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Measurements of 210Pb Concentrations in Airborne in Kuwait

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Abstract

The concentrations of 210Pb in the atmosphere of Kuwait Cityhave been monitored over a period of five years (January 1994 toDecember 1998) using cellulose air filters for analysis with liquid scintillation counting for gross beta. Results show thatthe distribution of daily averaged 210Pb concentrations varied from 0.002 to 2.53 mBqm-3 with an average of 0.896 mBqm-3 and a geometric mean of 0.687 mBqm-3. The studysuggests that the existence of 210Pb in air in Kuwait originates mainly from re-circulated fraction of 210Pb whichwas already deposited on ground surface, not from direct decay of radon.The long-term trend pattern for the five years shows a seasonalvariation with maximum concentrations occurring in the autumn season.

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Correspondence to D. Al-Azmi.

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Sayed, A.M., Al-Azmi, D. & Khuraibet, N.A. Measurements of 210Pb Concentrations in Airborne in Kuwait. Environ Monit Assess 79, 47–55 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020081723955

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