Measurement of Uranium ²³⁸U And Radium 226Ra Concentration In Arabian Gulf Seawater At Raas Al-Besha/ Basra، Iraq

Abstract

The present work investigated the levels of uranium-238 and radium-226 in seawater samples collected from the coastal region of the Arabian Gulf at Raas Al-Besha, Basra, Iraq. The study aimed to evaluate whether the measured concentrations comply with internationally accepted safety standards. Thirty seawater samples were analyzed; measurements were performed using CR-39 [SSNTDs]. The findings revealed significant spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations. Uranium concentrations ranged between 0.00258 ppm and 0.00442 ppm, while radium concentrations varied from 0.00185 Bq·kg⁻¹ to 0.00318 Bq·kg⁻¹. The results were compared with the globally accepted standards and discussed. According to International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidelines, the majority of the measured values were within the internationally permissible limits. A significant correlation was observed between uranium and radium concentrations in the studied samples. This work provides the baseline dataset for distribution of radium and uranium in seawater at the investigated sites using CR-39 detector techniques. It also demonstrates the applicability of this technique compared with other methods used for measuring radionuclide concentrations in water. The results may serve as a reference for future radiological assessment in this region.