The Arabian Gulf region is moving towards a nuclear energy option with the first nuclear power pl... more The Arabian Gulf region is moving towards a nuclear energy option with the first nuclear power plant now operational in Bushehr, Iran, and others soon to be constructed in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Radiological safety is becoming a prime concern in the region. This study compiles available data and presents recent radionuclide data for the northern Gulf waters, considered as pre-nuclear which will be a valuable dataset for future monitoring work in this region. Radionuclide monitoring in the marine environment is a matter of prime concern for Kuwait, and an assessment of the potential impact of radionuclides requires the establishment and regular updating of baseline levels of artificial and natural radionuclides in various environmental compartments. Here we present baseline measurements for (210)Po, (210)Pb, (137)Cs, (90)Sr, and (3)H in Kuwait waters. The seawater concentration of (3)H, (210)Po, (210)Pb, (137)Cs, and (90)Sr vary between 130-146, 0.48-0.68, 0.75-0.89, 1.25-1.38 and 0.57-0.78 mBq L(-1), respectively. The (40)K concentration in seawater varies between 8.9-9.3 Bq L(-1). The concentration of (40)K, total (210)Pb, (137)Cs, (90)Sr, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (238)U, (235)U, (234)U, (239+240)Pu and (238)Pu were determined in sediments and range, respectively, between 353-445, 23.6-44.3, 1.0-3.1, 4.8-5.29, 17.3-20.5, 15-16.4, 28.7-31.4, 1.26-1.30, 29.7-30.0, 0.045-0.21 and 0.028-0.03 Bq kg(-1) dry weight. Since, radionuclides are concentrated in marine biota, a large number of marine biota samples covering several trophic levels, from microalgae to sharks, were analyzed. The whole fish concentration of (40)K, (226)Ra, (224)Ra, (228)Ra, (137)Cs, (210)Po and (90)Sr range between 230-447, 0.7-7.3, <0.5-6.6, <0.5-15.80, <0.17, 0.88-4.26 and 1.86-5.34 Bq kg(-1) dry weight, respectively. (210)Po was found to be highly concentrated in several marine organisms with the highest (210)Po concentration found in Marica marmorata (193.5-215.6 Bq kg(-1) dry weight). (210)Po in most dissected fish samples shows increasing concentrations in the following order: edible tissue, gills, digestive system, liver and fecal matter. Fish fecal pellets had (210)Po concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than the seawater, fish muscle, and the fishes' ingested food. The high (210)Po concentration in fish fecal matter, suggest that the bulk of (210)Po content in fish was eventually excreted back into the environment as fecal pellets. In most fish high concentrations were noted in liver, with the highest (210)Po concentration recorded in shark liver (126.2-141.5 Bq kg(-1) wet). Moreover, (210)Po concentration in the soft tissue of molluscs (10.36-215.60 Bq kg(-1) dry weight) was far higher than that in fish muscle (0.05-7.49 Bq kg(-1) wet weight). A seasonal drop in (210)Po concentration in seawater was observed to vary with the abundance of phytoplankton and macroalgae due possibly to biological dilution. (137)Cs concentration in all the fish sampled was below the detection limit, and the concentration in seawater was also low; hence such low levels provide an opportunity to use this radionuclide as an indicator for any future radiocesium releases in this region.
Using 30 years of satellite observations, two sand and dust storms (SDS) source locations (hotspo... more Using 30 years of satellite observations, two sand and dust storms (SDS) source locations (hotspots) were detected on the southern side of the Mesopotamian Flood Plain. Around 40 million people in the region are affected by the two hotspots, including populations in Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Emirates. Both hotspots encompass roughly 8212 km2 and contribute 11% to 85% in 2005 and 2021, respectively, of the total SDS in the region. Dust physical (particle surface area and size percentages) and chemical (mineralogy, major and trace elements, and radionuclides) properties show close similarities between source and downwind samples during SDS originated solely from the two hotspots. Deposited dust size particles show a finning trend towards the north in the Middle East compared to the south. A comprehensive assessment of the chemical and physical properties of soil and dust samples was conducted as an essential step in developing and implementing a mitigation ...
Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous ... more Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous monitoring of the concentration of natural and anthropogenic radioisotopes is of the utmost importance in the estimation of an individual’s received dose. In order to evaluate the radiological safety of locally sourced desalinated water and seafood, the activity concentrations of Cesium-137 (137Cs), Uranium-234 (234U), and Uranium-238 (238U) in Kuwait Bay seawater were measured. Ten 25-L seawater samples were collected from Kuwait Bay and underwent radiochemical analysis. 137Cs levels in the samples were determined by the Ammonium Molybdenum Phosphate (AMP) co-precipitation method, followed by gamma spectrometry measurement. 234U and 238U levels were determined by a radiochemical separation using anion exchange chromatography, followed by an alpha spectrometry measurement. The levels of 137Cs, 234U, and 238U in Kuwait Bay are considered low and comparable to other regional marine water l...
The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn a... more The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn and its progenies 210Pb, 210Po, and 214Pb were measured in the ground surface air in the urban area of the northern Arabian Gulf close to Kuwait Bay. A high-volume air sampler connected with a five-stage cascade impactor was used to collect approximately 1800 cubic meter weekly for a period of one year. The concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po varied from 0.35 to 1.65 mBq m-3 and from 0.23 to 3.2 mBq m-3, respectively; the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was close to one. The average concentration of 7Be was 6.24 mBq m-3, ranging from 3 to 10 mBq m-3. The temporal variations of 210Pb, 210Po and 7Be showed maximum concentrations of 210Po and 7Be in occurred summer months. The observed excess of 210Po concentrations can be attributed to the local and long-range transport of suspended dust with 210Pb and 210Po in radioactive equilibrium state, oil industry emissions, local resuspended dust and the sea-salt-aerosols from the Arabian Gulf. The range of the residence time estimation using the 222Rn/210Pb and 214Pb/210Pb activity ratio methods ranged from three to five days. Moreover, the estimated residence time by the application of 7Be from the activity median aerodynamic diameter method was 4.2 days. The method of using the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was invalid because of the excess 210Po sources of anthropogenic origin. Therefore, extensive accurate diurnal measurements of 214Pb and 222Rn can be applied in hot arid regions for better aerosols residence time estimation.
In this research the activity of radon gas in air in Baghad governorate,Iraq, using “alpha-emitte... more In this research the activity of radon gas in air in Baghad governorate,Iraq, using “alpha-emitters track registration (CR-39) track detector were measured. This measurement was done for selected areas from Baghdad Governorate, The results obtained shows that the highest average concentrations for Rn-222 is (179.077 Bq/m^3) which was recorded within Al-Shaaib city and less average concentrations was (15.79 Bq/m^3) in the nearby residential area of Baghdad International Airport and the overall average concentrations is (86.508 Bq/m^3) for these regions. Then the radon concentration was measured annual effective dose calculated from radon concentration and found in range from 0.4031 mSv/y to 4.5179 mSv /y with an average value of 2.1824 mSv/y. The annual effective dose of radon was within the allowed international limits.
Journal of the American Heart Association, Jan 15, 2018
The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. ... more The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. Although particulate matter (PM) has been linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and elevated blood pressure (BP), the properties promoting its toxicity remain uncertain. Addressing a knowledge gap, we evaluated whether BP increased with higher exposures to radioactive components of ambient PM, herein referred to as particle radioactivity (PR). We performed a repeated-measures analysis of 852 men to examine associations between PR exposure and BP using mixed-effects regression models. As a surrogate for PR, we used gross β activity, measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency's radiation monitoring network. Higher PR exposure was associated with increases in both diastolic BP and systolic BP, for exposures from 1 to 28 days. An interquartile range increase in 28-day PR exposure was associated with a 2.95-mm Hg increase in diastolic BP (95% confidence interval, 2.25-...
Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous ... more Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous monitoring of the concentration of natural and anthropogenic radioisotopes is of the utmost importance in the estimation of an individual’s received dose. In order to evaluate the radiological safety of locally sourced desalinated water and seafood, the activity concentrations of Cesium-137 (137Cs), Uranium-234 (234U), and Uranium-238 (238U) in Kuwait Bay seawater were measured. Ten 25-L seawater samples were collected from Kuwait Bay and underwent radiochemical analysis. 137Cs levels in the samples were determined by the Ammonium Molybdenum Phosphate (AMP) co-precipitation method, followed by gamma spectrometry measurement. 234U and 238U levels were determined by a radiochemical separation using anion exchange chromatography, followed by an alpha spectrometry measurement. The levels of 137Cs, 234U, and 238U in Kuwait Bay are considered low and comparable to other regional marine water l...
