Abstract
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Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Radionuclides in Dust Fallout.
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The depositional fluxes of the natural radionuclides (40K, 210Pb, and 7Be) and the man-made radionuclides (137Cs) have been calculated using efficiency calibrated ultra-low background gamma spectrometry in nine sampling sites covering Kuwait.
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Maps showing high and low concentrations of radionuclides distribution among Kuwait.
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Radionuclides
Methodology
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Radionuclides in Dust Fallout
The depositional fluxes of the natural radionuclides (40K, 210Pb, and 7Be) and the man-made radionuclides (137Cs) were calculated using efficiency-calibrated ultralow background gamma spectrometry in nine sampling sites covering Kuwait (Fig. 6.1). The dust fallout samples were collected on a monthly basis. Four collectors were installed in each sampling location to collect the adequate sample mass required for radioactivity analysis. The composite samples were subjected to long counting times regarding attaining an acceptable detection limit and to resolve very low-intensity peaks.
The collected gamma spectra were analyzed by Genie-2000 (Canberra Inc, USA) using the spectral lines of the most intense gamma energy lines. The decay correction and building-up factor of 7Be during the sampling period (almost 30 days) were considered due to the relatively short half life of 7Be. The concentration of radionuclides in dry deposition fluxes (Bq m−2) per month was determined by multiplying their specific activities in Bq g−1 with the weight per unit area of the collector (g m−2) during sampling time (30 days).
The variety of all of the calculated radionuclides and depositional fluxes revealed a temporal tendency (i.e., highest in the spring months [February, March, April], when the precipitation rates are highest, and hence, more dust is washed out and the lowest in October–November of each year) (Fig. 6.2). The correlation of depositional dust fallout and the radionuclides fluxes was in the order of 40K; 137Cs ; 210Pb and 7Be. The strongest correlation was with the terrestrial origin 40K (0.92), and the weakest was with the cosmogenic origin 7Be (0.67).
On the other hand, the spatial distributions of radionuclide depositional fluxes showed a site-dependent relationship that is similar to the spatial dust fallout: highest in the interior areas and gradually decreasing along the coastal line. Nevertheless, an exception of the cosmogenic radionuclide 7Be distribution was observed in some months because of possibly different climatologically conditions.
The averages of the depositional fluxes of similar months were gridded using the GIS (ArcGIS) software package and presented as averages on a monthly basis from October 2009 to August 2011.
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1.
Monthly spatial distribution of 7Be
Figures 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 show the annual and monthly spatial deposition rates of the 7Be radionuclide in dust fallout during October 2009–October 2011. The minimum monthly deposition fluxes (2.4 Bq m−2) were observed in December, when the precipitation was the lowest. In contrast, the high concentration during the spring season (March–April–May) was due to rainfall during the period supporting the theory of wet precipitation commonly associated with the mixing of stratospheric and tropospheric air masses (Daish et al. 2005). In spring time, a rapid removal from lower polar troposphere to the troposphere at the northern hemisphere is well known (UNSCEAR 2000) and, possibly due to the folding of the troposphere during April and May at mid-latitude (30–50), enhances the removal of the stratospheric 7Be into the troposphere (Viezee and Singh 1980; Kritz et al. 1991). However, in contrast, the spatial distribution in the fall months (September–October–November) might be due to the effect of southeasterly wind contribution. The highest monthly readings (76.5 and 184 Bq m−2) were observed in January and April, respectively, due to the effect of a washout by precipitation.
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2.
