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Zlatanovska I, Stafilov T, Šajn R, Gonovska BD, Dimovska S, Janusheski J, Barandovski L. Distribution of some natural and artificial radionuclides in soil from the city of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2024:ncae139. [PMID: 38855829 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5 × 5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed. The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5 × 5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zlatanovska
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, POB 162, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Trajče Stafilov
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, POB 162, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Robert Šajn
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ul. 14, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Dimovska Gonovska
- Scientific Tobacco Institute, St. Kliment Ohridski University, Kičevska bb, 7500 Prilep, Macedonia
| | - Snežana Dimovska
- Republic Institute for Health Protection, 50 Divizija 6, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Jovan Janusheski
- Republic Institute for Health Protection, 50 Divizija 6, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Lambe Barandovski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, POB 162, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
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Milenkovic B, Stajic JM, Zeremski T, Strbac S, Stojic N, Nikezic D. Is Kragujevac city still a "hot spot" area, twenty years after the bombing? CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 245:125610. [PMID: 31864048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
After NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999, UNEP has identified Kragujevac as one of the four heavily polluted environmental "hot spots". Damaging of industrial and military targets caused the release of substantial amounts of hazardous chemical substances into the environment. This study was conducted in order to access the exposure of residents of Kragujevac city to persistent soil pollutants, twenty years after NATO air campaign. The paper reports the results of measuring radionuclides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg) in soil samples collected from two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) at 30 locations along the riverbank of the Lepenica River. The average specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were comparable to average worldwide values; excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) from natural radionuclides ranged from 1.1·10-4 to 3.3·10-4. The measured concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, and Ni exceeded the limit values in most of the samples. Non-carcinogenic risk (hazard quotient and hazard index) and carcinogenic risk from heavy metals were assessed. Total hazard index was 0.257 and 2.16 for adults and children, respectively. Sum of measured PAHs ranged from 110 to 1026 μg kg-1. Sum of PCBs exceeded the limit value of 20 μg kg-1 in all samples (it ranged from 48.8 to 196.8 μg kg-1), but it was still below the remediation level. The differences between two layers with respect to all measured variables were not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Milenkovic
- University of Kragujevac, Institute for Information Technologies Kragujevac, Department of Science, Jovana Cvijica bb, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jelena M Stajic
- University of Kragujevac, Institute for Information Technologies Kragujevac, Department of Science, Jovana Cvijica bb, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Tijana Zeremski
- Institute of Field & Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Snezana Strbac
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Centre of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Stojic
- University Educons, Faculty for Environmental Protection, Vojvode Putnika bb, Sremska Kamenica, 21208, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Nikezic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Radoja Domanovica 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia; The State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadzica bb, 36300, Novi Pazar, Serbia
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Gulan L, Milenkovic B, Zeremski T, Milic G, Vuckovic B. Persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and radioactivity in the urban soil of Priština City, Kosovo and Metohija. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 171:415-426. [PMID: 28033572 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals content and radioactivity levels were measured in 27 soil samples collected from Priština, the capital of Kosovo and Metohija. The sixteen PAHs, twelve OCPs and six PCBs congeners were determined by gas chromatography system with mass spectrometry detection. Although the use of PCBs and OCPs was prohibited decades ago residues of those compounds still existed in measurable concentrations in soils of Priština. PAHs were also present in analyzed samples but their mean concentration was significantly lower than mean concentrations of PAHs previously reported in urban areas in the world. The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined by the EDTA extraction protocols, along with their extractable concentrations. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) were determined by gamma spectrometry method. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test found that activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were normally distributed. Radiological risk was estimated through the annual effective dose, gonadal dose equivalent, excess lifetime cancer risk, radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indexes. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for analysis of correlations between physicochemical properties, heavy metal contents and radionuclide activity concentrations. Strong positive correlation between 226Ra and 232Th was found, as well as among pairs of As-Cd and Co-Mn. Very strong positive correlation (0.838) at the 0.01 significance level was noted for Pb-Zn pair. Strong correlations indicate common occurrence of these elements in the nature, as well as geogenic association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Gulan
- University of Priština, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lole Ribara 29, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Biljana Milenkovic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Radoja Domanovica 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Tijana Zeremski
- Institute of Field & Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gordana Milic
- University of Priština, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lole Ribara 29, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Biljana Vuckovic
- University of Priština, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lole Ribara 29, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