Journal of the American Heart Association, Jan 15, 2018
The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. ... more The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. Although particulate matter (PM) has been linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and elevated blood pressure (BP), the properties promoting its toxicity remain uncertain. Addressing a knowledge gap, we evaluated whether BP increased with higher exposures to radioactive components of ambient PM, herein referred to as particle radioactivity (PR). We performed a repeated-measures analysis of 852 men to examine associations between PR exposure and BP using mixed-effects regression models. As a surrogate for PR, we used gross β activity, measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency's radiation monitoring network. Higher PR exposure was associated with increases in both diastolic BP and systolic BP, for exposures from 1 to 28 days. An interquartile range increase in 28-day PR exposure was associated with a 2.95-mm Hg increase in diastolic BP (95% confidence interval, 2.25-...
The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activ... more The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activity, in terms of commissioning of nuclear power plants, desalination facilities, oil refineries and extensive coastal development. Furthermore, three wars during the past three decades is a potential worry. This study presents the first plutonium baseline in seawater from the Northern Arabian Gulf. The 239+240Pu concentrations in seawater vary, between 2.9 and 4.9mBqm-3, a range that is comparable to other water masses at this latitude. The 238Pu ranged between 0.04 and 0.05mBqm-3 and the 137Cs concentration between 1.04 and 1.18Bqm-3. The ratio of 238Pu/239+240Pu at all eight sampling stations was 0.01, while the ratio of 239+240Pu/137Cs varied between 0.01 and 0.02. The presence of 137Cs and 239+240Pu in seawater from this region can mainly be attributed to the global atmospheric deposition and fluvial transport. The seawater concentration of 239+240Pu is five order of magnitude lower than bottom sediments in the area.
The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activ... more The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activity, in terms of commissioning of nuclear power plants, desalination facilities, oil refineries and extensive coastal development. Furthermore, three wars during the past three decades is a potential worry. This study presents the first plutonium baseline in seawater from the Northern Arabian Gulf. The 239+240Pu concentrations in seawater vary, between 2.9 and 4.9mBqm-3, a range that is comparable to other water masses at this latitude. The 238Pu ranged between 0.04 and 0.05mBqm-3 and the 137Cs concentration between 1.04 and 1.18Bqm-3. The ratio of 238Pu/239+240Pu at all eight sampling stations was 0.01, while the ratio of 239+240Pu/137Cs varied between 0.01 and 0.02. The presence of 137Cs and 239+240Pu in seawater from this region can mainly be attributed to the global atmospheric deposition and fluvial transport. The seawater concentration of 239+240Pu is five order of magnitude lower than bottom sediments in the area.
The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn a... more The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn and its progenies 210Pb, 210Po, and 214Pb were measured in the ground surface air in the urban area of the northern Arabian Gulf close to Kuwait Bay. A high-volume air sampler connected with a five-stage cascade impactor was used to collect approximately 1800 cubic meter weekly for a period of one year. The concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po varied from 0.35 to 1.65 mBq m-3 and from 0.23 to 3.2 mBq m-3, respectively; the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was close to one. The average concentration of 7Be was 6.24 mBq m-3, ranging from 3 to 10 mBq m-3. The temporal variations of 210Pb, 210Po and 7Be showed maximum concentrations of 210Po and 7Be in occurred summer months. The observed excess of 210Po concentrations can be attributed to the local and long-range transport of suspended dust with 210Pb and 210Po in radioactive equilibrium state, oil industry emissions, local resuspended dust and the sea-salt-aerosols from the Arabian Gulf. The range of the residence time estimation using the 222Rn/210Pb and 214Pb/210Pb activity ratio methods ranged from three to five days. Moreover, the estimated residence time by the application of 7Be from the activity median aerodynamic diameter method was 4.2 days. The method of using the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was invalid because of the excess 210Po sources of anthropogenic origin. Therefore, extensive accurate diurnal measurements of 214Pb and 222Rn can be applied in hot arid regions for better aerosols residence time estimation.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Radionuclides in Dust Fallout. The depositional fluxes of th... more Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Radionuclides in Dust Fallout. The depositional fluxes of the natural radionuclides (40K, 210Pb, and 7Be) and the man-made radionuclides (137Cs) have been calculated using efficiency calibrated ultra-low background gamma spectrometry in nine sampling sites covering Kuwait. Maps showing high and low concentrations of radionuclides distribution among Kuwait.
