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E Silva CR, de Oliveira FM. Natural radioactivity in mineral phosphate fertilizers and its impacts on human health: an overview. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118149-118160. [PMID: 37936035 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Humans are constantly exposed to radioactivity present in rocks, soils, and water, mainly from materials in the Earth's crust that contain chemical elements belonging to the radioactive series of uranium and thorium. An important anthropogenic source of these natural radioisotopes to the environment is fertilizers, widely used to increase agricultural productivity. Exposure to ionizing radiation can become a public health problem worldwide, since it is related to the development of different cancers in humans. The present study aimed to survey research on the radioactive content in different types of mineral phosphate fertilizers used around the world through a comprehensive review of the Scopus and Web of Science databases. About 80 scientific articles fit the purpose of this review. The concentration activity values found varied widely from one country to another, and there is no specific legislation that determines the maximum allowed limits of radioisotopes in these agricultural inputs. In addition, there are still uncertainties regarding the impact of natural radioactivity from fertilizers on human health, highlighting the need for further investigations on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Rodrigues E Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Chemistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista, s/n, Niterói, RJ, 24020-141, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana Monteiro de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Chemistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista, s/n, Niterói, RJ, 24020-141, Brazil
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Tamilarasi A, Sathish V, Chandrasekaran A. ASSESSMENT OF GAMMA DOSE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE RATE FOR COMMONLY USED FERTILIZER SAMPLES IN AGRICULTURE FIELD WITH A STATISTICAL APPROACH. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023; 199:95-106. [PMID: 36426758 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this present study, the activity concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K have been measured in commonly used chemical fertilizers for agriculture by using gamma-ray spectrometry with NaI (TI) detector. Radiological hazard parameters have been calculated for samples. The mean specific activity concentration of the 238U, 232Th and 40K is 176, 5.75 and 4136 Bq kg-1, respectively. Particularly, the mean value of 238U, as well as 40K, is higher than the world recommended value. Also, the average value of radium equivalent activity is 503 Bq kg-1 and the absorbed dose rate (DR) is 282.93 nGyh-1, which is greater than the permissible limit, whereas the annual effective dose rate (AEDR) is 0.316 mSvy-1, which is lower than the world recommended value. Therefore, collected fertilizer samples significantly increase the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in the agricultural soils. Multivariate statistical techniques such as Pearson correlation and factor analysis are carried out for radioactive variables to understand the existing relationship between them. From obtained results reveals that these fertilizer samples increases the probability of adverse health effects due to natural radioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhagesan Tamilarasi
- Department of Physics, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering (Autonomous), Chennai 603110, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vilvanathan Sathish
- Department of Physics, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering (Autonomous), Chennai 603110, Tamil Nadu, India
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Men J, Li Y, Cheng P, Zhang Z. Recycling phosphogypsum in road construction materials and associated environmental considerations: A review. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11518. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Majawa LJ, Tshivhase VM, Dlamini T. RADIOACTIVITY ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE SOIL IN THE VICINITY OF A URANIUM MINE IN MALAWI. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2022; 198:1353-1360. [PMID: 36004403 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the soil of areas surrounding the Kayelekera uranium mine were assessed. This study aims to provide a comprehensive profile of soil radioactivity distribution in the area surrounding the uranium mine to determine radiological hazards associated with mining and processing activities. Soil samples were analysed using gamma-ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium detector. Mean specific activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K were 58.3 ± 3.7, 40.3 ± 0.3 and 590.9 ± 63.9 Bq kg-1, respectively. Results from this study have indicated changes in radioactivity levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials in the area surrounding the understudied mine, with certain areas close to the mine site showing elevated levels of 238U, highlighting the need for systematic and periodic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis John Majawa
