Measurement of Some Natural Radioactive Isotopes Concentrations in Soil Samples in the Northern Part of West Bank - Palestine

Abstract

In this specific study, the concentration of radon, radium content, and annual effective dose were meticulously measured and calculated utilizing solid-state nuclear track detectors (CR-39). The research was centered on soil samples extracted from diverse locations in the northern regions of the West Bank, Palestine. A comprehensive set of 40 soil samples was systematically collected from Tulkarm, Jenin, and Tubas Governorates. The average concentrations of 222Rn and 226Ra in Tulkarm, Jenin, and Tubas governorates were found to be 505.2 Bq/m³ and 22.0 Bq/kg; 528.4 Bq/m³ and 23.1 Bq/kg; and 515.3 Bq/m³ and 22.5 Bq/kg, respectively. Calculating the overall total average effective dose for these governorates yielded values of 17.5, 18.3, and 17.8 mSv/year, respectively. These values slightly exceed the action levels (3-10 mSv/year) recommended by ICRP-1993. It's noteworthy that the measurements established in this study provide a foundational database of activity levels, serving as a reference for future studies assessing the potential impacts of events to come.