Background & Objectives: One of the main areas of research in hot springs is to investigate the probability of the presence of gamma radiation resulting from the natural radioactivity substances in geologic combinations in volcanic regions. Meshkinshahr with a beautiful landscape is located in the northwest of Iran. Sabalan volcanic mountain has created many hot springs in its vicinity. One of the major ones is hot spring of Qotursui with PH= 2.5 n the north east, chainarja with an average temperature of 80 ⁰c and Ilando and moillsui in the northwest of sabalan. This study was done to determine the environmental gamma and the annual absorption dose for the above hot springs and to compare it with that of world standard in Meshkinshahr in 2007-2008. 

Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, a Geiger Muller dose meter (Model: Smart Ion) was used to measure the amount of environmental gamma. Placing the dose meter in two different heights of 1 meter and 5 centimeter respectively, the mean of environmental gamma was obtained. The number of dosemetry in each season was at least 30 in the morning and in the afternoon. In each dosemetry, 3 points in the source of the dosemetry was repeated in the deposits. The dose meter in each height was kept on a stool for 10 minutes and it registered the information momentarily. The findings were analyzed through a T-test.

Results: Results during one year study show total average level of dose of environmental radiation for Hot springs of Ghainarjeh 26.3, Ilando 21.6, and Moill 22.04  msv.y ^-1.

Conclusion: Average dose of gamma rays in Hot springs is high in proportion to world standard which is more than 8-10 times and this region can be considered as high natural radioactive.

  Background & Objectives: Considering the effect of Pseudomonas aeroginosa on public health as one of the most important microorganisms in swimming pools, this study was conducted to assess the possibility of contamination of hot spring pools with this organism in Ardabil province.

  Methods: In this study, 195 specimens were investigated from all public hot spring pools of Ardabil province during April to September 2011 when the number of swimmers reaches its peak. Standard method was used to investigate the presence or absence of P. aeroginosa in the valume of 100 ml collected samples.

  Results: The rates of contamination with P. aeruginosa at different months were as follows: April 17.5%, May 22.5%, June 22.5%, July 25% and August 20%. There was no statistically significant difference for P. aeroginosa contamination within the months. However, a statistically significant difference was considered for P. aeroginosa among all locations (p<0.05).

  Conclusion: Totally, 22.9% of specimens revealed P. aeroginosa which is alarming. So, it is suggested that monitoring and disinfection the public hot spring pools should be considered more seriously. It is also necessary to limit the number swimmers in public hot spring pools to reduce burden of contamination.