10.76 Bq/m3 using passive technique and 104.56±6.05 Bq/m3 using RAD7. From the result of the passive technique, area and mass exhalation rates and the annual effective dose were calculated. Gamma ray spectroscopy for the soil samples were performed and found that the average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 50.89 Bq/kg, 21.74 Bq/kg and 640.4 Bq/kg respectively. Gamma ray hazard indices were calculated and found they are within the world average.