Determination of 222Rn activity in the sediments of Basrah Governorate marshes (Iraq) using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs)

Abstract

Radon activity concentration levels were measured in the sediments of Basrah Governorate marshes, Iraq. There included Al-Qurna marsh and Al-Mediena marsh. The selected areas were chosen according to civilian population. CR-39 and LR-115 type 2 detectors in a cylindrical plastic container technique used in this investigation. Maximum activity of radon levels (18329 Bq m-3) observed in Al-Hyader sediments and minimum levels (1769 Bq m-3) were observed in Umelha both samples from Al-Mediena marshes. While in all sediments of Al-Qurna marsh, the activity of radon were found between (10740-1985) Bq m-3 which are in natural limits according to (ICRP). The anomalous values of activity of sediments in some stations were discussed .