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Djelic G, Krstic D, Stajic JM, Milenkovic B, Topuzovic M, Nikezic D, Vucic D, Zeremski T, Stankovic M, Kostic D. Transfer factors of natural radionuclides and (137)Cs from soil to plants used in traditional medicine in central Serbia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 158-159:81-88. [PMID: 27082759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transfer factors of natural radionuclides and (137)Cs from soil to plants used in traditional medicine were determined. The transfer factors (TF) were calculated as Bq kg(-1) of dry plant per Bq kg(-1) of dry soil. Mass activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs in soil and plant samples were measured with high purity germanium detector (HPGe). The concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined, as well as the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the content of exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na). Wide ranges of values were obtained for all the metals, especially for Cr and Ni. The Absalom model was used for determination of the amount of (137)Cs transferred from soil to plant based on soil characteristics such as pH, exchangeable potassium, humus and clay contents. The estimated transfer factors were in the range from 0.011 to 0.307 with an arithmetic mean of 0.071, median of 0.050, geometric mean of 0.053 and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 2.08. This value agreed well with that calculated from the measurements of 0.069, geometric mean 0.040 and GSD 3.19. Correlations between radionuclides, metals, physicochemical properties and transfer factors were determined by Spearman correlation coefficient. There was a strong positive correlation between (137)Cs transfer factor and the ratio of transfer factor for K and (137)Cs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed in order to identify some pattern of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorica Djelic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragana Krstic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Jelena M Stajic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Biljana Milenkovic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Topuzovic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Nikezic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dusica Vucic
- Institute on Occupational Health Protection "NIŠ" Vojislav Ilić bb, Nis, 18000, Serbia
| | - Tijana Zeremski
- Institute of Field & Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Milan Stankovic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragana Kostic
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, R. Domanovic 12, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Milenkovic B, Stajic JM, Gulan L, Zeremski T, Nikezic D. Radioactivity levels and heavy metals in the urban soil of Central Serbia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:16732-16741. [PMID: 26087932 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Radioactivity concentrations and heavy metal content were measured in soil samples collected from the area of Kragujevac, one of the largest cities in Serbia. The specific activities of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs in 30 samples were measured by gamma spectrometry using an HPGe semiconductor detector. The average values ± standard deviations were 33.5 ± 8.2, 50.3 ± 10.6, 425.8 ± 75.7 and 40.2 ± 26.3 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (137)Cs have shown normal distribution. The annual effective doses, radium equivalent activities, external hazard indexes and excess lifetime cancer risk were also estimated. A RAD7 device was used for measuring radon exhalation rates from several samples with highest content of (226)Ra. The concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured, as well as their EDTA extractable concentrations. Wide ranges of values were obtained, especially for Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The absence of normal distribution indicates anthropogenic origin of Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. Correlations between radionuclide activities, heavy metal contents and physicochemical properties of analysed soil were determined by Spearman correlation coefficient. Strong positive correlation between (226)Ra and (232)Th was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Milenkovic
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovica 12, Kragujevac, 34000, Serbia.
| | - J M Stajic
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovica 12, Kragujevac, 34000, Serbia
| | - Lj Gulan
- Faculty of Natural Science, University of Pristina, Lole Ribara 29, 38220, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - T Zeremski
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - D Nikezic
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovica 12, Kragujevac, 34000, Serbia
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Ćujić M, Dragović S, Đorđević M, Dragović R, Gajić B, Miljanić Š. Radionuclides in the soil around the largest coal-fired power plant in Serbia: radiological hazard, relationship with soil characteristics and spatial distribution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:10317-10330. [PMID: 25716901 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3888-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Primordial radionuclides, (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were determined in soil samples collected at two depths (0-10 and 10-20 cm) in the vicinity of the largest coal-fired power plant in Serbia, and their spatial distribution was analysed using ordinary kriging. Mean values of activity concentrations for these depths were 50.7 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, 48.7 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th and 560 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Based on the measured activity concentrations, the radiological hazard due to naturally occurring radionuclides in soil was assessed. The value of the mean total absorbed dose rate was 76.3 nGy h(-1), which is higher than the world average. The annual effective dose due to these radionuclides ranged from 51.4 to 114.2 μSv. Applying cluster analysis, correlations between radionuclides and soil properties were determined. The distribution pattern of natural radionuclides in the environment surrounding the coal-fired power plant and their enrichment in soil at some sampling sites were in accordance with dispersion models of fly ash emissions. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that operation of the coal-fired power plant has no significant negative impact on the surrounding environment with regard to the content of natural radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Ćujić
- University of Belgrade-Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Banatska 31b, 11080, Belgrade, Serbia,
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Dragović S, Gajić B, Dragović R, Janković-Mandić L, Slavković-Beškoski L, Mihailović N, Momčilović M, Ćujić M. Edaphic factors affecting the vertical distribution of radionuclides in the different soil types of Belgrade, Serbia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:127-37. [DOI: 10.1039/c1em10457h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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