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Karunakara N, D'Souza RS, Nayak SR, Bharath S, Krishnan KA, Dileep BN, Ravi PM. Quantification of excess Carbon-14 specific activity in terrestrial biota in the off-site locations of the PHWR nuclear power plant at Kaiga, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159756. [PMID: 36461574 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159756] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This is the first detailed study on 14C activity in the environment surrounding a nuclear facility in India. Samples of food matrices and wild plants from the off-site locations of the PHWR nuclear power plant (NPP) at Kaiga were analysed by liquid scintillation spectrometry, results were validated by accelerator mass spectrometry, and an extensive database (N = 142) was established. The stable isotope ratio of carbon (δ13C) in terrestrial plants varied from -33.5 to -23.3 ‰. The maximum excess 14C activity recorded in terrestrial biota was 44 Bq kg-1C (19 pMC). About 75 % of the samples exhibited specific activity in the range 228-249 Bq kg-1C (101-110 pMC). Statistical tests on the 14C specific activity dataset for 2.3-5, 5-10, and 10-20 km radial zones confirmed that the impact of the operation of the NPP on the environment beyond 5 km is minimal. The study suggests that the 14C activity released through gaseous effluents from Kaiga NPP is transported to greater distances along the axis of the valley than that predicted by the Gaussian plume model and those reported for other NPP sites worldwide. This is due to the unique topography of the Kaiga valley in which wind flow channelling, strong winds in the valley mouth, and calm wind within the valley due to the blocking effect by hills for the south-westerly wind regime play dominant roles in the transport of gaseous effluents. The 14C specific activity values at upwind monitoring stations located at >5 km distance from the NPP during the south-westerly wind regime were higher than those observed during the north-easterly wind regime when the same monitoring stations were located on the downwind side. The ingestion dose to the population in the 2.3-5 km radius zone, attributable to the release of 14C from the NPP, was 0.75 μSv y-1. This is a negligibly small fraction of the ICRP recommended dose limit of 1000 μSv y-1 for the public from other than natural sources. The dose due to the natural 14C activity in the Kaiga region was 12 µSv y-1, corresponding to the ambient natural activity of 230 Bq kg-1 C.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Karunakara
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India.
| | - Renita Shiny D'Souza
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India
| | - S Rashmi Nayak
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India
| | - S Bharath
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India
| | - K Arya Krishnan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India
| | - B N Dileep
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India
| | - P M Ravi
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, India
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Ujwal P, Yashodhara I, Sudeep Kumara K, Ravi PM, Karunakara N. Environmental transfer parameters of strontium for soil to cow milk pathway for tropical monsoonal climatic region of the Indian subcontinent. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7528. [PMID: 35534517 PMCID: PMC9085734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The radionuclide transfer between compartments is commonly described by transfer parameters representing the ratio of concentrations of an element in two compartments for equilibrium conditions. This is a comprehensive study on the soil-to-grass transfer factor (Fv) and grass-to-cow milk transfer coefficient (Fm) for stable strontium (Sr) for soil-grass (pasture)-cow (Bos taurus) milk environmental pathway under field conditions for a high rainfall tropical monsoonal climatic region of the Indian subcontinent. The study was conducted in the vicinity of the Kaiga nuclear power plant (NPP), situated ~ 58 km inland of the West Coast of the Indian subcontinent. A grass field was developed exclusively for this study, and two cows of the native breed were raised to graze on it. The soil, grass, and milk were analyzed to evaluate the Fv and the Fm values for the stable Sr. For comparison, several pasture lands and the cows raised by the villagers and a dairy farm were also studied. The Fv values were in the range 0.18-8.6, the geometric mean (GM) being 1.8. The correlations of Fv values with a range of physicochemical parameters are presented. The GM values for Fm were 2.2 × 10-3 d L-1 and 7.2 × 10-3 d L-1 for the two cows raised for this study, 2.6 × 10-3 d L-1 for those raised by the villagers, and 4.2 × 10-3 d L-1 for the dairy farm. The site-specific Fm value for the region was determined as 3.2 × 10-3 d L-1. The concentration ratio (CR), defined as the ratio of Sr concentration in milk to that in feed under equilibrium conditions, exhibited less variability (1.8 × 10-2-5.4 × 10-2) among the three categories of cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ujwal
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
- Department of Science and Humanities, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Sangli, Maharastra, 415414, India
| | - I Yashodhara
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - K Sudeep Kumara
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - P M Ravi
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - N Karunakara
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India.
