Natural radionuclides in Syrian diet and their daily intake

Assessment of Radium Equivalent Activity and Total Annual Effective Dose in Cassava cultivated around Ewekoro Cement Factory

In this study, cassava tubers cultivated in the Ewekoro cement area were investigated with the aid of Hyper Pure Germanium (HPGe) detector in order to assess the radionuclide content. Twenty-seven (27) samples of both arable soil and cassava tubers were studied at different sites to the epicenter of the mining activity. The results revealed the highest activity concentrations of K-40, Ra-226, and Th-232 to be 194.10, 63.92, and 76.90 Bq/kg, respectively, in soil to be at site 1, which was 50 m away from the cement mining site. Similarly, cassava reported the highest activity concentrations of 228.15 and 81.50 Bq/kg for K-40 and Ra-226, respectively, at sites 2, which was 150 m away from the mining site. However, the highest value of Th-232 in cassava was noted in site 1. Also, the highest values of Raeq for arable soil and cassava tubers were estimated to be 188.84 Bq/kg and 199.89 Bq/kg at site 1 and site 2, respectively. All the above results were higher than the recommended safe limits by a factor of 2. Moreover, the Total Annual Effective Dose of exposure by oral ingestion of cassava tubers for different age groups revealed children to have the highest level of exposure with the highest mean value of 7.98 mSv. This is followed by adults and infants, which reported 5.66 and 5.38 mSv, respectively, all at site 2. This result is far greater than the recommended safe limits of 1 mSv. Therefore, the results of the total averages of annual effective doses due to consumption of the three natural radionuclides in cassava tubers and other products from it by adults, children, and infants were found to be above the average annual ingestion radiation dose due to natural sources. Further statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences between sites 1 and 2 and between sites 1 and 3, where there was no statistically significant difference between sites 2 and 3.

Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in some vegetables and fruits commonly consumed in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey

In this study, the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in some vegetable and fruit samples frequently consumed in Kastamonu province located in the West Black Sea region of Turkey were determined using a gamma-ray spectrometer. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varied from 0.8 ± 0.1 to 32.8 ± 1.3, 0.7 ± 0.1 to 41.3 ± 21 and 391.8 ± 18.3 to 4679.0 ± 311.4 Bq kg−1 (dw), respectively, in twenty-eight vegetables and 1.3 ± 0.1 to 12.6 ± 0.4, 1.4 ± 0.1 to 15.0 ± 0.5 and 133.0 ± 84 to 777.0 ± 69.4 Bq kg−1 (dw), respectively, in seven fruit samples. The highest activity concentration of 226Ra and 232Th was measured in the garlic sample, while the highest activity concentration of 40K was measured in the spinach sample. Artificial radionuclide 137Cs was measured only in four vegetable samples; its activity concentration in garlic, eggplant, cucumber and carrot samples was determined as 9.6 ± 0.3, 3.1 ± 0.1, 3.1 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.1 Bq kg−1 (dw), respectively. The results obtained were compared with the results of similar studies in the literature. Annual effective radiation dose to adults due to the internal irradiation caused by ingestion of the investigated vegetable and fruit samples, and the corresponding excess lifetime cancer risk were estimated as 201 µSv and 8.9 × 10−5, respectively. The contribution of 40K to the total annual effective radiation dose was found as approximately 70%.

ASSESSMENT OF THE RADIOACTIVITY OF GAMMA EMITTERS IN BABY FORMULA FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND BABY CEREAL CONSUMED IN JORDAN

In the present work, different brands of baby formula and cereal consumed in Jordan were analyzed for their radioactivity content. The activity concentrations of 40K varied with the designated age group in formula with the average concentrations being (in Bq/kg): 160.2 ± 33.5, 219.0 ± 35.0 and 265.2 ± 56.3 for the age groups of 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 1-3 years, respectively. 226Ra was not detected in any of the samples, while 232Th was detected in nearly half the samples with concentrations ranging from 0.22 to 0.82 Bq/kg. 137Cs was detected in only two samples with concentrations of 0.94 and 3.15 Bq/kg. The concentrations of 40K and 232Th in cereal were in the ranges of 23-294 and 0.49-1.48 Bq/kg, respectively. The resulting committed dose was assessed and found in the range of 154-613 μSv, with insignificant contribution from 137Cs, which is within the worldwide range but generally higher than the worldwide average of 290 μSv.

