Radiation Levels and Hazard Indices in Soil Samples From Fuel Stations in Anbar Province, Iraq

In this research, measurements and calculations were conducted to determine the activity and radiation hazard indices of radioactive nuclides in 43 petrol stations across Anbar Province, using the high-purity germanium detector (HPGe) at the Radiation Protection Center in Baghdad Province. The highest specific activity was reported for uranium-238 at 64.90 ± 11.00 Bq/kg, while thorium-232 was 32.80 ± 6.00 Bq/kg. Cesium-137 had a specific activity of 12.90 ± 0.60 Bq/kg, and potassium-40 was present at 753.00 ± 49.00 Bq/kg. The lowest specific activity values for uranium-238 were 0.20 ± 0.70 Bq/kg, and for thorium-232, it was 2.00 ± 0.40 Bq/kg. The lowest specific activity for cesium-137 was 1.40 ± 0.10 Bq/kg, while potassium-40 had a specific activity value of 15.20 ± 19.00 Bq/kg. The average specific activity level of soil at most fuel stations was below the global average, except for the Anah fuel station, which exceeded the global average. Moreover, the equivalent radium activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate in air (Dγ), annual effective dose for external exposure (AEDEout), annual effective dose for internal exposure (AEDEin), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), and gamma radiation index (Iγ) in soil samples from gas stations in Anbar Province exceeded the global permissible limits. Despite these levels being below the global average, the accumulation of these activities could pose a harmful factor to public health. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and remediation efforts to protect public health in affected areas.