Temporal, spatial distribution of 137Cs
137Cs is a human-made radionuclide with a half life of 30 years. It was produced during the atmospheric testing of thermonuclear weapons in the period extending from the mid-1950s to the 1980s. Global fallout of 137Cs began in 1954, peaked in the early 1960s and subsequently decreased, reaching near-zero levels in the mid-1980s. Fallout levels were globally variable, reflecting both annual precipitation amount and location relative to the main weapons tests (Walling 2002). Smaller amounts of 137Cs have been released into the atmosphere by catastrophes at nuclear power plants, notably the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which resulted in additional outputs of 137Cs fallout over large areas of Europe and adjacent regions. However, wide measurements of 137Cs concentration have also been carried out in Kuwaiti aerosol, in cooperation with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) from 1995 to 1999. The reported 137Cs concentration in the air was between 1.44 and 107.84, with an average value of 10.6 μBq m−3 (Biegalski et al. 2001).
Figures 6.16, 6.17, 6.18, 6.19, 6.20, 6.21, 6.22, 6.23, 6.24, 6.25, 6.26, 6.27 and 6.28 illustrate the annual and monthly spatial deposition rates of 137Cs, which display similar behavior to 210Pb and 7Be variations. The correlation coefficients of 137Cs/210Pb and 137Cs/7Be were 0.87 and 0.94, respectively. The average monthly deposition rates varied from 0.02 to 4.18 Bq m−2, while the annual deposition rates varied from 0.2 to 50.21 Bq m−2. Based on the previous observations (e.g., the influence of precipitation, wind direction, and depositional dust rates), the dominant source of 137Cs fallout is the transportation of dust by the northwesterly wind, as the areas of northern Europe and eastern Mediterranean are most affected by 137Cs fallout (nuclear bomb tests and Chernobyl accident), more so than the Gulf Region.
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3.
Temporal, spatial distribution of40K
Figures 6.29, 6.30, 6.31, 6.32, 6.33, 6.34, 6.35, 6.36, 6.37, 6.38, 6.39, 6.40 and 6.41 illustrate the annual and monthly spatial deposition rates of 40K radionuclide in dust fallout. The highest 40K concentrations were observed in spring months, when it reached a maximum in March 2011 (96.27 Bq m−2) and the lowest in fall (1.8 Bq m−2), which is quite consistent with the dust loadings of the corresponding months. The annual variations of 40K concentration in dust fallout varied from 74 to 557 Bq m−2, as presented in Fig. 6.29. This quantity of the 40K deposition rate corresponds to about 412 Bq kg−1 and the average measured 40K concentration in Kuwaiti soil is 365 Bq kg−1, which is similar to the worldwide average concentration (420 Bq kg−1) (UNSCEAR 2000). The distribution of 40K monthly and seasonal variations displays similar behavior to the dust fallout trend. However, the site specificity of 40K is very similar to the dust deposition distribution, which is very low in the coastal zone, significantly increasing in the southwest of the country.
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4.
Temporal, spatial distribution of 210Pb
Figures 6.42, 6.43, 6.44, 6.45, 6.46, 6.47, 6.48, 6.49, 6.50, 6.51, 6.52, 6.53 and 6.54 illustrate the annual and monthly spatial deposition rates of 210Pb radionuclide in dust fallout from October 2009 to October 2011. The highest 210Pb concentrations were observed in spring (41.4 Bq m−2) and the lowest in fall (1.8 Bq m−2), which is quite consistent with the dust loadings of the corresponding months. However, the wet precipitation associated with Sarrayat and Koss played a major role in obtaining these high deposition fluxes (Aba et al. 2016, 2018; Al-Dousari et al. 2016). The monthly deposition ratios of 7Be and 210Pb are largely consistent with the dust loading in the corresponding months. However, an extreme deposition rate (63 Bq m−2) was observed in March 2011, when an exotic storm hit Kuwait .
Samples Locations
Figure 6.1.
Temporal Variations of Radionuclides
Figure 6.2.
