EVALUATION OF RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN GROUNDWATER OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE

Background: This research's primary objective is to determine the Radon concentration in groundwater in the Gaza Strip's southern governorates. Materials and Methods : Groundwater samples were collected from twenty-five wells, and Radon concentrations were measured as part of water quality. These samples were taken from the municipal wells in the southern governorates of the Gaza Strip (Rafah and Khanyonis) of the Gaza strip. CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors of good quality were used in this survey. Two Detectors were placed inside each water sample. One CR-39 detector was immersed in the water, and the other is in the lid of the container facing the water sample. The detectors were left for 120 days (from April to the middle of August) to allow Radon gas to reach an equilibrium level. The detectors were then collected and chemically etched. Each detector was counted visually using an Optical microscope with a power of (40 x 10), and the number of tracks determined. Results: Findings showed that the Radon levels in the Rafah area ranged between 58 and 154 Bq/m 3 with an average value of 102.4 Bq/m 3 . The average standard deviation (S.D.) is 32.7 and in Khanyonis area ranges of values between 22 and 132 Bq/m 3 with an average weight of 47.8 Bq/m 3 , the average standard deviation of 31.9. This variation of levels is mainly due to the difference in rock type, soil type, and area's geology. Conclusion: More investigation and drawing maps for the radiation pollution in groundwater in the Gaza Strip is required.