Determination of natural radioactivity in products of animals fed with grass: A case study for Kars Region, Turkey

In this research, the activity concentrations of ⁴⁰ K, ²³²Th and ²²⁶Ra in 41 grass samples collected from Kars region, Turkey, were determined using gamma ray spectrometry. Natural radioactivity concentrations in animal food products were calculated based on activity concentrations of these radionuclides in pasture-grass samples and dry-grass consumption of animals. The average annual effective dose from these radionuclides for local consumers due to indirect ingestion of cow milk, sheep milk, poultry, mutton and beef consumption have been calculated as 9.01, 0.24, 1.76, 0.38 and 5.25 µSv y^-1, respectively. Furthermore, the calculated average annual effective dose values for adults are within the values found in other countries worldwide. These results show that animal products can be safe for human consumption in terms of radiation exposure due to the natural radionuclides studied.

Public exposure to radioactivity levels in the Lebanese environment

In the framework of a National Environmental Radiation Survey Program, a total of 950 samples were collected and analyzed over 7 years. The program covers different compartment of Lebanese environment, rivers, wells, marine samples, soil, and foodstuff. Air was monitored continuously through a radiation early warning network system. Data collected from 2009 to 2015 are presented in this work. Gross alpha/gross beta values in well samples were below the guidance levels stated by the WHO. Cesium-137 was detected in milk samples, whey, and jam. However, its content was much lower than the national permissible level, while its activity concentration in marine samples was lower than the values reported in studies carried out in the Mediterranean Sea. The activity concentration of ⁴⁰K in food samples was comparable to studies carried out in neighboring countries and higher than the content determined in non Mediterranean countries. Concerning marine environment, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were comparable to those reported in other studies carried out in different countries. As well as their content in rivers and sediments was lower than those reported in neighboring region. Potassium-40 in food and ²¹⁰Po in fish were the main contributors to the internal dose. The average annual effective dose due to external exposure and internal, excluding radon gas which constitutes around 43 % of the total dose, was found to be lower than the total worldwide value, 2.4 mSv year^-1. Iodine-131 was detected in grass samples, collected in 2011 during Fukushima accident; its content ranged from 0.40 ± 0.06 to 0.9 ± 0.1 Bq kg^-1, as well as ¹³⁷Cs was detected in some seafood samples imported from Japan and neighboring countries. Its activity concentration varied between 0.15 ± 0.04 and 0.40 ± 0.02 Bq kg^-1.

²¹⁰Po in the diet at Seville (Spain) and its contribution to the dose by ingestion

The activity concentrations of (210)Po have been determined in a total of 24 representative diet samples from Seville (south of Spain), inferring from the obtained values the annual intakes of (210)Po by ingestion of the affected population and the corresponding committed effective doses. The annual intakes of (210)Po and, consequently, the corresponding doses of this radionuclide show a high variability in correspondence with the variability in the composition of the analysed samples over time, and their magnitude is comparable with the estimated ones in other regions/countries of the world with similar diet habits (countries where the marine products have a considerable weight in the diets). Committed effective doses by ingestion higher than 0.1 mSv y(-1) have been estimated exclusively for (210)Po, reflecting the importance of this radionuclide and this route of incorporation in the magnitude of the total doses received by the affected population from natural sources.

Assessment of Annual Effective Dose for Natural Radioactivity of Gamma Emitters in Biscuit Samples in Iraq

Biscuits are an important type of food, widely consumed by babies in Iraq and other countries. This work uses gamma spectroscopy to measure the natural radioactivity due to long-lived gamma emitters in children's biscuits; it also estimates radiation hazard indices, that is, the radium equivalent activity, the representative of gamma level index, the internal hazard index, and the annual effective dose in children. Ten samples were collected from the Iraqi market from different countries of origin. The average specific activities for (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K were 9.390, 3.1213, and 214.969 Bq/kg, respectively, but the average of the radium equivalent activity and the internal hazard index were 33.101 Bq/kg and 0.107, respectively. The total average annual effective dose from consumption by adults, children, and infants is estimated to be 0.655, 1.009, and 0.875 mSv, respectively. The values found for specific activity, radiation hazard indices, and annual effective dose in all samples in this study were lower than worldwide median values for all groups; therefore, these values are found to be safe.

Baseline concentration of ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb in Sargassum from the northern Gulf

This baseline study highlights the (210)Po and (210)Pb concentration in two species of the benthic macroalgae Sargassum from northern Gulf, also known as the ROPME Sea Area (RSA). Within the marine environment, (210)Po is initially absorbed from water and concentrated by phytoplankton and macroalgae, and this concentrated (210)Po can then readily be passed along to the higher trophic level of the marine food web. The (210)Po concentration measured in Sargassum boveanum (22.5-25.6 Bq kg(-1)) was higher than that in Sargassum oligocystum (20.2-22.5 Bq kg(-1)), but is not statistically significant (p>0.064), where as the difference between (210)Pb concentrations in Sargassum boveanum (15.3-16.8 Bq kg(-1)) and Sargassum oligocystum (18.4-22.0 Bq kg(-1)) was statistically significant (p>0.019). The measured concentration factor for (210)Po in Sargassum in the northern Gulf varied between 0.55 and 1.2×10(4), values higher to the IAEA recommended value of 1×10(3). The (210)Po enrichment is observed in both the species of Sargassum,(210)Po/(210)Pb ratio was >1 at all the stations for all the samples.

