Investigation of the risk of radionuclides in the soil samples of the ancient City in Babylon Governorate, Iraq

The ancient city of Babylon is located (10) km from the center of Hillah city, 90 km southwest of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Given the cultural importance of this city and the fact that it is a center for tourists from different countries of the world, this study aims to investigate and search for the presence of radioactive nuclides in the soil of this city in order to confirm the presence of these nuclides or not in order to protect the lives of tourists from the dangers to which they may be exposed. "NaI(Tl) gamma detector was used to detect “gamma ray" spectrometer. For fifteen samples of the soil of the ancient city activity concentration levels 238U, 232Th, and 40K were measured and compare them with the allowed global values, where the results of radionuclides for soil were as follows: it was 238 U with an average of (16.7 ±0.11) Bq / kg, 232 Th, with an average of (7.04 0.39) Bq /kg and 40 K with an average of (150.34±2.5) Bq / kg.. The rate of absorbed dose, annual effect, radium equivalent activity, effective dose rate (EDR), and equivalent dose (AEDE) were measured. The exogenous (Hex) and endogenous (Hin) risk indices, radioactivity level index (I), as well as the increased lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), were determined. Analysis concluded that there was no danger to residents in the vicinity and center of the old city, and therefore the likelihood of any health effects from the radiation was minimal. The values ​​obtained are considered among the internationally accepted values, making the city safe.