Statistical analysis, spatial distribution, and radiation hazard assessment of environmental radionuclides in soils of the mountains around Koya District, Iraq
摘要
This study is an attempt to determine natural radioactivity levels in soils collected from the mountains surrounding the Koya District in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq. A portable radioisotope identifier was used for gamma-ray detection from the sampling points to avoid random sample collection. Surface soil samples were taken based on the level of gamma ray detection from the sample locations. A high-resolution detector was used to measure radionuclide content of the samples. The obtained results ranged from 11.49 to 90.32 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 18.15 to 106.8 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and 51.59 to 817.9 Bq kg−1 for 40 K. Additionally, the radiation hazard parameters were calculated. The average values of absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were found to be higher than the permissible limits. The distribution of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K in the soils of the study area was visually depicted by spatial distribution maps. In addition, the correlation between radionuclides and radiological risk metrics was investigated using a multivariate statistical approach. The results showed that the soils of the Bawajy and Bnabawe mountains present a moderate radiation risk due to moderately high levels of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K.