The Arabian Gulf region is moving towards a nuclear energy option with the first nuclear power pl... more The Arabian Gulf region is moving towards a nuclear energy option with the first nuclear power plant now operational in Bushehr, Iran, and others soon to be constructed in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Radiological safety is becoming a prime concern in the region. This study compiles available data and presents recent radionuclide data for the northern Gulf waters, considered as pre-nuclear which will be a valuable dataset for future monitoring work in this region. Radionuclide monitoring in the marine environment is a matter of prime concern for Kuwait, and an assessment of the potential impact of radionuclides requires the establishment and regular updating of baseline levels of artificial and natural radionuclides in various environmental compartments. Here we present baseline measurements for (210)Po, (210)Pb, (137)Cs, (90)Sr, and (3)H in Kuwait waters. The seawater concentration of (3)H, (210)Po, (210)Pb, (137)Cs, and (90)Sr vary between 130-146, 0.48-0.68, 0.75-0.89, 1.25-1.38 and 0.57-0.78 mBq L(-1), respectively. The (40)K concentration in seawater varies between 8.9-9.3 Bq L(-1). The concentration of (40)K, total (210)Pb, (137)Cs, (90)Sr, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (238)U, (235)U, (234)U, (239+240)Pu and (238)Pu were determined in sediments and range, respectively, between 353-445, 23.6-44.3, 1.0-3.1, 4.8-5.29, 17.3-20.5, 15-16.4, 28.7-31.4, 1.26-1.30, 29.7-30.0, 0.045-0.21 and 0.028-0.03 Bq kg(-1) dry weight. Since, radionuclides are concentrated in marine biota, a large number of marine biota samples covering several trophic levels, from microalgae to sharks, were analyzed. The whole fish concentration of (40)K, (226)Ra, (224)Ra, (228)Ra, (137)Cs, (210)Po and (90)Sr range between 230-447, 0.7-7.3, <0.5-6.6, <0.5-15.80, <0.17, 0.88-4.26 and 1.86-5.34 Bq kg(-1) dry weight, respectively. (210)Po was found to be highly concentrated in several marine organisms with the highest (210)Po concentration found in Marica marmorata (193.5-215.6 Bq kg(-1) dry weight). (210)Po in most dissected fish samples shows increasing concentrations in the following order: edible tissue, gills, digestive system, liver and fecal matter. Fish fecal pellets had (210)Po concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than the seawater, fish muscle, and the fishes' ingested food. The high (210)Po concentration in fish fecal matter, suggest that the bulk of (210)Po content in fish was eventually excreted back into the environment as fecal pellets. In most fish high concentrations were noted in liver, with the highest (210)Po concentration recorded in shark liver (126.2-141.5 Bq kg(-1) wet). Moreover, (210)Po concentration in the soft tissue of molluscs (10.36-215.60 Bq kg(-1) dry weight) was far higher than that in fish muscle (0.05-7.49 Bq kg(-1) wet weight). A seasonal drop in (210)Po concentration in seawater was observed to vary with the abundance of phytoplankton and macroalgae due possibly to biological dilution. (137)Cs concentration in all the fish sampled was below the detection limit, and the concentration in seawater was also low; hence such low levels provide an opportunity to use this radionuclide as an indicator for any future radiocesium releases in this region.
Using 30 years of satellite observations, two sand and dust storms (SDS) source locations (hotspo... more Using 30 years of satellite observations, two sand and dust storms (SDS) source locations (hotspots) were detected on the southern side of the Mesopotamian Flood Plain. Around 40 million people in the region are affected by the two hotspots, including populations in Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Emirates. Both hotspots encompass roughly 8212 km2 and contribute 11% to 85% in 2005 and 2021, respectively, of the total SDS in the region. Dust physical (particle surface area and size percentages) and chemical (mineralogy, major and trace elements, and radionuclides) properties show close similarities between source and downwind samples during SDS originated solely from the two hotspots. Deposited dust size particles show a finning trend towards the north in the Middle East compared to the south. A comprehensive assessment of the chemical and physical properties of soil and dust samples was conducted as an essential step in developing and implementing a mitigation ...
Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous ... more Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous monitoring of the concentration of natural and anthropogenic radioisotopes is of the utmost importance in the estimation of an individual’s received dose. In order to evaluate the radiological safety of locally sourced desalinated water and seafood, the activity concentrations of Cesium-137 (137Cs), Uranium-234 (234U), and Uranium-238 (238U) in Kuwait Bay seawater were measured. Ten 25-L seawater samples were collected from Kuwait Bay and underwent radiochemical analysis. 137Cs levels in the samples were determined by the Ammonium Molybdenum Phosphate (AMP) co-precipitation method, followed by gamma spectrometry measurement. 234U and 238U levels were determined by a radiochemical separation using anion exchange chromatography, followed by an alpha spectrometry measurement. The levels of 137Cs, 234U, and 238U in Kuwait Bay are considered low and comparable to other regional marine water l...