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Nayak S R, D'Souza RS, Mohan MP, Bharath S, Kamath SS, Dileep BN, Ravi PM, N K. NE-OBT and TFWT activity concentrations in wild plants in the vicinity of the PHWR nuclear power plant and control regions of the tropical monsoonal climatic region of the Indian subcontinent. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 240:106740. [PMID: 34592534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106740] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The results of the first detailed study, involving a large number of samples, on water equivalent factor (WEQp), non-exchangeable organically bound tritium (NE-OBT) and tissue free water tritium (TFWT) activity concentrations in predominant plant species of the tropical monsoonal climatic region, are presented. A total of 369 samples from the vicinity of the PHWR nuclear power plant (NPP) at Kaiga, West Coast of India, and 47 samples of the control region (region not affected by local anthropogenic sources) were analysed. The WEQp varied in the range of 0.347-0.666 L kg-1 with an overall mean value of 0.540 ± 0.045 L kg-1. The NE-OBT activity concentration varied in the range of <9.8-60.9 Bq L-1 of combustion water (mean = 24.6 ± 11.5 Bq L-1) and that of TFWT in the range of 9.2-60.5 Bq L-1 (mean = 30.7 ± 10.9 Bq L-1) in the vicinity of the NPP. Rigorous statistical analysis of the data confirmed that (i) the activity concentrations of both forms of tritium decreased with the increase in the distance between the sampling location and NPP, and beyond 10 km, it was similar to that of the control region, (ii) the incorporation of tritium released from the NPP into wild plant leaves is not species-dependent, (iii) the NE-OBT activity concentration in the 5-10 km zone exhibited a dependence on the prevailing wind regime with respect to the NPP, but not in the 2.3-5 km zone which suggests that the transport of tritium, released into the atmosphere as the gaseous effluent, through diffusion is a dominating factor governing its activity concentration in the 2.3-5 km zone. The NE-OBT to TFWT specific activity concentration ratio (R-value) had a mean value of 0.82 ± 0.27 (range: 0.38-1.64) for samples collected from the vicinity of the NPP and 1.93 ± 0.50 (range: 1.35-3.19) for the control region. Recording higher NE-OBT activity concentration and R-value at the control region highlights the necessity of detailed studies to understand the mechanism of NE-OBT partitioning in the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Nayak S
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - Renita Shiny D'Souza
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - M P Mohan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - S Bharath
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - Srinivas S Kamath
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - B N Dileep
- Formerly with Environmental Survey Laboratory, Kaiga Generating Station, Kaiga, 581 400, India
| | - P M Ravi
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India; Formerly with Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400 085, India
| | - Karunakara N
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India.
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AbuSaleem K, Qudah Z, Amro BMS, Aldrabee A. Pre-commissioning baseline activity levels in plant leaves and cow-milk samples around the Jordan Research and Training Reactor. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Rout S, Yadav S, Pulhani V. Transfer of radionuclides from soil to selected tropical plants of Indian Subcontinent: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 235-236:106652. [PMID: 34062381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil to plant transfer factor (TF) of radionuclides is an important input parameter in dose assessment models. The wide range of TF for each radionuclide reported in the literature for a particular plant type indicates that radionuclide concentration in soil is not the only factor influencing its uptake by the plant. Different soil properties and agricultural practices may influence the TF and these are also a function of the climate. Considering the wide variation in TF data, here we attempt to review the available literature on TF of radionuclides in tropical countries of the Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka). TF under equilibrium conditions are not available for all radionuclides, in such cases TF of naturally existing stable analogs elements were compiled. With an emphasis on, transfer of radionuclides from soil to the edible compartment of the plant; the TF data for 21 elements are compiled for 12 plant groups classified as per IAEA, Technical Reports Series No. 472. The article also presents the analysis and discussion of the extent and limitations of the compiled data. The compiled TF may be useful in assessing the food chain transfer of radionuclides when site-specific information is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Rout
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Sonali Yadav
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Vandana Pulhani
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
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Rout S, Pulhani V, Yadav S. A review of soil to rice transfer of radionuclides in tropical regions of Indian subcontinent. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 234:106631. [PMID: 33964670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In radioecological studies, soil to plant transfer factors (TF) is commonly used to estimate the food chain transfer of radionuclides, which is an important parameter to assess ingestion doses to humans. Rice is an important (Oryza sativa L.) staple crop in tropical countries and is the major food crop consumed all over the world. Out of the seven countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the island nations like Sri Lanka and Maldives) of the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives along with a major region of India fall under tropical climate class according to Köppen climate classification. Because, the soil to rice TF under equilibrium conditions are not available for all radionuclides, TF of naturally existing stable elements, which are analogues of radionuclides were compiled. This review paper presents the collection of the TF data of soil to grain and stems & shoots of rice plant for eighteen elements. Data were generated mainly from different sub climatic regions of the tropical environment of India and Bangladesh. An overview of the compilation, analysis, and discussion of the extent and limitations of the data is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Rout
