Journal of Research in Applied Chemistry

Author: J. Eugin Shaji

Abstract: The natural radioactivity concentration of radionuclides such as ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Th, ²³⁸U and ⁴⁰K were determined in vegetables cultivated in a high background radiation area, Midalam, situated in south India. The measurements were carried out using a 3†x 3†NaI gamma spectrometry. The gross a, b and ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Th, ²³⁸U and ⁴⁰K activities of soil and vegetable samples were also studied, collecting samples at 10 sampling points around Midalam. Maximum activity was found in Carica papaya (Papaya) and Moringa oleifera (drum stick) compared to the other vegetable samples. The activity concentration and the relative doses were found below the permissible limits.

Keywords: Radioactivity, HBRA, Midalam, Transfer factor, Ingestion dose.