Annual Deposited Rates of 7Be
The average annual 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait from October 2009 to August 2011 varied from 339 to 481 Bq m−2, with an average similar (422 Bq m−2) to the reported data of the global model (400 Bq m−2). The maximum rates were found in a transect width of about 50 km from north to south. The minimum rates were shown along the transect from the middle of the country down to the southeastern part. The dominant annual wind direction is northwesterly (Fig. 6.3).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Abdulli Ratqah Dibdibah Um Al Madafi’ Liyah | Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms KhurFawaris Khiran Qurain |
Monthly Deposited Rates of 7Be
The monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait January 2010–2011 reveal a range from 13.6 to 76.5 Bq m−2, with the maximum in northern areas and the lowest in southern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly (Fig. 6.4).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Abdulli Ratqah Um Eish Raudhatain Huwaymilyah | Salmi Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms KhurFawaris Khiran |
The monthly rates at which 7Be were deposited in Kuwait in February 2010–2011 which reveal a range from 36.08 to 63.83 Bq m−2, with three maximum spots. This possibly happened because of the effect of dust storms this month. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly (Fig. 6.5).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Bubiyan Bridge Dibdibah Wafra Farms KhurFawaris Subiyah | Salmi Um Al Madafi’ Liyah Shegaya Um Eish |
The monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during March 2010–2011 reveal a range from 28.63 to 57.54 Bq m−2, with a maximum in the central region with the northern, western wind corridor, and the lowest in the northern area. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with high speeds sometimes. However, the occurrence of dust storms was lower in February, as well as precipitation. Nevertheless, the effect of the exotic storm that hit Kuwait in March 2011 led to critical dynamic weather that could probably have decreased the 7Be deposition flux (Fig. 6.6).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Atraf Um Al Madafi’ Liyah Sulaybiyah Kabd | Abdulli Salmi Subiyah Shegaya Ratqah |
The monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during April 2010–2011 reveal the highest deposited rates, with a range from 106 to 184 Bq m−2, with a maximum in the northern and central areas and the lowest in eastern central areas. The major parameter affecting this high value was the higher precipitation rate in this month (Fig. 6.7).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Abdulli Ratqah Roudhatain Liyah Salmiya | Salmi Atraf Kabd Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms |
The monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during May 2010–2011 reveal a range from 27 to 69 Bq m−2, with a maximum in the southern, eastern and northern areas and the lowest in the southern areas. The high values are attributed to the high precipitation rates this month that increased the dust washout (Fig. 6.8).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Salmi Shegaya Dibdibah Huwaymilyah Ubayriq | Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms Salmiya Khiran KhurFawaris |
The monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during June 2010–2011 reveal a lower rate than previous months, with a range from 4.23 to 17.32 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in the northern and western areas, while the lowest were in the southern and eastern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events (Fig. 6.9).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Abdulli Ratqah Dibdibah Subiyah Ubayriq | Liyah Wafra Farms Salmi Khiran KhurFawaris |
Similar to June, the monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during July 2010–2011 reveal lower rates than previous months, with a range from 3.71 to 11.78 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in the northern eastern areas and the lowest in the southern and northeastern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events to impact wind from other directions (Fig. 6.10).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Salmi Shegaya Dibdibah Ubayriq Bubiyan Island | Liyah Wafra Farms Huwaymilyah Khiran KhurFawaris |
Similar to June and July, the monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during August 2010–2011 reveal a range from 3.66 to 29.49 Bq m−2, with a maximum in the northern areas and the lowest in the southeastern area (Fig. 6.11).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Abdulli Ratqah Roudhatain Um Niqa Huwaymilyah | Um Madafi’ Wafra Farms Subiyah Salmi Atraf |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during September 2010–2011 reveal low rates, ranging from 2.44 to 11.6 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the northern areas and the lowest in the southern and southeastern areas (Fig. 6.12).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Abdulli Ratqah Roudhatain Dibdibah Huwaymilyah | Salmi Wafra Farms Shegaya Khiran KhurFawaris |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 7Be rates deposited in Kuwait during October 2009–2010 reveal a lower rate, ranging from 5.59 to 16.09 Bq m−2, with a maximum in northeast areas, and lowest in the southern areas (Fig. 6.13).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Salmi Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Salmiya | Liyah Wafra Farms Urayfijan Khiran KhurFawaris |
