Natural radiation of chemical fertilisers and radiological impact on agriculture soil

Abstract

To investigate, the radiological hazards indices of chemical fertilisers commonly used in agriculture soils of Arasbaran, Iran, the activity concentration of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in four types of chemical fertilisers were measured by gamma spectrometry system. The concentration range for 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K were obtained from 54±2.2 to 1585±29.4, 6±0.1 to 157±9.1 and 31±1.5 to 1496 ± 32.8 Bq/kg, respectively. The obtained results showed that the average of radiation hazard parameters for the fertilisers were higher than the reference level for the gamma index(I), alpha index(I), absorbed dose rate(D), and ambient dose equivalent rate (H*( 10)) values. The outcomes give rise to that more parameters values are over the permissible limit, increasing the likelihood of adverse health consequences.

Comprehensive Analysis of Contaminants in Powdered Milk Samples Using an HPGe for γ Radiation

“…In the context of this study, allowing the samples to remain undisturbed in the Marinelli beakers for approximately 40 days facilitates the attainment of a secular equilibrium. During this period, the radioactive decay processes within the samples reach a stable state, ensuring that the activity measurements accurately reflect the true levels of radioactive isotopes present …”

“…Additionally, the activity mass concentration of 40K was ascertained by measuring the γ transition at 1460.8 keV. Equation was used for activity concentration normala ctivity 0.25em normalc oncentration 0.25em ( Bq / kg ) false[ normalA false] _ ct = ( A − C _ b ) / ( P . ε . t . m ) where A represents the total area beneath the peak in the γ-ray spectrum, Cb represents the background area beneath the same peak, P represents the likelihood of γ radiation being emitted at the specific energy of interest, ε represents the detector’s efficiency at the photopeak energy, t represents the duration of sample measurement, and m represents the mass of the milk sample in kilograms.…”

“…During this period, the radioactive decay processes within the samples reach a stable state, ensuring that the activity measurements accurately reflect the true levels of radioactive isotopes present. 11 …”

“…Equation 1 was used for activity concentration. 11 where A represents the total area beneath the peak in the γ-ray spectrum, Cb represents the background area beneath the same peak, P represents the likelihood of γ radiation being emitted at the specific energy of interest, ε represents the detector’s efficiency at the photopeak energy, t represents the duration of sample measurement, and m represents the mass of the milk sample in kilograms.…”

“…During this period, the radioactive decay processes within the samples reach a stable state, ensuring that the activity measurements accurately reflect the true levels of radioactive isotopes present. 11 Maintaining airtight conditions is crucial during this period to prevent the introduction of external contaminants that could interfere with the equilibrium process. To achieve this, the Marinelli beakers were hermetically sealed using tape, creating a barrier that prevents the entry of air and other external substances.…”