Measurement of Radon Concentrations and the Effective Radium Contents in Different Types of Water Samples Collected From Jericho and Al Aghwar Governorate- Palestine

Abstract

The study conducted in Jericho and Al Aghwar Governorate, Palestine, aimed to assess the concentrations of Radon (²²²Rn) and Radium contents (²²⁶Ra) in 54 drinking water samples collected from various sites. The can technique, utilizing Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs) with CR-39 detectors, was employed for the measurements. The average radon concentration ranges from 228.9 (0.23) to 2260.3 Bq/m³ (2.26 Bq/ℓ) with a total average value of 875.7 Bq/m³ (0.88 Bq/ℓ). The average value of radium contents varied from 11.1 Bq/kg to 110.1 Bq/kg with a total average value of 42.6 Bq/kg. The recorded concentrations ^{of 222}Rn were found to be below the action levels established by both US EPA and EU recommendations, which are set at 11 Bq/ℓ and 100 Bq/ℓ, respectively. However, it is important to note that these concentrations exceeded the maximum acceptable limit specified by the WHO, which is documented as 0.4 Bq/ℓ (400 Bq/m³). Consequently, the study concludes that consuming water from the investigated area, either for drinking or cooking, is deemed safe and does not pose significant health risks.