The monthly 7Be deposited rates in Kuwait during November 2009–2010 reveal moderate rates that range from 4.53 to 48.04 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the central areas and the lowest in the southern, northern, and northwestern regions. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly at a minimum speed (Fig. 6.14).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Atraf | Abdulli Subiyah Urayfijan Khiran KhurFawaris |
The monthly 7Be rates deposited in Kuwait during December 2009–2010 reveal moderate rates that range from 3.69 to 46.96 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the central and central western areas and the lowest in the central southern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly at high speed (Fig. 6.15).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Gudhi Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Salmiya | Bubiyan Island Subiyah Sulaybiyah Kabd Atraf |
Annual Deposited Rates of 137Cs
The average annual 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait from October 2009 to August 2011 varied from 0.2 to 4.18 Bq m−2, with an average of 4.76 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in southwestern areas. The 137Cs rates deposited gradually decreased from the interior to the coastal areas, where they reached the minimum value. The predominant annual wind direction was northwesterly (Fig. 6.16).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Salmi Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr | Ratqa Sulaybiyah Bubiyan Island Subiyah Failaka Island |
Monthly Deposited Rates of 137Cs
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during January 2010–2011 reveal a range from 0.1 to 0.39 Bq m−2, with the maximum in central and southwestern areas and the lowest in southern areas of the Wafra Farms. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with high wind speed sometimes (Fig. 6.17).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Al Madafi’ Ratqah | Salmi Subiyah Sulaybiyah Khiran KhurFawaris |
The monthly 137Cs deposited rates in Kuwait during February 2010–2011 varied from 0.21 to 0.54 Bq m−2, with two high deposition rate spots. This possibly happened because of the effect of the dust storms in this month. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, and the precipitation rates were low (Fig. 6.18).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Salmi Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Salmiya | Ratqah Liyah Roudhatain Sulaybiyah Atraf |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during March 2010–2011 reveal a high range that varied from 0.26 to 2.35 Bq m2, with the maximum in the southwestern area and the lowest in the northern and southern regions. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with high speed sometimes. However, the highest deposition flux was reported in this month due to the effect of the exotic storm that hit Kuwait, in addition to the high precipitation recorded (Fig. 6.19).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Kabd Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr | Ratqa Subiyah Bubiyan Island Salmiya Wafra Farms |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during April 2010–2011 ranged from 0.67 to 1.4 Bq m−2, which is considered high, but it is less than March due to lower precipitation. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with a high wind speed of northeasterly, easterly, and southeasterly direction (Fig. 6.20).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Huwaymilyah Um Al Madafi’ | Subiyah Bubiyan Island Sulaybiyah Kabd Jal Al Zur |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during May 2010–2011 ranged from 0.22 to 2.23 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southeastern and central regions. The lowest deposition fluxes were in the southern and eastern areas. However, the slightly high deposition flux in this month was due to the effect of the exotic storm that hit Kuwait on March 25, 2011 (Fig. 6.21).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Huwaymilyah Liyah | Subiyah Bubiyan Island Salmiya Wafra Farms Shuaiba |
The monthly 137Cs deposited rates in Kuwait during June 2010–2011 display similar rates to previous months, but with lower minimum rates, the range varied from 0.06 to 1.3 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in southeast areas, and the lowest was in central areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events (Fig. 6.22).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr Liyah | Kabd Abdulli Atraf Mutla Wafra Farms |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during July 2010–2011 showed similar rates to the other summer months. The range of deposition flux varied between 0.09 and 1.39 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in northeastern areas and the lowest in southern and northeastern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events that impact wind from other directions (Fig. 6.23).