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Vandana Pulhani
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Sonali Yadav
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
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Beryllium-7 interception by cultivated plants on the slopes of the Yangtze river delta. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Girault F, Perrier F, Ourcival JM, Ferry R, Gaudemer Y, Bourges F, Didon-Lescot JF. Substratum influences uptake of radium-226 by plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142655. [PMID: 33153746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radium-226, an alpha emitter with half-life 1600 years, is ubiquitous in natural environments. Present in rocks and soils, it is also absorbed by vegetation. The efficiency of 226Ra uptake by plants from the soil is important to assess for the study of heavy metals uptake by plants, monitoring of radioactive pollution, and the biogeochemical cycle of radium in the Critical Zone. Using a thoroughly validated measurement method of effective 226Ra concentration (ECRa) in the laboratory, we compare ECRa values of the plant to that of the closest soil, and we infer the 226Ra soil-to-plant transfer ratio, RSP, for a total of 108 plant samples collected in various locations in France. ECRa values of plants range over five orders of magnitude with mean (min-max) of 1.66 ± 0.03 (0.020-113) Bq kg-1. Inferred RSP values range over four orders of magnitude with mean (min-max) of 0.0188 ± 0.0004 (0.00069-0.37). The mean RSP value of plants in granitic and metamorphic context (0.073 ± 0.002; n = 50) is significantly higher (12 ± 1 times) than that of plants in calcareous and sedimentary context (0.0058 ± 0.0002; n = 58). This difference, which cannot be attributed to a systematic difference in emanation coefficient, is likely due to the competition between calcium and radium. In a given substratum context, the compartments of a given plant species show coherent and decreasing RSP values in the following order (acropetal gradient): roots > bark > branches and stems ≈ leaves. Oak trees (Quercus genus) concentrate 226Ra more than other trees and plants in this set. While this study clearly demonstrates the influence of substratum on the 226Ra uptake by plants in non-contaminated areas, our measurement method appears as a promising practical tool to use for (phyto)remediation and its monitoring in uranium- and radium-contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Girault
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Frédéric Perrier
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Ourcival
- CEFE, Université Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, F-34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxane Ferry
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Yves Gaudemer
- Université de Paris, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - François Bourges
- Géologie Environnement Conseil, 30 rue de la République, F-09200 Saint-Girons, France
| | - Jean-François Didon-Lescot
- Station de Recherches INRA/CNRS laboratoire ESPACE, 390 chemin des Boissières, F-30380 Saint Christol-lès-Alès, France
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Kulal C, Padhi RK, Venkatraj K, Satpathy KK, Mallaya SH. Study on Trace Elements Concentration in Medicinal Plants Using EDXRF Technique. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:293-302. [PMID: 31919788 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ten medicinal plants used as ingredients of folklore and Ayurvedic medicine belonging to the Malnad Kerala region of South India, were analysed for concentrations of trace elements Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The soil from the root area of these medicinal plants was also analysed, and the soil to plant transfer factor (TF) of the elements was estimated. Iron (Fe) recorded higher concentration than the other trace elements estimated in the medicinal plants, followed by manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). The mean TF was found to be highest for Zn. Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng recorded the maximum value of TF for Zn. Most of the essential elements were found to be present in Centella asiatica (L.) Urban and indicated its medicinal importance. The data obtained in the present investigation may add up to the trace elemental database of medicinal plants in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranjib Kumar Padhi
- Environment and Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, 603 102, Kalpakkam, India
| | - Kanagasabapathy Venkatraj
- Environment and Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, 603 102, Kalpakkam, India
| | - Kamala Kantha Satpathy
- Environment and Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, 603 102, Kalpakkam, India
