ASSESSMENT OF RADON (²²²RA) CONCENTRATION AND ASSOCIATED ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE IN GROUNDWATER OF DARKAR, ZAKHO, IRAQ

This study investigates the concentration of radon (²²²Ra) in groundwater sources in the Darkar subdistrict, located in the Zakho region of northern Iraq, an area heavily reliant on groundwater for both drinking and agricultural purposes. A total of eight groundwater samples were collected from various locations and analyzed for radon concentration and the corresponding Annual Effective Dose (AED) due to ingestion and inhalation for different age groups (infants, children, and adults). The results showed that radon concentrations ranged from 3.45 to 9.21 Bq/L, remaining well below the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 100 Bq/L. However, the calculated AED values revealed that infants and children in several locations exceeded the 100 μSv/y reference dose, with the highest exposures recorded in samples S1, S2, S7, and S8. These findings are particularly significant given the dependence of Darkar's rural population on untreated groundwater sources. The area’s geological setting and lack of centralized water treatment may contribute to natural radon levels in drinking water. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and risk assessment to protect public health and maintain the safety of groundwater used in daily life and agricultural irrigation. The results provide a valuable reference for local authorities and health planners to implement preventive measures and public awareness programs, especially in remote and agriculturally vital regions.