Measurements of natural radioactivity in soil samples around Kufa cement factory sites in Najaf governorate, Iraq

This research focuses on the study of 40K, 238U, and 232Th in a specific area at Kufa Cement Factory Sites in Najaf Governorate, Iraq using the γ-ray spectrometry scintillation detector NaI(Tl).

Samples of soil were collected from locations around the Kufa cement factory in Najaf city of Iraq that are about 10 km2  away from the center of Najaf city. They were analyzed to set the concentrations of natural radioactivity samples of 40K,238U and 232Th.

The specific activity values of 40k, 238U and 232Th varied from (378.54±11.39 to 2404.27±26.13)Bq/kg, (15.51±5.88 to 106.08±7.35) Bq/kg and (1.80±3.41 to78.19±3.05) Bq/kg continually.

Results demonstrate that the convergences of radiation and doses due to radionuclides in the overviewed area are higher than the safety field of the worldwide average (UNSCAR 2000). Almost all of the radiological parameters are inconsequential to cause any dangerous health problems to people living in the area.