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Quantitative analysis of natural radioactivity levels in legumes and grains: Exploring implications for human health
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A.N. Hmood   , N.I. Ashour , M.N. Hammood , A.K. Hashim , A.S. Musa |
| Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq , nabeel.ashoor@uokerbala.edu.iq |
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Abstract: (8 Views) |
Background: Natural radioactive nuclei in the earth's geology are being increasingly studied worldwide due to their potential public health implications. This research is crucial, as legumes, which are a primary food source for many people, commonly contain such radionuclides. The study aimed to evaluate the background radiation in legumes and grains collected from an Iraqi market using two techniques: a scintillation detector system and a CN-85 detector. Materials and Methods: As discussed in the first part of this work, after samples were collected, they were dried at 70 °C, ground up, weighed, and stored in Marlin beakers for four weeks to reach equilibrium before 222Rn and 226Ra. NaI (Tl) scintillation detectors were used. The samples were then sealed in test tubes for four weeks to ensure further balance. Detectors were used to measure alpha release for 79 days before the samples were treated with 2.5N NaOH at 60 °C for 3 hours. All samples were then placed in a water bath, washed with distilled water, and dried, and the nuclear detector effects were calculated using microscopy. Results: The 238U emissions ranged from 5.86±0.15 to 1.3±0.12 Bq/kg, while the 232Th was between 3.82±0.14 and1.1±0.11 Bq/kg; 40K was between 59.53±2.21and 414.16±3.81 Bq/kg. The Ca in the airspace between the samples and the detector ranged between 288.766 and 656.643 Bq/m3, while the CRn in the samples ranged between 4,827.885 and 10978.440 Bq/m3. Conclusion: The results closely aligned with or slightly exceeded those of previous studies. All results fell within UNSCEAR 2000 internationally permitted limits, however, suggesting that such produce offers no danger to human life or health from radioactivity. |
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| Keywords: Natural radioactivity, gamma spectroscopy, sealed can technique, foods. |
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Full-Text [PDF 802 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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