Investigation on 90Sr concentrations in foods near Ningde Nuclear Power Plant in 2013-2017

Abstract

Objective To investigate the 90Sr concentration levels in the monitoring areas and the control area at Ningde Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Methods Food samples were collected from the monitoring areas in 30 km of Ningde NPP and the control area far away. The radioactive levels of 90Sr in food samples were analyzed using the chromatography with 2-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate fast extraction method. Results In this survey, 90Sr radioactive concentrations in 30 varieties of foods in 6 categories were analyzed. In the monitoring area, 90Sr radioactivity concentration in the samples collected were in the range of 0.017-1.830 Bq/kg for cereals, beans and potatoes, 0.021-0.318 Bq/kg for vegetables, 0.007-7.690 Bq/kg for quatic products, and 0.009-0.184 Bq/kg for meats; whereas, in the control area, cereals, beans and potatoes in 0.017-0.700 Bq/kg, vegetables in 0.034-0.677 Bq/kg, aquatic products in 0.038-3.360 Bq/kg, and meats in 0.019-0.054 Bq/kg. Conclusions The 90Sr radioactive concentrations in foods were far below the food standard limits in this survey. The contribution of evaluated to the public from the 90Sr in foods was neglectable. Key words: Nuclear power plant; Food; Radioactive levels; 90Sr