Gamma spectrometry efficiency calibration using Monte Carlo methods to measure radioactivity of 137Cs in food samples

A simple method of efficiency calibration for gamma spectrometry was performed. This method, which focused on measuring the radioactivity of (137)Cs in food samples, was based on Monte Carlo simulations available in the free-of-charge toolkit GEANT4. Experimentally, the efficiency values of a high-purity germanium detector were calculated for three reference materials representing three different food items. These efficiency values were compared with their counterparts produced by a computer code that simulated experimental conditions. Interestingly, the output of the simulation code was in acceptable agreement with the experimental findings, thus validating the proposed method.

Bioaccumulation of 210Po in common gastropod and bivalve species from the northern Gulf

This study sets the baseline for the concentration of the natural-series radionuclide polonium-210 in two species of gastropods and four species of bivalves that are common to the Northern Arabian/Persian Gulf. (210)Po is primarily absorbed from water and via ingestion of detrital material by gastropoda and bivalves. This concentrated (210)Po can then be passed along to the next trophic level of the marine food web. The lowest (210)Po concentration was measured in the gastropod Stomatella auricular (10.36-12.39Bq kg(-1)dry) and the highest in the bivalve Marica marmorata (193.51-215.60Bq kg(-1)dry). The measured concentration factor for these molluscs in the northern Gulf varied between 4.8 and 115×10(3), values very similar to the IAEA recommended value for bivalves and gastropods of 2×10(4).

Estimation of annual effective dose due to ingestion of natural radionuclides in foodstuffs and water at a proposed uranium mining site in India

PURPOSE

To study the distribution of (210)Po, (226)Ra, (230)Th and U(nat) (naturally occurring radioisotopes of uranium [(234)U, (235)U and (238)U]) in food and water around the Bagjata uranium mining area in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radionuclides were analyzed in food samples of plant and animal origin after acid digestion. Intake and ingestion dose of the radionuclides were estimated.

RESULTS

(210)Po, (226)Ra, (230)Th and U(nat) in all the dietary components ranged widely from < 0.2-36, < 0.02-1.58, < 0.01-2.8 and < 0.017-0.39 Bqkg(-1), respectively. The range of (226)Ra and U(nat) in water was < 3.5-206 and < 12.6-693 mBql(-1), respectively. The intake of radionuclides considering food and water was calculated to be 760 BqY(-1) while the ingestion dose was 601 μSvY(-1). The estimated doses reflect the natural background dose via route of ingestion, which is below the 1 mSvY(-1) limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, the doses are more than the dose constraint of 300 μSvY(-1) as suggested by the ICRP for members of the public for planned disposal of long-lived radioactive waste.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms that current levels of radionuclides do not pose significant radiological risk to the local inhabitants, but they need close investigation in the near future.

Baseline concentration of 210Po in Kuwait's commercial fish species

This baseline study highlights the (210)Po variation in whole fishes with different feeding habits. Whole-body (210)Po concentrations were determined in ten important commercial fish species found in the northern Arabian Gulf to serve as baseline data. Primarily, (210)Po is absorbed from water, concentrated by phytoplankton and microzooplankton, and then transferred to the next trophic level along the marine food chain. The lowest concentration of (210)Po was measured in larger carnivorous fishes like hamoor (0.089 Bq kg(-1)), while the highest was found in the fishes that feed on algae, zooplanktons and detritus, like battan (3.30 Bq kg(-1)). The baseline data can be used to understand both the trophic transfer of (210)Po in the marine food chain and the (210)Po concentration factors in fish from the Arabian Gulf.

Transfer of natural radionuclides from hay and silage to cow's milk in the vicinity of a former uranium mine

After the closure of the former Žirovski Vrh uranium mine in Slovenia, mining and milling wastes were deposited on two waste piles, which are located close to the mine. These wastes contain elevated levels of natural radionuclides from the uranium decay chain. Due to different migration processes (erosion, aerial deposition, through groundwater), these radionuclides can be transported via fodder into cow's milk, which is an important foodstuff for Slovenian people. Therefore, natural radionuclides were analysed in the transfer food chain from soil to cow's fodder and cow's milk. After sampling, (238)U, (234)U, (230)Th, (226)Ra, (210)Pb and (210)Po were determined using radiochemical separation methods and alpha spectrometry or proportional counting. Hay and silage to milk concentration ratios (kg dry weight L(-1)) were calculated and were 0.260 for (238)U, 0.255 for (230)Th, 0.070 for (226)Ra, 0.021 for (210)Pb and 0.019 for (210)Po. The calculated annual ingestion dose due to milk consumption for the natural radionuclides analysed was 9 μSv/year for adults and 389 μSv/year for infants with the highest contribution of (210)Po (51% for adults and 63% for infants) and (210)Pb (36% for adults and 24% for infants). This study provides new data quantifying the transfer of natural radionuclides to milk, which is a parameter for which there have been very few previously reported values.