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Alomari AH, Saleh MA, Hashim S, Al-Hada N, Abukashabeh A, Alsayaheen A, Hamad M. Radiological dose and health impact to Jordanian populace due to radioactivity in staple food crops from four representative soils in Jordan. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rashmi NS, D'Souza RS, Kamath SS, Mohan MP, Bharath S, Narayana B, Ravi PM, Karunakara N. Experimental database on water equivalent factor (WEQ p) and organically bound tritium activity for tropical monsoonal climate region of South West Coast of India. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 166:109390. [PMID: 33091858 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Tritium in the form of tritiated water is easily incorporated into terrestrial biota as tissue free water tritium (TFWT). A part of TFWT is converted into organically bound tritium (OBT) through metabolic processes. For the computation of NE-OBT activity (expressed as Bq L-1 of combustion water) in terrestrial plants, knowledge on 'water equivalent factor (WEQp)', defined as the volume of water produced from the combustion of 1 kg of the dry sample, is essential. On a global scenario, experimental data are not available on this parameter. This paper presents (i) a method for determination of WEQp by combustion method using a tube furnace system, (ii) a large database (N = 294) on WEQp parameter for samples of tropical monsoonal climate region of the Indian subcontinent, and (iii) NE-OBT activity in terrestrial biota samples (N = 186) collected from the vicinity of a PHWR nuclear power plant of India. The data generated in this study on WEQp serves for the validation of the data compiled in IAEA (2009 and 2010), which are estimated based on the hydrogen content of protein, fat and carbohydrates, and the fractions of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The WEQp varied in the ranges of 0.492-0.678 L kg-1 (GM = 0.569 Bq L-1, GSD = 1.06), 0.520-0.630 L kg-1 (GM = 0.557 Bq L-1, GSD = 1.02) 0.473-0.633 L kg-1 (GM = 0.562 Bq L-1, GSD = 1.02) for non-leafy vegetables, leafy vegetables, and fruits, respectively. A comparison between the experimental WEQp data with those compiled in the IAEA report revealed that the maximum deviation between the two data sets is <10%. The NE-OBT activity in the food samples collected from 2.3 to 20 km zone around NPP had a geometric mean (GM) value of 25.4 Bq L-1 (GSD = 1.6, N = 186). Variations in NE-OBT activity with different seasons of the year are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayak S Rashmi
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - Renita Shiny D'Souza
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - Srinivas S Kamath
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - M P Mohan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - S Bharath
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - B Narayana
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - P M Ravi
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India
| | - N Karunakara
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India.
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Zhong Q, Du J, Puigcorbé V, Wang J, Wang Q, Deng B, Zhang F. Accumulation of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in body profiles of Bryidae, a subgroup of mosses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:27872-27887. [PMID: 31346941 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mosses can be used as biomonitors to monitor radionuclide deposition and heavy metal pollution in cities, forests, and grasslands. The aims of this work were to determine the activity concentrations of natural (210Po, 210Pb or 210Pbex (excess 210Pb is defined as the activity of 210Pb minus the activity of 226Ra), 7Be, 40K, 226Ra, 238U, and 232Th) and anthropogenic radionuclides (137Cs) in moss body profiles and in situ underlying soils of moss samples and to assess/determine the distribution features and accumulation of these radionuclides. Activity concentrations of radionuclides in the samples were measured using a low-background gamma spectrometer and a low-background alpha spectrometer. Consistent with their source, the studied radionuclides in the moss samples and underlying soils were divided according to the principal component analysis (PCA) results into an airborne group (210Po, 210Pb (210Pbex), 7Be, and 137Cs) and a terrestrial group (40K, 238U, 226Ra, and 232Th). The activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pbex in moss body profiles were mainly concentrated in the stems-rhizoid parts, in which we measured some of the highest 210Po and 210Pbex levels compared to the results in the literature. 7Be mainly accumulated in the leaves-stem parts. Different positive correlations were observed between 210Po and 210Pb and between 7Be and 210Pb, which indicated that the uptake mechanisms of 210Po, 210Pb, and 7Be by moss plants were different, to some extent. 137Cs was detected only in some moss samples, and the fraction of 137Cs in the underlying soils was much lower than that in the moss, suggesting that mosses were protecting the underlying soils from further pollution. Except for 40K, the terrestrial radionuclide (238U, 226Ra, and 232Th) content in mosses was predominantly at low levels, which indicated not only the inability of mosses to use those elements for metabolic purposes but also the rather poor capability of mosses to directly mobilize, absorb, and transport elements (U, Ra, or Th) not dissolved in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhou Du
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Viena Puigcorbé
- School of Science, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Jinlong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiugui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Resources and Environment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Binbin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Fule Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
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Estimation of radionuclides concentration and average annual committed effective dose due to ingestion for some selected medicinal plants of South India. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Characterization of radiation dose and soil-to-plant transfer factor of natural radionuclides in some cities from south-western Nigeria and its effect on man. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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16
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Chandrashekara K, Somashekarappa HM, Radhakrishna AP. Disequilibrium of uranium series radionuclides in soil and plants of South India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06508-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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17
