Assessing carcinogenic radon levels in water from Er-Rachidia, Morocco using LR-115 nuclear track detectors

Abstract

Abstract The current study investigates the presence 222 Rn in tap water, natural spring water, and well water from various locations in Er-Rachidia, Morocco, to assess the potential radiological risks posed to the local community. Radon, a radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium and thorium in rocks and soil, poses significant radiation hazards. Using a Nuclear Track Detector (LR-115), researchers investigated the presence of radon in water from wells, dams, and rivers. The highest radon concentrations are found in well water, with an average of 1.92 Bq/L. The concentration of river water is the lowest, coming in at 0.53 Bq/L, while the average concentration of dam water is 0.84 Bq/L. On average, the annual effective dosage for well water is 4.57 ms per year. The water dosages from dams range from 1.74 to 2.44 μSv/y, with 1.98 being the average. River water ranges from 0.51 to 1.69 mSv/y, averaging 1.24 µSv/y. The excess lifetime cancer risk varies significantly across water sources: 1.27 × 10−3 to 1.84 × 10−3 (average 1.60 × 10−3) for well water, 0.61 × 10−3 to 0.85 × 10−3 (average 0.69 × 10−3) for dam water, and 0.18 × 10−3 to 0.59 × 10−3 (average 0.43 × 10−3) for river water. The results dispel fears of significant radioactive dangers to the locals by suggesting that the measured radon concentrations are within the limits set by international organizations.