Hawbash Hamadamin Karim

The present study focuses on the preparation and comprehensive characterization of HgSr₁.₆Y₀.₄Ca₂Cu₃O₈₊δ superconductors synthesized via the solid-state reaction method. The structural and surface characteristics of the prepared material were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis established the formation of a tetragonal crystal structure associated with the Hg-1223 phase, from which the lattice parameters, density, and superconducting phase volume fraction were determined. AFM and SEM investigations revealed a heterogeneous surface morphology characterized by dome-like and flake-like grains with different dimensions. The electrical resistivity was evaluated using the four-probe technique within the temperature range of 100–300 K, yielding Tc (onset) = 136 K and Tc (offset) = 121 K. Thermal conductivity measurements performed by Lee’s disc method between 300 and 560 K demonstrated a progressive increase with temperature. Additionally, the dielectric response was examined at room temperature over the frequency range of 50 Hz–1 MHz using an LCR meter. The real and imaginary dielectric constants, dielectric loss coefficient, and AC electrical conductivity were determined and exhibited distinct frequency-dependent behavior. These findings confirm the successful formation of the Hg-1223 phase and demonstrate its promising superconducting, thermal, and dielectric properties.

In this study, the occurrence of two introduced terrestrial gastropod species: Monacha cartusiana (O.F. Müller, 1774) and Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was investigated. Species identifications were made based on snail morphology. Snail shells were studied to determine their chemical composition and its effect on their success and establishment in the study area. Their organic components (protein and chitin) and inorganic matrix (elements) were analyzed and their correlations were investigated. Elemental analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence for both species and their surrounding soil. Gravimetric analysis revealed that the main shell component was calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the form of aragonite, comprising over 96% of the shells’ mass. Proteins and carbohydrates accounted for <4% of the shells. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectral analysis confirmed the presence of chitin in its β-allomorph form. Thirty-eight elements were detected. Of which, potassium (K), strontium (Sr), and rhenium (Re) were significantly different between the two species. A highly significant correlation was found between protein and carbohydrates, and CaCO3 indicating the role of the organic matrix in the formation of the mineral component. The survival of the studied species is partly attributed to a considerable overlap in their organic and inorganic chemical characteristics, along with notable differences.

This study evaluates the operational performance of a full-scale membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant located in Kuala Lumpur using GPS-X 8.0 simulation software. Key performance indicators–including mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), transmembrane pressure (TMP), dissolved oxygen, and effluent total suspended solids (TSS)were monitored over 30 days. The simulations were conducted using the advanced mode and calibrated with actual plant data. Results show that although the plant complies with Malaysian effluent discharge standards, it operates well below its design capacity, with MLSS levels significantly lower than recommended. This operational underload contributes to increased energy consumption and reduced treatment efficiency, particularly in terms of TSS and chemical oxygen demand removal.

Natural radioactivity is receiving a lot of attention worldwide due to its essential role in human health. Sugar is a generic term for sweet, soluble carbohydrates, many of which find their way into food. Therefore, measuring natural radioactivity is critical as it has a direct impact on human safety. This research analyzed natural radionuclide activity levels in 22 samples of commonly consumed sugar from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors are used in gamma-ray spectrometers. Measurements in this study showed that ²²⁶Ra activity concentrations ranged from below minimum detectable activity (BMDA) to 5.16 ± 2.55 Bq kg^-1 with an average value of 0.80 ± 0.15 Bq kg^-1. In contrast, ²³²Th radionuclide activity concentrations ranged from BMDA to 3.11 ± 1.67 Bq kg^-1 with an average value of 0.51 ± 0.10 Bq kg^-1. Also, the activity concentration of ⁴⁰K ranged from BMDA to 30.71 ± 10.77 Bq kg^-1 with a mean of 6.44 ± 2.54 Bq kg^-1. Based on these results, a radiation risk index associated with sugar intake was calculated. It was verified that the radiation exposure due to sugar consumption in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was below the permissible level of 290 μSv y^-1, and did not pose a radiation risk to public health.

Molecular sieves are used in various industries, especially petroleum and gas processing plants, as catalysts. These materials are in contact with crude oil products. After several operational years, these materials’ activities were reduced to a nonfeasible level called spent molecular sieve. Tens of tons are disposed of annually from oil and gas companies in Iraq. The paper aims to determine the kinds and amounts of toxic materials carried by the nickel oxide sulfur bed spent catalyst and then submit the suitable treatment methods, such as leaching by water, base solution, and acid solution. Aradioactive test was first done to ensure the material was free from the radioactivity array. The material was tested for nickel oxide concentration after each step of treatment. It was found that the leaching by water reduces the content by 4.5% during 24 h of leaching and 15.5% after 7 days. The leaching by alkaline sodium hydroxide 10% concentration solution reduces the content by 7% during 24 h and 14.3% after 7 days. The 10% hydrochloric acid concentration solution leaching reduces the nickel content by 10.8 during 24 h and 65.7 after 7 days. Leaching by acid solution is more efficient in the extraction of nickel oxide. The treatment method novelty is to be carried out at reasonable temperatures with high metal extraction efficiency. The research results achieved this goal of attaining extraction at an easily achievable temperature of 70°C with a relatively good extraction rate higher than 65%.

This study investigates the structure of 21 table salts that were collected from different local markets in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The major trace elements and iodine concentrations in tablesalt are analyzed through the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique and the titration method, respectively. The study shows that using XRF spectral analysis, the collected table salt samples are rich in chlorine, sodium, and contain a lower percentage of bromine, strontium, tin, tellurium, and iodine. Moreover, these samples have a high percentage of sulfur and sirconium, where the molybdenum is >0.2%. Other elements such as zinc and copper are essential and found in low concentrations <0.0086% and 0.001%. Iodine is a trace element that is necessary nutrients for human life, and it is naturally present in some foods. Iodine deficiency is brought on by a lack of iodine consumption. Iodized salt is highly recommended as a source of iodine to prevent iodine deficiency disease. Iodine is added to table salt in two different ways, either through iodate or through iodine. The results show that only 25% of the salt samples have an adequate level of iodine, while the other samples have low or no iodine content. According to the World Health Organization, quality of salt depends on iodine concentration and other trace elements, which are necessary for human health.

The present study is to compare the radon activity concentration in agricultural and virgin soils from various locations along the Little Zab River (LZR) in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. We conducted 24 measurements of soil samples using long tube techniques equipped with an electric radon detector called RAD7 in our research. The findings revealed that the radon activity concentrations ranged from 37.3 ± 7.52 Bq m-3 to 298.25 ± 50.09 Bq m-3 in virgin soil, and from 33.03 ± 10.85 Bq m-3 to 320.25 ± 34.62 Bq.m-3 in agriculture soil. The annual effective dose was also calculated to be from 0.94 ± 0.19 mSv.y-1 to 8.08 ± 0.87 mSv.y-1 for virgin soil, and from 0.83 ± 0.27 mSv.y-1 to 8.08 ± 0.87 mSv.y-1 for agriculture soil in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The field dose rates were measured using the RIIDEye Handheld Radiation Isotope Identifier and found to be within the range 56.8 nSv h-1 to 80.6 nSv h-1. It was observed that Agricultural soil has the highest radiation dose for humans compared to virgin soil.