- Physics Department, University of Malawi, Zomba P.O. Box 280, Malawi
| | - Victor M Tshivhase
- Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng), P/B X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Thulani Dlamini
- Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng), P/B X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
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Abdel Gawad AE, Ali KG, Wahed AAA, Alsafi K, Khafaji M, Albahiti S, Khalil M, Masoud MS, Hanfi MY. Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Associated with Granite Bearing Radioactive Minerals and Valuable Metals, Monqul Area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15124307. [PMID: 35744366 PMCID: PMC9229709 DOI: 10.3390/ma15124307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The present work is concerned with assessing the cancer risk contributed by the studied granite types including valuable metals, such as Cu, Au, and Ba mineralization, as well as radioactive-bearing mineralization, such as monazite and zircon, in south Monqul at Wadi Makhrag El Ebel, north Eastern Desert, Egypt. The mineralization analyses illustrated that copper mineralization containing chrysocolla and tenorite minerals were restricted to the alteration zone, especially (argillic, phyllic, and propylitic) in monzogranite. However, barite veinlets had an ENE–WSW trend, while gold mineralization was confined to quartz veins having NE–SW trends. Monazite and zircon are radioactive-bearing minerals recorded in monzogranite causing high radioactive zones in south Monqul. The radionuclide activity concentrations were detected in the studied monzogranites. The mean values of AU (103 ± 91 Bq kg−1), ATh (78 ± 19 Bq kg−1), and AK (1484 ± 334 Bq kg−1) in the monzogranite samples were higher than the recommended worldwide average. The change in radioactive-transporting minerals found inside granite faults caused the high amounts of radioactivity seen in the samples. Due to the monzogranites being applied in building materials, the radiological hazards were assessed by calculating risk indices such as annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The acceptable limit for the ELCR readings was surpassed. As a result, the investigated monzogranite samples are not suitable for use in infrastructure materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E. Abdel Gawad
- Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo 11728, Egypt; (K.G.A.); (A.A.A.W.); (M.S.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.E.A.G.); (M.Y.H.)
| | - Khaled G. Ali
- Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo 11728, Egypt; (K.G.A.); (A.A.A.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Adel A. Abdel Wahed
- Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo 11728, Egypt; (K.G.A.); (A.A.A.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Khalid Alsafi
- Medical Physics Unit, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (M.K.); (S.A.)
- Medical Physics Unit, Diagnostic Imaging Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mawya Khafaji
- Medical Physics Unit, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (M.K.); (S.A.)
- Medical Physics Unit, Diagnostic Imaging Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Albahiti
- Medical Physics Unit, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (M.K.); (S.A.)
- Medical Physics Unit, Diagnostic Imaging Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdy Khalil
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta 34511, Egypt;
| | - Masoud S. Masoud
- Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo 11728, Egypt; (K.G.A.); (A.A.A.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Mohamed Y. Hanfi
- Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo 11728, Egypt; (K.G.A.); (A.A.A.W.); (M.S.M.)
- Institute of Physics and Technology, Ural Federal University, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (A.E.A.G.); (M.Y.H.)
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Establishing a pre-mining baseline of natural radionuclides distribution and radiation hazard for the Bled El-Hadba sedimentary phosphate deposits (North-Eastern Algeria). NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Hanfi MY, Abdel Gawad AE, Eliwa H, Ali K, Taki MM, Sayyed M, Khandaker MU, Bradley DA. Assessment of radioactivity in Granitoids at Nikeiba, Southeastern Desert, Egypt; radionuclides concentrations and radiological hazard parameters. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Djabou RE, Mavon C, Belafrites A, Groetz JE. Mining treatment effects on natural radioactivity and radiological hazard index assessment in phosphates and fertilizers used in Algeria. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Natural Radionuclide Levels and Radiological Hazards of Khour Abalea Mineralized Pegmatites, Southeastern Desert, Egypt. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Arranged from oldest to youngest, the main granitic rock units exposed in Khour Abalea are metagabbros, cataclastic rocks, ophiolitic melange, granitic rocks, pegmatite and lamprophyre dykes. The presence of radioactivity associated with the heavy bearing minerals in construction materials—like granite—increased interest in the extraction process. As it turns out, granitic rocks play an important economic part in the examination of an area’s surroundings. The radionuclide content is measured by using an NaI (Tl)-detector. In the mineralized pegmatites, U (326 to 2667 ppm), Th (562 to 4010 ppm), RaeU (495 to 1544 ppm) and K (1.38 to 9.12%) ranged considerably with an average of 1700 ppm, 2881.86 ppm, 1171.82 ppm and 5.04%, respectively. Relationships among radioelements clarify that radioactive mineralization in the studied pegmatites is magmatic and hydrothermal. A positive equilibrium condition confirms uranium addition to the studied rocks. This study determined 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations in pegmatites samples and assessed the radiological risks associated with these rocks. The activity concentrations of 226Ra (13,176 ± 4394 Bq kg−1), 232Th (11,883 ± 5644 Bq kg−1) and 40K (1573 ± 607 Bq kg−1) in pegmatites samples (P) are greater than the global average. The high activity of the mineralized pegmatite is mainly attributed to the presence of uranium mineral (autunite), uranophane, kasolite and carnotite, thorium minerals (thorite, thorianite and uranothorite) as well as accessories minerals—such as zircon and monazite. To assess the dangerous effects of pegmatites in the studied area, various radiological hazard factors (external, internal hazard indices, radium equivalent activity and annual effective dose) are estimated. The investigated samples almost surpassed the recommended allowable thresholds for all of the environmental factors.
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Korany KA, Masoud AM, Rushdy OE, Alrowaili ZA, Hassanein FH, Taha MH. Phosphate, phosphoric acid and phosphogypsum natural radioactivity and radiological hazards parameters. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07796-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Top G, Örgün Y, Ayazlı IE, Belivermiş M, Karacık Z, Kampfl G. DETERMINATION OF RA-226, TH-232, K-40 AND CS-137 ACTIVITIES IN SOILS AND BEACH SANDS AND RELATED EXTERNAL GAMMA DOSES IN ARIKLI MINERALIZATION AREA (AYVACIK/TURKEY). RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2021; 193:137-154. [PMID: 33822230 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium mineralization areas may jeopardize public health and surrounding natural life. In the current study for radioactivity and geochemical analyses, 43 soil, 5 rock and 10 beach sand samples were collected in and around Arıklı (Ayvacık, Turkey) uranium mineralization area. Radioactivity levels in the soils (up to Ra-226: 629, Th-232: 240, K-40: 3669 Bq/kg) were found higher than the that of beach sands. Besides, radioactivity of the beach sand samples is found at normal levels (avg: Ra-226: 31, Th-232: 31, K-40: 542 Bq/kg) when compared to worldwide average soil. Dose values indicate that the region have ~three times higher average gamma radioactivity than the corresponding world average although measured gamma doses ranged up to 687 nGy/h. The high measured values are related to uranium mineralization, alteration zones, faults and Arıklı tuff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülcan Top
- Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Solid Earth Sciences, Istanbul Technical University, Ayazağa Campus, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, PhD School of Environmental Sciences, Szent István University (SZIU), Páter K. u. 1, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
| | - Yüksel Örgün
- Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Mines, Istanbul Technical University, Ayazağa Campus, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ercüment Ayazlı
- Department of Geomatics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Campus, Sivas 58140, Turkey
| | - Murat Belivermiş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, Istanbul 34134, Turkey
| | - Zekiye Karacık
- Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Mines, Istanbul Technical University, Ayazağa Campus, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Györgyi Kampfl
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, PhD School of Environmental Sciences, Szent István University (SZIU), Páter K. u. 1, Gödöllő 2100, Hungary
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Abd El-Azeem SA, Mansour H. Determination of Natural Radionuclides and Mineral Contents in Environmental Soil Samples. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-020-04738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Kapashi E, Kapnisti M, Dafnomili A, Noli F. AloeVera as an effective biosorbent for the removal of thorium and barium from aqueous solutions. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06558-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Attallah M, Metwally S, Moussa S, Soliman MA. Environmental impact assessment of phosphate fertilizers and phosphogypsum waste: Elemental and radiological effects. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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