Health Risk Assessment and Statistical Analysis of Natural Radionuclides in Sediments of Zab River, Iraq
Hiwa Mohammad Qadr
Abstract
Natural radionuclide concentrations were measured in thirteen surface sediment samples collected from Northern Iraq of the Zab River. NORMs’ activity was measured using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The results showed that the mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 22.2, 16.9, and 401.5 Bq kg−1, respectively. These results were less than the acceptable limits recommended by UNSCEAR. The radiological health risk parameters of the sediment samples were found to be within internationally accepted safety limits, suggesting that the surveyed area does not pose a radiological hazard. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the associations between the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K as well as their corresponding radiological hazard parameters. These findings provide valuable baseline data to support public health initiatives and the development of effective natural radioactivity management strategies in Iraq.