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Transfer factors of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K from soil to pasture-grass in the northeastern of Turkey. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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Zhang F, Yang M, Zhang J. Beryllium-7 in vegetation, soil, sediment and runoff on the northern Loess Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 626:842-850. [PMID: 29396345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Beryllium-7 (7Be), as a potentially powerful tracer, was widely used to document soil redistribution and identify sediment sources in recent decades, but the quantity and distribution of 7Be in vegetation, soil, sediment and runoff on the Loess Plateau have not been fully described. In this study, we measured 7Be in vegetation, soil, sediment and runoff on the northern Loess Plateau of China and analyzed its variations during the rainy season to assess the potential of the 7Be method for documenting soil redistribution and identifying sediment sources in a wide range of environments. The results indicated that vegetation, soil, and sediment samples showed higher levels and larger variations of 7Be activities during the rainy season. The drying plants showed 7Be mass activity that was more than three times higher than that of living and semi-decomposed plants. 7Be mass activity in plants and sediment was much higher than in the soil. 7Be activity in runoff water with a few submicron suspended particles varied slightly and was far lower than in plant, soil and sediment samples. The cumulative precipitation generally determined 7Be inventory held by plants and soil. An inverse relationship was found between the 7Be mass activity in sediment and the sediment amount. Globally, approximate 30% of the total 7Be was held by plants in both the herbaceous and subshrub plots. Approximate 10% of the total 7Be was lost with sediment from the bare plot. A very small proportion of 7Be (1.18%-3.20%) was lost with runoff, and the vast majority of 7Be was retained in the slope soil at the end of rainy season. Vegetation cover and soil erosion significantly affected the spatial distribution and variations of the 7Be inventory in soil, providing a necessary condition for the development of a 7Be method to document soil erosion on slopes with vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi Province, 712100, PR China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Mingyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi Province, 712100, PR China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China.
| | - Jiaqiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi Province, 712100, PR China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS and MWR, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
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Chandrashekara K, Somashekarappa HM. (210)Po and (210)Pb in medicinal plants in the region of Karnataka, Southern India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 160:87-92. [PMID: 27155527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (210)Po and (210)Pb were estimated in some selected medicinal plants and soil samples of coastal Karnataka in India. The mean activity concentrations of (210)Po and (210)Pb varied in the range of 4.7-42.9 Bq kg(-1) (dry weight) and 36.1-124 Bq kg(-1) (dry weight) in the soil samples, and 3.3-63.7 Bq kg(-1) (dry weight) and 12.0-406 Bq kg(-1) (dry weight), in the medicinal plant samples, respectively. The plants, Ocimum sanctum L. and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng had significantly higher activity concentrations of (210)Po and (210)Pb than other species sampled. In spite of disequilibrium between them, these two radionuclides were well correlated in both soil and medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chandrashekara
- Department of Physics, St. Philomena College, Puttur 574 202, India
| | - H M Somashekarappa
- University Science and Instrumentation Centre, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri 574 199, India.
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Distribution of natural radionuclides and radiation level measurements in Karnataka State, India: an overview. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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226Ra, 228Ra and 40K in scales from boilers of industrial installations. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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Transfer factors of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th from soil to different types of local vegetables, radiation hazard indices and their annual doses. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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25
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Chandrashekar KR. Gamma sensitivity of forest plants of Western Ghats. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 132:100-107. [PMID: 24631785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Seeds of Artocarpus hirsutus Lam., Garcinia xanthochymus Hook., Saraca asoca Roxb., Rourea minor Gaertn., Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., Aporusa lindleyana (Wt.) bail., Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. and Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. were collected from different regions of Western Ghats and exposed to different doses of gamma radiation using Co-60 source. The effect of irradiation was examined on germination, growth and vigor parameters. Decrease in the germination and growth attributes with increased dose was observed in A. hirsutus, G. xanthochymus and S. asoca and thus indicating sensitivity of these plants to radiation. In contrast, enhancement in the germination (percentage), vigor and generation of leaves was observed for P. marsupium, T. chebula, H. integrifolia and O. indicum. These plants were classified as radiation tolerant because of the ability of their seedlings to successfully establish under radiation stress. R. minor and A. lindleyana were able to maintain viability up to 100 Gy dose, however, any further increase in the dose found to have negative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Chandrashekar
- Department of Applied Botany, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri 574199, Karnataka, India.
