Investigation of Radon Pollution in Groundwater in the Southern Part of Gaza Strip - Palestine

Abstract

The major objective of this research is to determine the Radon concentration in groundwater in the southern region of Gaza Strip. In this study, Groundwater samples were collected from twenty five wells and Radon concentrations were measured as part of a water-quality. These samples were taken from the municipal wells in the southern region of Gaza Strip (Rafah and Khanyonis). The samples were collected from different location covering most of the region that represent the southern part of Gaza Strip. Twelve wells from Rafah Governorate and thirteen wells from Khanyonis Governorate were taken and all these wells were used for domestic water. Each sample was duplicated to determine Radon concentration. CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors of good quality were used in this survey. Two Detectors were placed inside each water sample. One CR- 39 detector is immersed in the water and the other is in the lid of the container facing the water sample. The detectors were left for a period of time of 120 days (for a period during mid of April to mid of August) to allow Radon gas to come to an equilibrium level. One hundred detectors were exposed to twenty five samples which in concern. The detectors were then collected and chemically etched. Each detector was counted visually using an Optical microscope with a power of (40 x 10), and number of tracks determined. Results obtained show that the Radon levels in Rafah area ranges of values between 58 and 154 Bq/m3 with average value of 102.4 Bq/m3. Also, the average standard deviation (S.D) is 32.7 and in Khanyonis area ranges of values between 22 and 132 Bq/m3 with average value of 47.8 Bq/m3, also, the average standard deviation of 31.9. We believe that this variation of levels is mainly due to the difference in rock type, soil type and the geology of the area. Certainly, this study was conducted to provide us with measurements and concentration of Radon. This information can be used to estimate the possible health hazards from Radon in the southern region of Gaza Strip in the future from environmental point view. This data would promote public awareness related to risk of Radon exposure in Gaza Strip