Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia

Nigus Alene Assefa; Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam

doi:doi:10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

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Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia

Nigus Alene Assefa^*, Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam

Published in Radiation Science and Technology (Volume 10, Issue 2)

Received: 11 March 2024 Accepted: 26 March 2024 Published: 11 April 2024

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Abstract

The predominant source of radiation exposure for the global population is natural radiation, originating from radioactive elements present in the Earth's soil, air, and water. These elements, such as uranium, radium, and radon, have existed since the planet's formation. Prolonged exposure, particularly in specific geographic locations, significantly contributes to radiation risks for populations. Exposure routes include inhaling radon gas, ingesting radioactive substances in food and water, and direct exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. While natural radiation exposure generally remains within safe limits, certain factors can elevate risks, such as geological formations rich in radioactive minerals or proximity to nuclear facilities. Environmental conditions and geological factors can also influence radiation levels, leading to fluctuations in exposure risks. Monitoring and regulating radiation exposure are crucial to prevent surpassing permissible levels, which can result in health hazards like an increased risk of cancer. Effective management requires ongoing research, stringent regulations, and public awareness efforts to mitigate the risks associated with natural radiation exposure and protect public health. Effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adigrat in Tigrai state of Ethiopia were experimentally measured by ‘‘Sealed Can Technique’’ using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The values of effective radium content were found to vary from16.11 Bq/kg to 34.24 Bq/kg with an average value of 25.93 Bq/kg and a standard deviation of 6.10. The mass and surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 1.61x10^-6 Bq kg^-1 d^-1 to 3.42 x10^-6 Bq kg^-1 d^-1 and 0.81x10^-4 Bq m^-2 d^-1 to 1.71x10^-4Bq m^-2 d^-1, respectively. The radium content in soil in the study area is below the permissible value of 370 Bq/kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Published in	Radiation Science and Technology (Volume 10, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
Page(s)	21-25
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

LR-115 Track Detector, Radium Content, Radon Exhalation Rate, Soil Samples

References

[1]	Deepak Verma • M. Shakir Khan • Mohd. Zubair (2012) Assessment of effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples, J Radioanal Nucl Chem https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-1694-1
[2]	Fleischer, R. L., “Isotopic disequilibrium of uranium: Alpha recoil damage and preferential solution effects”, Science 207, 1980, pp. 979-981. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.207.4434.979
[3]	B P Singh et al (2010), Study of radium and radon exhalation rate in some soil samples using solid state nuclear track detectors, Indian journal of pure and applied physics, Vol. 48 pp. 493-495.
[4]	R. P. Chauhan et al (2013) ESTIMATION OF DOSE CONTRIBUTION FROM 226Ra, 232Th and 40K AND RADON EXHALATION RATES IN SOIL SAMPLES FROM SHIVALIK FOOT HILLS IN INDIA, Radiation Protection Dosimetry (2013), pp. 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/nct190
[5]	Saad AF et’ al, radon exhalation from Libyan soil samples measured with the SSNTD technique. ApplRadiatIsot 2013; 72: 163–168.
[6]	Mahur AK, Khan MS, Naqvi AH, Prasad R, Azam A (2008) Radiat Measurements 43: S520–S522.
[7]	M. Shakir Khan, A. H. Naqvi1, A. Azam, D. S. Srivastava Radium and radon exhalation studies of soil, Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2011; 8(4): 207-210.
[8]	OECD (1979) Report by a group of expert of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris.
[9]	UNSCEAR. United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of atomic radiation. Effects and risks of ionizing radiations. (1988).
[10]	OECD, Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris, France, 1979.

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APA Style

Assefa, N. A., Gebremariam, T. H. (2024). Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia. Radiation Science and Technology, 10(2), 21-25. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

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ACS Style

Assefa, N. A.; Gebremariam, T. H. Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia. Radiat. Sci. Technol. 2024, 10(2), 21-25. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

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AMA Style

Assefa NA, Gebremariam TH. Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia. Radiat Sci Technol. 2024;10(2):21-25. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

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@article{10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11,
  author = {Nigus Alene Assefa and Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam},
  title = {Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia
},
  journal = {Radiation Science and Technology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {21-25},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rst.20241002.11},
  abstract = {The predominant source of radiation exposure for the global population is natural radiation, originating from radioactive elements present in the Earth's soil, air, and water. These elements, such as uranium, radium, and radon, have existed since the planet's formation. Prolonged exposure, particularly in specific geographic locations, significantly contributes to radiation risks for populations. Exposure routes include inhaling radon gas, ingesting radioactive substances in food and water, and direct exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. While natural radiation exposure generally remains within safe limits, certain factors can elevate risks, such as geological formations rich in radioactive minerals or proximity to nuclear facilities. Environmental conditions and geological factors can also influence radiation levels, leading to fluctuations in exposure risks. Monitoring and regulating radiation exposure are crucial to prevent surpassing permissible levels, which can result in health hazards like an increased risk of cancer. Effective management requires ongoing research, stringent regulations, and public awareness efforts to mitigate the risks associated with natural radiation exposure and protect public health. Effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adigrat in Tigrai state of Ethiopia were experimentally measured by ‘‘Sealed Can Technique’’ using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The values of effective radium content were found to vary from16.11 Bq/kg to 34.24 Bq/kg with an average value of 25.93 Bq/kg and a standard deviation of 6.10. The mass and surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 1.61x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 to 3.42 x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 and 0.81x10-4 Bq m-2 d-1 to 1.71x10-4Bq m-2 d-1, respectively. The radium content in soil in the study area is below the permissible value of 370 Bq/kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia

AU  - Nigus Alene Assefa
AU  - Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam
Y1  - 2024/04/11
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
T2  - Radiation Science and Technology
JF  - Radiation Science and Technology
JO  - Radiation Science and Technology
SP  - 21
EP  - 25
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5943
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
AB  - The predominant source of radiation exposure for the global population is natural radiation, originating from radioactive elements present in the Earth's soil, air, and water. These elements, such as uranium, radium, and radon, have existed since the planet's formation. Prolonged exposure, particularly in specific geographic locations, significantly contributes to radiation risks for populations. Exposure routes include inhaling radon gas, ingesting radioactive substances in food and water, and direct exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. While natural radiation exposure generally remains within safe limits, certain factors can elevate risks, such as geological formations rich in radioactive minerals or proximity to nuclear facilities. Environmental conditions and geological factors can also influence radiation levels, leading to fluctuations in exposure risks. Monitoring and regulating radiation exposure are crucial to prevent surpassing permissible levels, which can result in health hazards like an increased risk of cancer. Effective management requires ongoing research, stringent regulations, and public awareness efforts to mitigate the risks associated with natural radiation exposure and protect public health. Effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adigrat in Tigrai state of Ethiopia were experimentally measured by ‘‘Sealed Can Technique’’ using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The values of effective radium content were found to vary from16.11 Bq/kg to 34.24 Bq/kg with an average value of 25.93 Bq/kg and a standard deviation of 6.10. The mass and surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 1.61x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 to 3.42 x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 and 0.81x10-4 Bq m-2 d-1 to 1.71x10-4Bq m-2 d-1, respectively. The radium content in soil in the study area is below the permissible value of 370 Bq/kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Nigus Alene Assefa

Department of Physics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia

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Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam

Department of Physics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Assefa, N. A., Gebremariam, T. H. (2024). Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia. Radiation Science and Technology, 10(2), 21-25. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

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ACS Style

Assefa, N. A.; Gebremariam, T. H. Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia. Radiat. Sci. Technol. 2024, 10(2), 21-25. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

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AMA Style

Assefa NA, Gebremariam TH. Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia. Radiat Sci Technol. 2024;10(2):21-25. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11,
  author = {Nigus Alene Assefa and Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam},
  title = {Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia
},
  journal = {Radiation Science and Technology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {21-25},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rst.20241002.11},
  abstract = {The predominant source of radiation exposure for the global population is natural radiation, originating from radioactive elements present in the Earth's soil, air, and water. These elements, such as uranium, radium, and radon, have existed since the planet's formation. Prolonged exposure, particularly in specific geographic locations, significantly contributes to radiation risks for populations. Exposure routes include inhaling radon gas, ingesting radioactive substances in food and water, and direct exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. While natural radiation exposure generally remains within safe limits, certain factors can elevate risks, such as geological formations rich in radioactive minerals or proximity to nuclear facilities. Environmental conditions and geological factors can also influence radiation levels, leading to fluctuations in exposure risks. Monitoring and regulating radiation exposure are crucial to prevent surpassing permissible levels, which can result in health hazards like an increased risk of cancer. Effective management requires ongoing research, stringent regulations, and public awareness efforts to mitigate the risks associated with natural radiation exposure and protect public health. Effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adigrat in Tigrai state of Ethiopia were experimentally measured by ‘‘Sealed Can Technique’’ using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The values of effective radium content were found to vary from16.11 Bq/kg to 34.24 Bq/kg with an average value of 25.93 Bq/kg and a standard deviation of 6.10. The mass and surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 1.61x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 to 3.42 x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 and 0.81x10-4 Bq m-2 d-1 to 1.71x10-4Bq m-2 d-1, respectively. The radium content in soil in the study area is below the permissible value of 370 Bq/kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Measurement of Effective Radium Content and Radon Exhalation Rates in Soil Samples of Adigrat, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia

AU  - Nigus Alene Assefa
AU  - Tsigabu Hailemariam Gebremariam
Y1  - 2024/04/11
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
T2  - Radiation Science and Technology
JF  - Radiation Science and Technology
JO  - Radiation Science and Technology
SP  - 21
EP  - 25
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5943
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20241002.11
AB  - The predominant source of radiation exposure for the global population is natural radiation, originating from radioactive elements present in the Earth's soil, air, and water. These elements, such as uranium, radium, and radon, have existed since the planet's formation. Prolonged exposure, particularly in specific geographic locations, significantly contributes to radiation risks for populations. Exposure routes include inhaling radon gas, ingesting radioactive substances in food and water, and direct exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. While natural radiation exposure generally remains within safe limits, certain factors can elevate risks, such as geological formations rich in radioactive minerals or proximity to nuclear facilities. Environmental conditions and geological factors can also influence radiation levels, leading to fluctuations in exposure risks. Monitoring and regulating radiation exposure are crucial to prevent surpassing permissible levels, which can result in health hazards like an increased risk of cancer. Effective management requires ongoing research, stringent regulations, and public awareness efforts to mitigate the risks associated with natural radiation exposure and protect public health. Effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adigrat in Tigrai state of Ethiopia were experimentally measured by ‘‘Sealed Can Technique’’ using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors. The values of effective radium content were found to vary from16.11 Bq/kg to 34.24 Bq/kg with an average value of 25.93 Bq/kg and a standard deviation of 6.10. The mass and surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 1.61x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 to 3.42 x10-6 Bq kg-1 d-1 and 0.81x10-4 Bq m-2 d-1 to 1.71x10-4Bq m-2 d-1, respectively. The radium content in soil in the study area is below the permissible value of 370 Bq/kg as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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