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Manigandan PK, Chandar Shekar B. Uptake of some radionuclides by woody plants growing in the rainforest of Western Ghats in India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 130:63-67. [PMID: 24463721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2008] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Transfer of the naturally occurring radionuclides (238)U, (232)Th, and (40)K, and the fallout radionuclide (210)Po to different wild plant species in the rainforest of Western Ghats was analyzed. A number of physiologically different plants from the top storey and understorey, such as shrubs and epiphytes, were compared. The concentrations of these radionuclides in the plants and soil were measured using a gamma ray spectrometer and an alpha counter, and were found to vary widely within plants and between species. The soil-plant ratios also varied between species while Elaeocarpus oblongus and epiphytic plants exhibited preferential uptake of these radionuclides. As a result, the dust particles trapped in the root systems of epiphytes could be used as bioindicators of fallout radionuclides in the Western Ghats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Chandar Shekar
- Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Bharathiar University), Coimbatore, India.
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Hu N, Ding D, Li G, Zheng J, Li L, Zhao W, Wang Y. Vegetation composition and ²²⁶Ra uptake by native plant species at a uranium mill tailings impoundment in South China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 129:100-106. [PMID: 24412774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A field investigation was conducted for the vegetation composition and (226)Ra uptake by native plant species at a uranium mill tailings impoundment in South China. 80 species belonging to 67 genera in 32 families were recorded in the sampling sites. The Poaceae and Asteraceae were the dominant families colonizing the impoundment. The number of the plant species and vegetation community composition in the sampling sites seemed most closely related to the activities of (226)Ra and the pH value of the uranium tailings. The plant species in the sampling sites with relatively low activities of (226)Ra and relatively high pH value formed a relatively stable vegetation community. The plant species in the sampling sites with medium activities of (226)Ra and medium pH value formed the transitional vegetation community. The plant species in the sampling sites with relatively high activities of (226)Ra and relatively low pH value formed a simple unstable vegetation community that was similar to that on the unused grassland. The activities of (226)Ra and transfer factors (TFs) varied greatly with the plant species. The high activities of (226)Ra and TFs were found in the leaves of Pteris multifida (150.6 Bq/g of AW; 9.131), Pteridium aquilinum (122.2 Bq/g of AW; 7.409), and Dryopteris scottii (105.7 Bq/g of AW; 6.408). They satisfied the criteria for a hyperaccumulator for (226)Ra. They may be the candidates for phytoremediation of (226)Ra in the uranium mill tailings impoundment areas and the contaminated soils around.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Dexin Ding
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
| | - Guangyue Li
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Jifang Zheng
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Le Li
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Weichao Zhao
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Yongdong Wang
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
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Karunakara N, Rao C, Ujwal P, Yashodhara I, Kumara S, Ravi PM. Soil to rice transfer factors for (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (210)Pb, (40)K and (137)Cs: a study on rice grown in India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 118:80-92. [PMID: 23266913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
India is the second largest producer of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the world and rice is an essential component of the diet for a majority of the population in India. However, detailed studies aimed at the evaluation of radionuclide transfer factors (F(v)) for the rice grown in India are almost non-existent. This paper presents the soil to rice transfer factors for natural ((226)Ra, (228)Ra, (40)K, and (210)Pb) and artificial ((137)Cs) radionuclides for rice grown in natural field conditions on the West Coast of India. A rice field was developed very close to the Kaiga nuclear power plant and the water required for this field was drawn from the cooling water discharge canal of the power plant. For a comparative study of the radionuclide transfer factors, rice samples were also collected from the rice fields of nearby villages. The study showed that the (226)Ra and (228)Ra activity concentrations were below detection levels in different organs of the rice plant. The soil to un-hulled rice grain (40)K transfer factor varied in the range of 6.5 × 10(-1) to 2.9 with a mean of 0.15 × 10(1), and of (210)Pb varied in the range of <1.2 × 10(-2) to 8.1 × 10(-1) with a mean of 1.4 × 10(-1), and of (137)Cs varied in the range of 6.6 × 10(-2) to 3.4 × 10(-1) with a mean of 2.1 × 10(-1). The mean values of un-hulled grain to white rice processing retention factors (F(r)) were 0.12 for (40)K, 0.03 for (210)Pb, and 0.14 for (137)Cs. Using these processing retention factors, the soil to white rice transfer factors were estimated and these were found to have mean values of 1.8 × 10(-1), 4.2 × 10(-3), and 3.0 × 10(-2) for (40)K, (210)Pb, and (137)Cs, respectively. The study has shown that the transfer of (40)K was higher for above the ground organs than for the root, but (210)Pb and (137)Cs were retained in the root and their transfer to above the ground organs of the rice plant is significantly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Karunakara
- University Science Instrumentation Centre, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, Mangalore, Karnataka 574199, India.
