Estimation of Radionuclides Elements for Natural Water Resources in Nineveh Province, Iraq Using Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

Abstract

The present study is intended to analyze and evaluate the radioactivity level of radioactive nuclides namely, 26 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 k of different kinds of natural waters for various regions of the Nineveh Province in Iraq. To achieve the objective of the study, 30-samples of natural water were taken from various sources. The water samples were distributed in three types: 8 samples of surface raw water, 13 samples of tap water, 5 samples of cold well (underground) water, 3 samples of mineral spring water, and one rainwater sample. Gamma-ray spectroscopy using a NaI (TI) scintillation detector attached to a software multi-channel analysis tool was used to determine the radioactivity concentrations in the samples. In the investigated samples of natural water, the radioactivity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 k ranged between (4.67± 0.26 -22.95 ± 0.58) Bq/l for 226 Ra, and between (4.44±0.38-1.85 ±0.07) Bq/l for 232 Th, while 40 k ranged between (7.24±0.52 -38.49±1.20)Bq/l, respectively. The results obtained from the samples of water were below the safe and standard limits established by UNSCEAR, with the exception of one site due to their geological nature. Radium activity equivalents (Raeq), Absorbed dose rate in the air (D𝜸), effective dose rate per year, and the gamma radiation level index (I𝜸) were calculated to investigate their harmful characters. Radiological hazard indicators appeared to be below the international permissible rate. The current study's findings can be used to provide essential basic data for future epidemiological investigations and surveillance programs in the study area.