Determination of natural radioactivity material concentrations consumed widely during Corona pandemic in Thi Qar province

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the potential radiation hazards to the public, especially the persons who consumed onion and garlic plants widely during coronavirus disease in Thi Qar province South of Iraq. Nine samples collected from the market (5 samples onion and 4 sample Garlic), which classified according to their origin. Using 3″x3″ NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectroscopy system, the radioactivity concentrations of the natural radionuclides radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 were determined. The results obtained showed that the average concentration of radioactivity of radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 is 3.398 Bqkg−1, 4.667 Bqkg−1 and 216.738 Bqkg−1, respectively, for onion and 2.808 Bqkg−1, 3.524 Bqkg−1, and 172.064 Bqkg−1 for garlic. The results also showed that the average annual total effective dose of the three nuclides is 122.955 μSv.y-1 for onion and 97.231 μSv.y-1for garlic. Other relevant risk parameters were also calculated, such as equivalent activity concentrations, absorbed dose, excess lifetime cancer risks, and other health risk parameters. One of the most important conclusions reached by this study is that the natural radioactive elements in onions and garlic do not pose a great danger to their consumers, especially those infected with the COVID-19. Because the concentrations of these radioactive elements do not exceed the permissible limits recommended by recognized scientific organizations and agencies such as International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and World Health Organization (WHO).