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr Huwaymilyah | Abdulli Ratqah Um Al Madafi’ Salmiya Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during August 2010–2011 showed similar rates in June and July, with a range that varied from 0.07 to 1.23 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southwestern areas and the lowest in the southern areas (Fig. 6.24).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Shegaya Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr Huwaymilyah | Abdulli Ratqah Um Al Madafi’ Salmiya Bubiyan Island |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during September 2010–2011 ranged from 0.05 to 0.87 Bq m−2, with the maximum in southwestern areas and the lowest in northern and central areas. The predominant wind direction in this month was northwesterly, with no contribution from other directions (Fig. 6.25).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr Liyah | Abdulli Ratqah Um Al Madafi’ Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during October 2010–2011 ranged from 0.07 to 0.72 Bq m−2, with the maximum in southwestern areas and the lowest in northern and central eastern areas. The predominant wind direction in this month was northwesterly, with no contribution from other directions (Fig. 6.26).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Qudayr Salmi | Um Al Madafi’ Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms Salmiya Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during November 2009–2010 showed moderate rates ranging from 0.06 to 1.54 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the central and eastern areas and the lowest in southern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly with minimum speed (Fig. 6.27).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Shegaya Salmi | Ratqah Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms Salmiya Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 137Cs rates deposited in Kuwait during December 2009–2010 reveals lower rates than during summer. The deposition rates varied from 0.04 to 0.17 Bq m−2, with the maximum value observed along the transect from the central to southwestern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with high speed at times (Fig. 6.28).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Al Madafi’ Liyah | Abdulli Subiyah KhurFawaris Khiran Wafra Farms |
Annual Deposited Rates of 40K
The average annual 40K deposited rates in Kuwait from October 2009 to August 2011 varied from 74 to 557 Bq m−2, with an average of about 160 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were found in the southwestern areas. The 40K deposited rates gradually decreased from the interior to the coastal areas, where it reached the minimum. The predominant annual wind direction was northwesterly (Fig. 6.29).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Um Eish Liyah | Abdulli Subiyah Atraf Salmiya Wafra Farms |
Monthly Deposited Rates of 40K
The monthly 40K deposited rates in Kuwait during January 2010–2011 ranged from 1.14 to 15.62 Bq m−2, with the maximum in southeastern and western areas, and the lowest was in the central areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with high wind speed at times (Fig. 6.30).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Salmi Wafra Farms | Abdulli Subiyah Liyah Salmiya Sulaybiyah |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during February 2010–2011 varied from 3.13 to 23.0 Bq m−2, with a high deposition rate noted in southeastern areas. This possibly happened because of dust storms that occurred in this month. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, and the precipitation rates were low (Fig. 6.31).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Um Qudayr | Abdulli Subiyah Um Al Madafi’ Salmiya Sulaybiyah |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during March 2010–2011 had a high range that varied from 5.19 to 96.27 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southwestern area and the lowest in the northern and southern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with high speed registered at times. However, the highest deposition flux was reported in this month because of the effect of the exotic storm that hit Kuwait, in addition to high precipitation (Fig. 6.32).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Um Qudayr | Abdulli Subiyah Wafra Farms Salmiya Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during April 2010–2011 ranged from 12.88 to 69.77 Bq m−2, which is considered high but is lower than the rates in March due to lower precipitation rates. A spot with high deposition rates was found in the central areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with a high wind speed of northeastern, eastern, and southeastern wind contribution. The critical dynamic weather due to Koss and Sarrayat that occurred in spring contributed toward the high deposition rates (Fig. 6.33).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Gudhi | Abdulli Subiyah Wafra Farms Shuaiba Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during May 2010–2011 ranged from 5.12 to 70.63 Bq m−2, with the maximum in southeastern and central areas. This range is similar to the other spring months, in which the critical dynamics weather due to Koss and Sarrayat contributed toward high deposition rates. The lowest deposition fluxes were in southern and eastern areas. However, the high deposition flux this month was due to the effect of the exotic storm that hit Kuwait on March 25, 2011 (Fig. 6.34).