The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn a... more The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn and its progenies 210Pb, 210Po, and 214Pb were measured in the ground surface air in the urban area of the northern Arabian Gulf close to Kuwait Bay. A high-volume air sampler connected with a five-stage cascade impactor was used to collect approximately 1800 cubic meter weekly for a period of one year. The concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po varied from 0.35 to 1.65 mBq m-3 and from 0.23 to 3.2 mBq m-3, respectively; the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was close to one. The average concentration of 7Be was 6.24 mBq m-3, ranging from 3 to 10 mBq m-3. The temporal variations of 210Pb, 210Po and 7Be showed maximum concentrations of 210Po and 7Be in occurred summer months. The observed excess of 210Po concentrations can be attributed to the local and long-range transport of suspended dust with 210Pb and 210Po in radioactive equilibrium state, oil industry emissions, local resuspended dust and the sea-salt-aerosols from the Arabian Gulf. The range of the residence time estimation using the 222Rn/210Pb and 214Pb/210Pb activity ratio methods ranged from three to five days. Moreover, the estimated residence time by the application of 7Be from the activity median aerodynamic diameter method was 4.2 days. The method of using the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was invalid because of the excess 210Po sources of anthropogenic origin. Therefore, extensive accurate diurnal measurements of 214Pb and 222Rn can be applied in hot arid regions for better aerosols residence time estimation.
In this research the activity of radon gas in air in Baghad governorate,Iraq, using “alpha-emitte... more In this research the activity of radon gas in air in Baghad governorate,Iraq, using “alpha-emitters track registration (CR-39) track detector were measured. This measurement was done for selected areas from Baghdad Governorate, The results obtained shows that the highest average concentrations for Rn-222 is (179.077 Bq/m^3) which was recorded within Al-Shaaib city and less average concentrations was (15.79 Bq/m^3) in the nearby residential area of Baghdad International Airport and the overall average concentrations is (86.508 Bq/m^3) for these regions. Then the radon concentration was measured annual effective dose calculated from radon concentration and found in range from 0.4031 mSv/y to 4.5179 mSv /y with an average value of 2.1824 mSv/y. The annual effective dose of radon was within the allowed international limits.
Journal of the American Heart Association, Jan 15, 2018
The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. ... more The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. Although particulate matter (PM) has been linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and elevated blood pressure (BP), the properties promoting its toxicity remain uncertain. Addressing a knowledge gap, we evaluated whether BP increased with higher exposures to radioactive components of ambient PM, herein referred to as particle radioactivity (PR). We performed a repeated-measures analysis of 852 men to examine associations between PR exposure and BP using mixed-effects regression models. As a surrogate for PR, we used gross β activity, measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency's radiation monitoring network. Higher PR exposure was associated with increases in both diastolic BP and systolic BP, for exposures from 1 to 28 days. An interquartile range increase in 28-day PR exposure was associated with a 2.95-mm Hg increase in diastolic BP (95% confidence interval, 2.25-...
Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous ... more Both people and the environment are continuously exposed to sources of radioactivity. Continuous monitoring of the concentration of natural and anthropogenic radioisotopes is of the utmost importance in the estimation of an individual’s received dose. In order to evaluate the radiological safety of locally sourced desalinated water and seafood, the activity concentrations of Cesium-137 (137Cs), Uranium-234 (234U), and Uranium-238 (238U) in Kuwait Bay seawater were measured. Ten 25-L seawater samples were collected from Kuwait Bay and underwent radiochemical analysis. 137Cs levels in the samples were determined by the Ammonium Molybdenum Phosphate (AMP) co-precipitation method, followed by gamma spectrometry measurement. 234U and 238U levels were determined by a radiochemical separation using anion exchange chromatography, followed by an alpha spectrometry measurement. The levels of 137Cs, 234U, and 238U in Kuwait Bay are considered low and comparable to other regional marine water l...
