The influence of the nature of soil and plant and pollution on the 238U, 232Th, 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations in various natural honey samples using nuclear track detectors: Impact on the adult consumers

Abstract

238U and 232Th concentrations as well as 222Rn and 220Rn α-activities per unit volume were measured in various natural honey samples collected from different regions in Morocco using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). These radionuclides were also measured in soils, plant flowers and nectar solutions corresponding to the honey samples studied. In addition, these radionuclides were measured in different imported honey samples. The measured 238U, 232Th, 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations ranged from (1.5±0.1) mBq kg−1 to (10.6±0.6) mBq kg−1, (1.1±0.1) mBq kg−1 to (4.2±0.2) mBq kg−1, (1.5±0.1) Bq kg−1 to (10.6±0.6) Bq kg−1 and (1.1±0.1) Bq kg−1 to (4.2±0.2) Bq kg−1 for the honey samples studied, respectively. Annual 238U, 232Th and 222Rn intakes by Moroccan adults from the consumption of honey were assessed. The influence of the nature of soil and plant on the 238U and 232Th contents of the studied honey samples was investigated. These measurements were completed by an investigation of the 238U and 232Th transfer between soils and plant flowers and that between plant flowers and honey, and also by the investigation of the influence of pollution due to different material dusts on 238U, 232Th and 222Rn in the honey samples studied. Committed equivalent doses due to the annual intake of 238U, 232Th and 222Rn were evaluated in the organs of adult members of the Moroccan rural population from the ingestion of the honey samples. The maximum total committed effective dose due to 238U, 232Th and 222Rn from the ingestion of natural honey by the Moroccan rural population was found to be equal to 0.64 µ Sv y−1.