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Kabd | Abdulli Jal Al Zur Wafra Farms Shuaiba Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 40K deposited rates in Kuwait during June 2010–2011 had similar rates as previous months, but with lower minimum rates, the range varied from 4.53 to 60.43 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in southeastern areas, and the lowest was in coastal areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events (Fig. 6.35).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Um Qudayr | Abdulli Salmi Salmiya Sulaybiyah Kabd |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during July 2010–2011 were similar to the other summer months. The range of deposition varied between 2.31 and 61.76 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in southeastern areas, and the lowest rates were in southern and northeastern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events or impact wind from other directions (Fig. 6.36).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Um Qudayr | Abdulli Subiyah Salmiya Salmi Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during August 2010–2011 had a similar trend to June and July, with a low range that varied from 2.23 to 27.63 Bq m−2, with the maximum in southwestern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with a minor contribution made by southeastern wind (Fig. 6.37).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Huwaymilyah Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Bubiyan Island | Abdulli Salmi Salmiya Sulaybiyah Wafra Farms |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during September 2010–2011 ranged from 1.55 to 41.61 Bq m−2, with the maximum recorded in southwestern areas and the lowest recorded in northern and central coastal areas. The predominant wind direction in this month was northwesterly, with no contribution from other directions (Fig. 6.38).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Shegaya Huwaymilyah | Abdulli Salmi Salmiya Bubiyan Island Wafra Farms |
Similar to summer, the monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during October 2010–2011 ranged from 1.56 to 61.32 Bq m−2, with the maximum in southwestern areas and the lowest in northern and central eastern areas. The predominant wind direction of this month was northwesterly, with no contribution from other directions (Fig. 6.39).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Ratqah Huwaymilyah | Subiyah Salmi Salmiya Bubiyan Island Wafra Farms |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during November 2009–2010 were low, ranging from 1.28 to 21.28 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the central and southwestern areas and the lowest in the southern and northern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with high speed recorded at times (Fig. 6.40).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
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Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Shegaya Huwaymilyah | Abdulli Subiyah Salmiya Bubiyan Island Wafra Farms |
The monthly 40K rates deposited in Kuwait during December 2009–2010 were moderate and ranged from 1.91 to 31.12 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southwestern areas and the lowest in the southern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with high speed at times (Fig. 6.41).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Shegaya Huwaymilyah | Abdulli Subiyah Salmi Bubiyan Island Wafra Farms |
Annual Deposited Rates of 210Pb
The average annual 210Pb rates deposited in Kuwait from October 2009 to August 2011 varied from 107 to 233 Bq m−2, with an average of about 134 Bq m−2, which is close to the reported 210Pb annual deposition rates on the continent between 10° and 30° N latitude (160 Bq m−2). The maximum rates were in the southeastern part of the country (Shaqaya). The minimum rates were along the coastal areas. A maximum of 210Pb deposition flux was revealed in the spring months; when the precipitation was high, the predominant annual wind direction was northwesterly (Fig. 6.42).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Ubayriq Dibdibah Liyah Shegaya Huwaymilyah | Abdulli Subiyah Salmi Bubiyan Island Wafra Farms |
Monthly Deposited Rates of 210Pb
The monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during January 2010–2011 ranged from 4.9 to 16.73 Bq m−2, with the maximum in central areas and the lowest in southern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly (Fig. 6.43).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Liyah Ratqah Um Al Madafi’ | Salmi Sulaybiyah KhurFawaris Khiran Wafra Farms |
The monthly 210Pb rates deposited in Kuwait during February 2010–2011 ranged from 9.39 to 16.6 Bq m−2, with three maximum spots. This is possibly visible because of the effect of dust storms this month. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, and the precipitation rates were lower (Fig. 6.44).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Bubiyan Island Dibdibah Liyah Ratqah Subiyah | Salmi Sulaybiyah Liyah Atraf Kabd |
The monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during February 2010–2011 ranged from 9.39 to 16.6 Bq m−2, with three maximum spots. This is possibly visible because of the effect of dust storms this month. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, and the precipitation rates were lower (Fig. 6.45).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Liyah Ubayriq Um Al Madafi’ | Salmi Subiyah Ratqah Salmiya Wafra Farms |
The monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during April 2010–2011 ranged from 22.36 to 41.38 Bq m−2. The major parameter affecting this high value was the high precipitation rate. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with a high wind speed of northeastern, eastern, and southeastern wind contribution (Fig. 6.46).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Liyah Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Ratqah Doha | Salmi Sulaybiyah Subiyah Kabd Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 210Pb rates deposited in Kuwait during May 2010–2011 ranged from 8.19 to 30.44 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southeastern and central areas. The lowest deposition fluxes were in the southern and eastern areas. However, the slightly high deposition flux in this month was because of the effect of the exotic that storm hit Kuwait on March 25, 2011 (Fig. 6.47).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Liyah Ubayriq Kabd | Doha Subiyah Ratqah Salmiya Wafra Farms |
The monthly 210Pb rates deposited in Kuwait during June 2010–2011 were lower compared with previous months, with a range from 4.17 to 20.2 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in the southeastern areas and the lowest in the central areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events (Fig. 6.48).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Liyah Ubayriq Bubiyan Island | Doha Sulaybiyah Ratqah Salmi Wafra Farms |
Similar to June, the monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during July 2010–2011 were lower when compared with previous months. The range of deposition fluxes varied between 3.09 and 15.48 Bq m−2. The maximum rates were in the northeastern areas and the lowest in the southern and northeastern areas. The predominant wind direction for this month was northwesterly, with no precipitation events or impact wind from other directions (Fig. 6.49).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Liyah Ubayriq Kabd | Doha Subiyah Ratqah Salmiya Bubiyan Island |
The monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during August 2010–2011 were lower than in June and July, with a range that varied from 2.16 to 9.72 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the northern and southwestern areas, and the lowest within the transect along the northwesterly wind corridor (Fig. 6.50).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Ratqah Ubayriq Bubiyan Island | Doha Sulaybiyah Um Al Madafi’ Salmi Wafra Farms |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during September 2010–2011 had low rates that ranged from 1.8 to 10.64 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the northwestern areas and the lowest in the southern and southwestern areas. The predominant wind direction in this month was northwesterly, with no contribution from other directions (Fig. 6.51).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Liyah Ubayriq Kabd | Doha Sulaybiyah Failaka Island Salmi Wafra Farms |
Similar to the summer months, the monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during October 2009–2010 showed low rates, with a range that varied from 2.52 to 8.74 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southeastern and northern areas and the lowest along the northwesterly wind corridor (Fig. 6.52).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Abdulli Dibdibah Ratqah Ubayriq Shegaya | Doha Sulaybiyah Um Al Madafi’ Khiran Wafra Farms |
The monthly 210Pb deposited rates in Kuwait during November 2009–2010 were moderate, ranging from 5.25 to 14.2 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the central and southeastern areas and the lowest in the southern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly at a minimum speed (Fig. 6.53).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Huwaymilyah Dibdibah Doha Ubayriq Bubiyan Island | Abdulli Sulaybiyah Ratqah Salmi Wafra Farms |
The monthly 210Pb rates deposited in Kuwait during December 2009–2010 were similar to November. The rates varied from 4.74 to 14.06 Bq m−2, with the maximum in the southwestern and central eastern areas. The predominant wind direction was northwesterly, with high speed at times (Fig. 6.54).
Areas with high radionuclide concentration | Areas with low radionuclide concentration |
---|---|
Doha Dibdibah Ratqah Ubayriq Um Al Madafi’ | Ratqah Sulaybiyah Salmi Khiran Wafra Farms |
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Aba, A., Ismaeel, A., Al-Boloushi, A., Al-Shammari, H., Al-Boloushi, O. (2021). Deposited Rates of Radionuclides. In: Al-Dousari, A. (eds) Atlas of Fallen Dust in Kuwait. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66977-5_6
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