Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Assessment of Annual effective Dose for Different Age Groups based on Radon Concentrations in the Groundwater of Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors
Atef M. El-Taher 1
Ali Abid Abojassim 2
Laith Ahmed Najam 3
Hussien Abid Ali Bakir Mraity 2
1 Al Azhar University, Faculty of Science, Physics Department, Assuit, Egypt
2 University of Kufa, Faculty of Science, Physics Department, Al Najaf, IRAQ
3 University of Mosul, Faculty of Science, Physics Department, Mosul, IRAQ
10.22038/ijmp.2019.37379.1476
Abstract
Introduction: Given that the groundwater is a radon contaminated and used as a source for drinking water, then measuring the amount contamination is of high necessity.
Material and Methods: The measurement was performed using RAD-7 detector.
Results: The measured radon concentration values ranged 1.20-15.43 Bq/l with the mean of 5.18±0.39 Bq/l. The estimated total annual effective doses based on radon concentrations in drinking water were within the range of 6.34-81.62 µSv/y for infants, 2.34-30.04 µSv/y for children, and 3.07-39.42 µSv/y for adults. Moreover, the corresponding mean values were estimated at 27.41±2.06, 10.08±0.76, and 13.23±0.99 µSv/y, respectively.
Conclusion: The total annual effective dose in all samples were within the global average level of ingestion exposure dose value (0.1 mSv/y from radon concentrations) reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiations. Therefore, there are no risks for the consumption of these water samples.  
Keywords
Radon concentrations
ground water
annual effective dose
Qassim
Saudi Arabia
Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
January and February 2020
Pages 15-20

  • Receive Date 04 March 2019
  • Revise Date 23 April 2019
  • Accept Date 24 April 2019