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Todorović D, Popović D, Ajtić J, Nikolić J. Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 210Pb and 7Be) in urban air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:525-532. [PMID: 22562351 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-0940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Leaves of linden (Tilia tomentosa L. and Tilia cordata Mill.) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) were analysed as biomonitors of radionuclides in urban air. Samples of soils, leaves and aerosols were collected in Belgrade, Serbia. Activities of (137)Cs, (40)K, (210)Pb and (7)Be in the samples were measured on an HPGe detector by standard gamma spectrometry. "Soil-to-leaves" transfer factors were calculated. Student's t test and linear Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. Differences in local conditions at the sampling sites were not significant, and the mechanisms of the radionuclides' accumulation in both plant species are similar. Ceasium-137 was detected in some of the leaf samples only. Transfer factors for (137)Cs and (40)K were (0.03-0.08) and 1.3, respectively. The concentrations of (210)Pb and (7)Be in leaves were higher in autumn than in spring, and there were some similarities in their seasonal patterns in leaves and in air. Weak to medium correlation was obtained for the (210)Pb and (7)Be activities in leaves and aerosols. Large positive correlation was obtained for the (210)Pb activities in linden leaves and the mean activity in aerosols for the preceding months. Different primary modes of radionuclides accumulation in leaves were observed. Since large positive correlation was obtained for the (210)Pb activity in linden leaves and the mean in aerosols for the preceding months, mature linden leaves could be used as biomonitors of recent (210)Pb activity in air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Todorović
- Department of Radiation and Environmental Protection, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, University of Belgrade, PO Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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James JP, Dileep BN, Ravi PM, Joshi RM, Ajith TL, Hegde AG, Sarkar PK. Soil to leaf transfer factor for the radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr at Kaiga region, India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2011; 102:1070-1077. [PMID: 21868141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Transfer factors are the most important parameters required for mathematical modeling used for environmental impact assessment of radioactive contamination in the environment. In this paper soil to leaf transfer factor for the radionuclides ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr is estimated for Kaiga region in Karnataka state, India. Among the plants in which study is carried out, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr activity in leaves of herbaceous plants is higher than that of tree leaves. Soil to leaf transfer factor for ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr was found to be in the range of 0.03-0.65, 0.32-8.04, 0.05-3.03 and 0.42-2.67 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshy P James
- Environmental Survey Laboratory, Kaiga Generating Station, Health Physics Division, BARC, Kaiga, Uttar Kannada District, Karwar, Karnataka 581400, India.
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Zhang F, Yang M, Zhang B. Beryllium-7 activity concentration in maize during the growth period. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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32
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Zhang F, Yang M, Zhang B. Beryllium-7 activity concentration in plants on the Loess Plateau, China. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Pöschl M, Brunclík T, Hanák J. Seasonal and inter-annual variation of Beryllium-7 deposition in birch-tree leaves and grass in the northeast upland area of the Czech Republic. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2010; 101:744-750. [PMID: 20554097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The activity concentrations of Beryllium-7 ((7)Be), a naturally occurring radioisotope produced in the atmosphere, were measured in leaves of birch-trees, above-ground parts of grass, soil and rainwater in the mountain massive Kralicky Sneznik (the northeast of the Czech Republic, altitude about 750 m) in the years of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Dried and ground samples of the plants and soils, and water samples from wet deposition were used to determine the (7)Be content using a semiconductor gamma spectrometer. The (7)Be values ranged from 147.0 to 279.6 Bq kg(-1), from 48.7 to 740.8 Bq kg(-1), from 2.1 to 8.7 Bq kg(-1), and from 0.6 to 1.9 Bq kg(-1) in birch-tree leaves, grass samples, soils, and rainwater, respectively. Insignificant inter-annual variations but significant increase in the (7)Be activity concentrations during the spring and summer months were observed in birch-tree leaves and grass samples. The seasonal variation of the (7)Be concentrations in grass samples correlated (R(2) = 0.4663 and 0.6489) with precipitation. No similar correlation was found for (7)Be in birch-tree leaves. Beryllium-7 content in birch-tree leaves and in aerial parts of grass was mainly caused by direct transport of (7)Be from wet deposition into aerial parts of the observed plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pöschl
- Department of Molecular Biology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University of Agriculture in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Karadeniz O, Yaprak G. Distribution of radiocesium and natural gamma emitters in pine needles in coniferious forest sites of Izmir. Appl Radiat Isot 2007; 65:1363-7. [PMID: 17512205 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2007.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Using a high-resolution gamma-spectrometer system, the activity concentrations of 7Be, 137Cs, 40K and 226Ra were determined in the pine needles. Activity concentrations of the concerned radionuclides in the needle samples were as follows: 7Be, 24.6+/-2.40 to 210+/-7.21 Bq kg(-1), 40K, 23.5+/-12.4 to 287+/-15.6 Bq kg(-1), 226Ra, 0.44+/-0.12 to 12.3+/-2.18 Bq kg(-1), and 137Cs, 0.61+/-0.30 to 2.29+/-0.38 Bq kg(-1). It is found that the frequency distributions obtained for 7Be and 137Cs can be fitted to a normal distribution, and for 40K and 226Ra can be fitted to a log-normal distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Karadeniz
- Physics Department, Faculty of Arts and Science, Dokuz Eylül University, 35160 Tinaztepe, Izmir, Turkey.