Journal of the American Heart Association, Jan 15, 2018
The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. ... more The cardiovascular effects of low-level environmental radiation exposures are poorly understood. Although particulate matter (PM) has been linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and elevated blood pressure (BP), the properties promoting its toxicity remain uncertain. Addressing a knowledge gap, we evaluated whether BP increased with higher exposures to radioactive components of ambient PM, herein referred to as particle radioactivity (PR). We performed a repeated-measures analysis of 852 men to examine associations between PR exposure and BP using mixed-effects regression models. As a surrogate for PR, we used gross β activity, measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency's radiation monitoring network. Higher PR exposure was associated with increases in both diastolic BP and systolic BP, for exposures from 1 to 28 days. An interquartile range increase in 28-day PR exposure was associated with a 2.95-mm Hg increase in diastolic BP (95% confidence interval, 2.25-...
The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activ... more The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activity, in terms of commissioning of nuclear power plants, desalination facilities, oil refineries and extensive coastal development. Furthermore, three wars during the past three decades is a potential worry. This study presents the first plutonium baseline in seawater from the Northern Arabian Gulf. The 239+240Pu concentrations in seawater vary, between 2.9 and 4.9mBqm-3, a range that is comparable to other water masses at this latitude. The 238Pu ranged between 0.04 and 0.05mBqm-3 and the 137Cs concentration between 1.04 and 1.18Bqm-3. The ratio of 238Pu/239+240Pu at all eight sampling stations was 0.01, while the ratio of 239+240Pu/137Cs varied between 0.01 and 0.02. The presence of 137Cs and 239+240Pu in seawater from this region can mainly be attributed to the global atmospheric deposition and fluvial transport. The seawater concentration of 239+240Pu is five order of magnitude lower than bottom sediments in the area.
The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activ... more The Arabian Gulf is a semi-enclosed water body that has witnessed accelerated anthropogenic activity, in terms of commissioning of nuclear power plants, desalination facilities, oil refineries and extensive coastal development. Furthermore, three wars during the past three decades is a potential worry. This study presents the first plutonium baseline in seawater from the Northern Arabian Gulf. The 239+240Pu concentrations in seawater vary, between 2.9 and 4.9mBqm-3, a range that is comparable to other water masses at this latitude. The 238Pu ranged between 0.04 and 0.05mBqm-3 and the 137Cs concentration between 1.04 and 1.18Bqm-3. The ratio of 238Pu/239+240Pu at all eight sampling stations was 0.01, while the ratio of 239+240Pu/137Cs varied between 0.01 and 0.02. The presence of 137Cs and 239+240Pu in seawater from this region can mainly be attributed to the global atmospheric deposition and fluvial transport. The seawater concentration of 239+240Pu is five order of magnitude lower than bottom sediments in the area.
The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn a... more The concentration of cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be and the naturally occurring radionuclide 222Rn and its progenies 210Pb, 210Po, and 214Pb were measured in the ground surface air in the urban area of the northern Arabian Gulf close to Kuwait Bay. A high-volume air sampler connected with a five-stage cascade impactor was used to collect approximately 1800 cubic meter weekly for a period of one year. The concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po varied from 0.35 to 1.65 mBq m-3 and from 0.23 to 3.2 mBq m-3, respectively; the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was close to one. The average concentration of 7Be was 6.24 mBq m-3, ranging from 3 to 10 mBq m-3. The temporal variations of 210Pb, 210Po and 7Be showed maximum concentrations of 210Po and 7Be in occurred summer months. The observed excess of 210Po concentrations can be attributed to the local and long-range transport of suspended dust with 210Pb and 210Po in radioactive equilibrium state, oil industry emissions, local resuspended dust and the sea-salt-aerosols from the Arabian Gulf. The range of the residence time estimation using the 222Rn/210Pb and 214Pb/210Pb activity ratio methods ranged from three to five days. Moreover, the estimated residence time by the application of 7Be from the activity median aerodynamic diameter method was 4.2 days. The method of using the 210Po/210Pb activity ratio was invalid because of the excess 210Po sources of anthropogenic origin. Therefore, extensive accurate diurnal measurements of 214Pb and 222Rn can be applied in hot arid regions for better aerosols residence time estimation.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Radionuclides in Dust Fallout. The depositional fluxes of th... more Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Radionuclides in Dust Fallout. The depositional fluxes of the natural radionuclides (40K, 210Pb, and 7Be) and the man-made radionuclides (137Cs) have been calculated using efficiency calibrated ultra-low background gamma spectrometry in nine sampling sites covering Kuwait. Maps showing high and low concentrations of radionuclides distribution among Kuwait.
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Papers by Abdulaziz Aba