Influence of Soil Types on the Radon Exhalation Rate from Soil Samples Collected in the Central Regions of Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq

IJEP 45(12): 1082-1091 : Vol. 45 Issue. 12 (December 2025)

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Ahmed Kadhim Khayoon1,2 and Murtadha Sh. Aswood1*

1. University of Al-Qadisiyah, Department of Physics, College of Education, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
2. Dhi-Qar Directorate of Education, Ministry of Education, Dhi-Qar, Iraq

Abstract

Radon levels were measured in 59 soil samples collected from the center of Dhi-Qar Governorate using a CR-39 detector. The results showed that the average radon concentration in the samples was 7.07±1.21 Bq/m³. Soil types in the study area were identified to assess their impact on radon levels. Three soil types were found: loam, sandy loam and clay loam. The highest radon levels, ranging from 6.39-251.08 Bq/m³, were observed in loam soil, which made-up about 50% of the samples. Sandy loam soil had radon levels between 40.57-142.69 Bq/m³, representing approximately 30% of samples. Clay loam soil showed radon levels from 12.67-105.01 Bq/m³, accounting for about 20% of the samples. The surface exhalation rate (Es) averaged 1.01E-4±6.09E-4 Bq/kg hr. The average exhaled mass rate was 3.04E-6±1.48E-5 Bq/kg hr. The annual effective dose was calculated to be 0.02±0.22 mSv/y. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection, these results are within normal limits for radiation exposure. Therefore, there is no risk to the residents of these areas.

Keywords

Radon, CR-39 detector, Soil types, Dhi-Qar Governorate

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