Measurement of Uranium and Radium Concentrations in Sediments of the Arabian Gulf Coast in the Raas Al-Besha Area, Basra- Iraq

Abstract

The present work investigated the levels of uranium (238U) and radium (226Ra) in sediment samples collected from the coastal region of the Arabian Gulf at Raas Al-Besha, Basrah, Iraq. The main aim was to evaluate whether the detected concentrations comply with internationally accepted safety standards. Thirty-six sediment samples were collected from various sampling points, and measurements were performed using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors.

The findings revealed noticeable spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations. Uranium concentrations ranged between 8.587 ppm and 18.340 ppm, while radium concentrations varied from 6.177 Bq·kg⁻¹ to 13.192 Bq·kg⁻¹. Results were discussed and compared with the internationally recommended approved values. According to ICRP guidelines, the majority of the measured values were elevated. A significant correlation was observed between uranium and radium concentrations in the studied samples. This work provides the first baseline dataset for uranium and radium distribution in sediments at the investigated sites using CR-39 detection techniques, and the results of the study can serve as a reference for future radiological assessments.