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El-Reefy HI, Sharshar T, Zaghloul R, Badran HM. Distribution of gamma-ray emitting radionuclides in the environment of Burullus Lake: I. Soils and vegetations. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2006; 87:148-69. [PMID: 16427723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2005] [Revised: 09/26/2005] [Accepted: 11/18/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations and distribution of gamma-ray emitting isotopes in Burullus Lake were investigated with the aim of evaluating the environmental radioactivity. Particularly in wetlands, natural properties of the environment can cause the actual inventory to be different from the activity originally deposited. The mean concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were 14.3, 15.5 and 224 Bq/kg, respectively, in the coastal soils. On the other hand, soil samples from the islands had mean concentrations of 13.5, 17.4 and 341 Bq/kg for (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K, respectively. Samples from coast and islands show evidence of possible transfer and accumulation of the (137)Cs radionuclide. The mean (137)Cs activity concentrations in the soil samples were 1.2 and 15.1 Bq/kg in the coast and islands, respectively. The vertical migration of (137)Cs was studied based on its content in the consequently located three soil layers down to 30 cm depth. The radium equivalent, dose rate in air and annual dose equivalent from the terrestrial natural gamma-radiation were evaluated. The mean activity concentrations of the gamma-ray emitting radionuclides in vegetation were relatively low.
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Affiliation(s)
- H I El-Reefy
- Hot Laboratories Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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Bhat R, Sridhar KR, Rajashekara KM, Narayana Y. 210Po bioaccumulation in coastal sand dune wild legumes—Canavalia spp. of southwest coast of India. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 7:856-60. [PMID: 16121264 DOI: 10.1039/b506116d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In view of considerable natural background radioactivity reported from southwest coast of India, the current study documents bioaccumulation of 210Po in two dominant coastal sand dune perennial mat-forming wild legumes, Canavalia cathartica and C. maritima. Root, stem, leaf, mature beans, dry seeds and rhizosphere sand were analyzed for 210Po concentration. 210Po activity decreased in the order of leaves > roots > seeds > stems > beans. The highest 210Po activity was recorded in rhizosphere sand samples (5.78-5.88 Bq kg(-1)) followed by the leaf samples (3.27-3.07 Bq kg(-1)), while it was lowest in mature beans (0.13-0.20 Bq kg(-1)). 210Po activities or tissue moisture between plant species were not significantly different (p > 0.05; t-test). But 210Po activity vs. moisture differed significantly in all tissues (p = 0.0001), vegetative tissues (root, stem and leaf) (p = 0.0016), seeds (p = 0.0393) and proteins in seeds (p = 2.355 x 10(-6)) indicating the importance of moisture and protein in 210Po accumulation. Although 210Po has affinity for proteins, it did not concentrate too much in seed proteins of Canavalia. Concentration of 210Po in mature beans is at safe levels as fisher folk only consume tender pods occasionally. 210Po activity in Canavalia is compared with other plant materials. As the landraces of C. cathartica and C. maritima are distributed throughout pantropical coastal areas, the current study emphasizes on considering them as bioindicators to monitor 210Po in coastal sand dune biomes and in turn the health of coastal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Bhat
- Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, Mangalore, Karnataka 574 199, India
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