Title : Comparative assessment of radionuclide contamination in groundwater and seawater from industrial and agricultural areas
Abstract:
Radionuclides are present around us, originating from both natural sources and human activities. In the past decade, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate radioactivity in various contexts, particularly focusing on groundwater in industrial and agricultural areas, as well as seawater. This study aims to compare the levels of radioactivity in groundwater wells from industrial and agricultural zones to understand the differing impacts and potential sources of contamination. Public concern often arises regarding the use of groundwater near industrial areas, especially close to oil wells, due to the anticipated impact of industrial activities on water quality. Conversely, groundwater wells in agricultural areas are frequently used in daily life, despite the potential for contamination from agricultural practices, such as the use of phosphate fertilizers containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). By analyzing water samples from both environments, this research seeks to elucidate the extent of anthropogenic versus natural contributions to water radioactivity. Seawater radioactivity is also examined to provide a broader context, particularly in coastal regions influenced by runoff from both industrial and agricultural zones. This comparison is crucial for highlighting the varying degrees of environmental contamination and the associated risks to human health and ecosystems. The analysis of radioactivity in different water sources reveals that the results for groundwater in industrial areas are within expected ranges due to the proximity of oil wells, which can naturally elevate radioactivity levels. For instance, groundwater analyzed by KSA Labs shows Ra-226 at 3.27 Bq/L and Rn-222 at 26.25 Bq/L, while NPL Labs reports higher Ra-226 at 20.1 Bq/L, along with Pb-214 at 10.7 Bq/L and Pb-210 at 3.2 Bq/L. These levels are considered normal for industrial areas influenced by nearby oil wells. In contrast, the elevated radioactivity in farming area wells is concerning as there is no apparent source of contamination. The highest Rn-222 concentration among all samples, at 358 Bq/L, suggests significant radon presence, which is unusual and warrants further investigation. The Ra-226 level in these wells is moderate at 4.39 Bq/L, with low Pb-210 at 0.21 Bq/L and noticeable Pb-214 at 4.27 Bq/L. Seawater results are also worrisome and need to be closely monitored. With H-3 (Tritium) at 8.8 Bq/L, K-40 at 22 Bq/L, Pb-210 at 4.8 Bq/L, and Po-210 at 0.156 Bq/L, these levels are slightly lower but comparable to some results found in contaminated areas such as Japan. This raises concerns about potential sources of contamination affecting seawater and underscores the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure environmental safety. In conclusion, this study has provided valuable insights into the levels of radioactivity in groundwater from industrial and agricultural areas, as well as seawater, highlighting both natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination. The results indicate that radioactivity levels in groundwater near industrial sites are generally within expected ranges due to influences from nearby oil wells, whereas elevated levels in agricultural areas suggest potentially unrecognized sources of contamination. The findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring to mitigate risks to human health and ecosystems. Future research should focus on identifying specific sources of radioactivity in agricultural groundwater and implementing strategies to minimize contamination, while also enhancing monitoring efforts in seawater to ensure environmental safety and public health protection.
