Radiological Assessment of Gross Alpha and Beta Activities in Groundwater and Associated Health Risks in Central Saudi Arabia

IF 0.9 Q4 CHEMISTRY, INORGANIC & NUCLEAR

Radiochemistry Pub Date : 2026-07-17 DOI:10.1134/S1066362226030148

S. Alashrah, A. El-Taher

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study presents an assessment of gross alpha and beta radioactivity levels in groundwater samples collected from the Al-Gwaa region in central Saudi Arabia and evaluates the associated radiological health risks. A total of 19 groundwater samples were collected from wells and analyzed using a low-background gas proportional alpha/beta counting system. The measured gross alpha activity concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 1.68 Bq/L with an average value of 0.55 Bq/L, while gross beta activities varied from 0.16 to 2.70 Bq/L with a mean value of 0.86 Bq/L. Several groundwater samples exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended screening levels of 0.1 Bq/L for gross alpha and 1.0 Bq/L for gross beta activities. Total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged between 312 and 3350 mg/L with an average value of 817 mg/L, indicating elevated mineralization in some groundwater sources. The calculated annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values revealed that some sampling locations may pose potential radiological health risks due to long-term groundwater consumption. The elevated radioactivity levels are mainly attributed to naturally occurring radionuclides associated with the geological formations of the aquifer system studied. Continuous radiological monitoring and detailed radionuclide investigations are therefore recommended to ensure groundwater safety in the region.

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沙特阿拉伯中部地下水中总α和β活性及相关健康风险的放射评估

本研究对从沙特阿拉伯中部Al-Gwaa地区收集的地下水样本中的总α和β放射性水平进行了评估，并评估了相关的放射性健康风险。采用低本底气体比例alpha/beta计数系统对19个地下水样品进行了分析。总α活性浓度为0.12 ~ 1.68 Bq/L，平均值为0.55 Bq/L；总β活性浓度为0.16 ~ 2.70 Bq/L，平均值为0.86 Bq/L。一些地下水样本超过了世界卫生组织（世卫组织）建议的筛查水平，即总α活性为0.1 Bq/L，总β活性为1.0 Bq/L。总溶解固形物（TDS）在312 ~ 3350 mg/L之间，平均值为817 mg/L，表明部分地下水矿化度升高。计算的年有效剂量（AED）和超额终身癌症风险（ELCR）值显示，一些采样地点由于长期饮用地下水可能构成潜在的放射性健康风险。放射性水平升高主要是由于与所研究的含水层系统的地质构造有关的自然产生的放射性核素。因此，建议进行持续的放射性监测和详细的放射性核素调查，以确保该地区的地下水安全。

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来源期刊

Radiochemistry CHEMISTRY, INORGANIC & NUCLEAR-

CiteScore

1.30

自引率

33.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： Radiochemistry is a journal that covers the theoretical and applied aspects of radiochemistry, including basic nuclear physical properties of radionuclides; chemistry of radioactive elements and their compounds; the occurrence and behavior of natural and artificial radionuclides in the environment; nuclear fuel cycle; radiochemical analysis methods and devices; production and isolation of radionuclides, synthesis of labeled compounds, new applications of radioactive tracers; radiochemical aspects of nuclear medicine; radiation chemistry and after-effects of nuclear transformations.