Determination of Natural Radioactivity: A Case Study in Wadi Muhrim, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

present work assess the dose rates and risk impact of the concentration of natural radioactivity for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 222Rn, 228Ra and 40K and cosmic ray to create rules and regulations concerning habitat, agriculture products and building materials from these areas as well as keep data records and radiological maps of the area, in order to ascertain possible changes in the environmental radioactivity in future. Saudi Arabia's population has grown dramatically over the last few decades, increasing demand for housing land. Some residents, such as those in the Taif region's Wadi Muhrim area, chose to build their homes among mountains and valleys. Some of these locations have extremely high levels of natural radioactivity in the soil and rocks. This radioactivity originates naturally from 235U, 238U and 232Th series, natural 40K, gas 222Rn and its radioactive progeny; while cosmic rays mostly come from the Galaxy's and extragalactic disk. Recent investigations have been carried out in the area to follow-up and to conduct case-control studies for these radio-ecological elements. To identify the areas with the highest radiation levels, the author conducted research and created radiological maps for the soil, water, and air in the region. To design rules and regulations governing habitat, agricultural products, and the use of building materials from these places, investigations included dosage assessments on the public health. It will be very useful to perform the same study in other areas in the kingdom with similar geology pattern in order to have a complement and complete conclusion for the findings in our study.