Natural radioactivity level in Yemen: A systematic review of radiological studies

Najeeb N M Maglas; Zhao Qiang; MohsenM M Ali; Ahmed Al-Osta; M Salah Alwarqi; Merouane Najar

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111343

Natural radioactivity level in Yemen: A systematic review of radiological studies

Appl Radiat Isot. 2024 May 10:210:111343. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111343. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Najeeb N M Maglas¹, Zhao Qiang², MohsenM M Ali³, Ahmed Al-Osta⁴, M Salah Alwarqi⁴, Merouane Najar⁵

Affiliations

¹ College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China; Thamar University, Republic of Yemen, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Yemen; National Atomic Energy Commission-Yemen (NATEC), Sana'a, Yemen.
² College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China. Electronic address: zhaoqiang@hrbeu.edu.cn.
³ College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China; National Atomic Energy Commission-Yemen (NATEC), Sana'a, Yemen.
⁴ Thamar University, Republic of Yemen, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Yemen.
⁵ College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China.

PMID: 38739998
DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111343

Abstract

This paper aimed to conduct a systematic review of 26 published articles from 13 different regions in the Republic of Yemen related to the study of natural radioactivity (NORM) and enhanced artificial radioactivity (TENORM). The study relied on the analysis of various sample types, including air, groundwater, surface water, hot spring water, soil, sand, rocks, building materials, and oil field samples. It also analyzed the study areas, the types of detectors employed, and the study's timeframe. The analytical results raised significant concerns regarding the high levels of radioactivity observed in many of the studied regions. Moreover, some regions indicated the absence of any prior radiological study, despite apparent effects on the population and the environment, which suggest the presence of potential radionuclide concentration. Based on this study, it is strongly recommended that researchers conduct further radiological studies in regions previously studied over extended periods and in areas where no prior radiological studies have been conducted to assess potential radionuclide concentration.

Keywords: Exposure to environmental radiation; NORM; Radiation detection system; Radiological risk assessment.