Determination of Radionuclide Concentrations in Tea Samples Cultivated in Guilan Province, Iran

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Department of Food Science & Technology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

3 Department of Medical Physics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

4 Radiological Protection Department, Nuclear science & technology research institute, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Medical Physics& Medical Engineering, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Foodstuffs are known to contain natural and artificial radionuclides. Determination of radionuclide concentration is of great significance for the protection of human health. The main objective of the present study was the quantification of radionuclides in tea samples, cultivated in Guilan Province in North of Iran.
Materials and Methods
The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in 18 tea samples were measured, using a gamma spectrometry system. In addition, radium equivalent index (Raeq) and radiation hazard index (HI) were calculated. ANOVA test was used for the statistical analysis of the data
Results
The concentration of 137Cs was below the minimum detectable activity (MDA). The concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th ranged from < MDA to 0.042 and < MDA to 0.037  Bq/kg respectively. The mean concentration of 40K was 410±15  Bq/kg. Based on the findings, the concentration of 40K was significantly higher than other radionuclides (P<0.01). Also, the mean Raeq value was estimated at 31.8±1.2 Bq/kg, and HI in the samples ranged from 0.075 to 0.093.
Conclusion
According to the findings, the activity level of radionuclides in tea samples was found to be within the acceptable range and therefore, non-threatening to public health.

Keywords

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 12, Issue 4
November and December 2015
Pages 271-277

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 August 2015
  • Revise Date: 27 April 2016
  • Accept Date: 14 February 2016

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