Abstract

Estimated the Concentration of Radon in Drinking Water in Selected Samples from the University of Babylon / Iraq

Author(s): Inaam H. Kadhim and Khalid H. Hatif

Radon is a radioactive noble gas of a natural origin. It is worthy to carry out the distribution of radon (222Rn) activity concentration and their annual effective dose exposure in drinking water samples from University of Babylon (100 Km) south of capital Baghdad. Water samples were collected before and after winter season and analysed using RAD7 connected to a RAD-H2O accessory. The measured radon concentration ranges from (0.072 Bq.L-1) in W7 (Physical Education) to (0.325 Bq.L-1) in W2 (Basic Education College) with an mean value of (0.183 Bq.L-1). The measured values of radon concentration are well in the range within the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level of (11.1Bq.L-1). The total annual effective dose resulting from radon in drinking water were (1.74 μSv.y-1) significantly lower than the (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation UNSCEAR recommended limit for members of the public of (1 mSv.y-1). It has been chosen this subject of the current study of the importance of water in human life and living, and the lack of previous studies in the study area. The measured values for sample water from the study area suggested that the area is safe and there is no significant threat to the population as per as radon concentration is concerned.