Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazard Indicators in Soil Samples from the Environment of Al-Kasik Oil Refinery in Nineveh Governorate in Iraq

The specific activity of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in the soil samples collected from Al-Kasik Oil Refinery in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, were assessed by gamma-spectroscopy analysis using a NaI(Tl). Results show that the average of the measured specific activities of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 are 19.80 +/- 0.948Bq/kg,13.65 +/- 1.021Bq/kg and 213.71 +/- 8.896Bq/kg, respectively. The average specific activity of these radionuclides was compared with the world average value. The radiological hazard indices were calculated for each of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 and compared with the internationally recommended standard exposure limits, as they were within those limits. The study showed that the soil in the study area may not pose a significant risk to workers and residents close to the area. However, further studies and investigations into the level of exposure of flora and fauna in that area are necessary.