Preliminary investigation and analysis of gross α and gross β natural background radiation levels in foods from Urumqi

Abstract

Objective To establish the baseline data about gross α and gross β radioactivity in local foods through a preliminary investigation in Urumqi City. Methods The edible parts of six types of foods, including cereals, vegetables, fruit, nuts, meat and dairy food, were pretreated and sampled. MPC 9604 low background α and gross β measuring instrument was used for determination of gross α and gross β radioactivity. Results The natural gross α and gross β radioactivity in the cereal, vegetables, fruits, nut, meat, dairy food were 0.88-10.80 and 22.20-148.67 in cereals, 1.17-24.24 and 21.41-318.84 in vegetables, 1.44-4.89 and 43.90-112.67 in fruits, 17.49-43.72 and 287.81-747.40 in nut, 3.04-19.77 and 41.55-164.51 in meat, and 2.07-2.94 and 44.07-59.02 Bq/kg in milk, respectively. Conclusions There are some differences in the gross natural radioactivity between Urumqi and the other provinces and cities due to possible regional differences. In order to further ascertain baseline of natural radioactivity in food in Urumqi, larger sample sizes and more diverse food types are needed for purposes of dynamic monitoring. Key words: Gross αactivity; Gross βactivity; Food