Determination of 210Po in various foodstuffs and its annual effective dose to inhabitants of Qena City, Egypt

The concentration of 210Po was determined in different foodstuffs of plant origin purchased from markets in Qena City, Upper Egypt. Measurement of 210Po has been carried out using alpha spectrometry technique in different food categories such as vegetables, fruits, cereals beverages and herbs. The general range of 210Po activity levels ranged widely from <0.010-18.6±0.910 mBq g(-1), with minimum being in cereal samples and maximum being in beverage samples. Tea samples recorded highest activity concentrations of 210Po with lowest value of 10±0.54 mBq g(-1) for Crown tea and highest value of 18.6±0.910 mBq g(-1) for El maabad tea. The daily intake of 210Po from food consumption reveals that vegetables are the biggest contributors, while beverages are the lowest. The effective ingestion dose has been estimated for Qena City residents and it was found in the range 0.008-38.3 μSv y(-1).

210Pb and 210Po in Finnish cereals

A survey was carried out on the activity concentrations of (210)Pb and (210)Po in cereal grains produced in Finland. The cereal species were wheat (Triticum aestivum), rye (Secale cereale), oats (Avena sativa) and barley (Hordeum vulgare), which account for 90% of the Finnish consumption of cereal products. The survey consisted of 18 flour and 13 unprocessed cereal samples and one hulled grain sample from 22 flour mills. According to the results, the mean (210)Pb/(210)Po concentrations in wheat grains, wheat flour, rye flour, oat grains and barley grains were 0.29, 0.12, 0.29, 0.36 and 0.36 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Combined with the consumption rates of the products, we assess that the mean effective doses from (210)Pb and (210)Po in cereal products for the adult male and female population are 22 and 17 μSv per year, respectively.

Human health risk assessment of environmental and dietary exposure to natural radionuclides in the Catalan stretch of the Ebro River, Spain

This study was aimed at assessing the levels of 210Pb and 210Po concentrations as well as gross alpha and beta activities in environmental monitors from the Catalan stretch of the Ebro River (Spain), potentially influenced by the presence of sediments with high concentrations of 238U and its decay chain daughters in the Flix reservoir. The chronic daily intake of 210Pb and 210Po through ingestion and inhalation of soils was evaluated, and the derived non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were characterized. The low concentration of radioisotopes in soils resulted in a negligible annual effective dose. The levels of 210Pb and 210Po were determined in various groups of highly consumed food (fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, and rice), and their dietary intake was calculated. The annual effective dose for the adult people from food intake was estimated in 3.3×10(-2) mSv, mostly due to 210Po. Overall, the current radioactivity levels in the Catalan stretch of the Ebro River should not mean any additional health risk for the population living nearby. However, an integral assessment of the risks derived from exposure to other pollutants (e.g., metals and organochlorine compounds) jointly with radionuclides could be of great interest.

Distribution of 210Pb and 210Po concentrations in wild berries and mushrooms in boreal forest ecosystems

The activity concentrations and distribution of 210Pb and 210Po in wild berries and edible mushrooms were investigated in Finnish forests. The main study areas were located in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests in southern and northern Finland. The activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po in blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) samples decreased in the order: stems>leaves>berries (i.e. fruits). The activity ratios of 210Po/210Pb in the wild berry samples were mainly higher than one, indicating elevated activity concentrations of polonium in the samples. In mushrooms the activity concentrations of 210Pb and especially 210Po were higher than in fruits of the wild berries. The highest activity concentration of 210Pb was detected in Cortinarius armillatus L. (16.2 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and the lowest in Leccinum vulpinum L. (1.38 Bq kg(-1) d.w.). The 210Po activity concentrations of the whole fruiting bodies ranged from 7.14 Bq kg(-1) d.w. (Russula paludosa L.) to 1174 Bq kg(-1) d.w. (L. vulpinum L.). In general, the highest activity concentrations of 210Po were recorded in boletes. The caps of mushrooms of the Boletaceae family showed higher activity concentrations of 210Po compared to the stipes. In most of the mushrooms analyzed, the activity concentrations of 210Po were higher than those of 210Pb. 210Po and 210Pb dominate the radiation doses received via ingestion of wild berries and mushrooms in northern Finland, while in southern Finland the ingested dose is dominated by 137Cs from the Chernobyl fallout.