Radioactivity Levels Research Articles

Application of grading evaluation method of water radioactivity level in Chongqing section of Yangtze River

The major rivers in a region are usually vital sources of drinking water for local populations, and the concentration of radionuclides in the water is intimately tied to people's health. The varying concentration limits set by the World Health Organization are appropriate as screening values for determining the pollution of water sources, but their capacities as regulatory or early warning limits are restricted. In daily management, the regulatory authority needs to manage water bodies by level based on the concentration of radionuclide to indicate the potential pollution risks. From 2017 to 2019, a statistical analysis and dosage evaluation were conducted on the water radioactivity level in the Chongqing section of the Yangtze River in this study. The Modified Nemerow Index method based on the dose conversion coefficients was applied for the grading evaluation of the water radioactivity level, allowing the grading effect discussed. The results showed that the concentration of radionuclides in the Chongqing section of the Yangtze River and its contribution to the annual effective dose of the human body were lower than the limits stated in the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (Fourth Edition). And the samples in the section were 52.94% in Grade Ⅰand 47.06% in Grade Ⅱ, meaning few potential radioactive pollution risks exist there. Compared with other methods. The Modified Nemerow Index method combines the Traditional Nemerow Index method with the dose conversion coefficient of nuclides making it more realistic for the early warning and control of radioactive pollution in water bodies, which is worth popularizing and implementing.

Occurrence and behavior of uranium and thorium series radionuclides in the Permian shale hydraulic fracturing wastes.

Over the last decade, there has been a rapid growth in the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to recover unconventional oil and gas in the Permian Basin of southeastern New Mexico (NM) and western Texas. Fracking generates enormous quantities of wastes that contain technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM), which poses risks to human health and the environment because of the relatively high doses of radioactivity. However, very little is known about the chemical composition and radioactivity levels of Permian Basin fracking wastes. Here, we report chemical as well as radiochemical compositions of hydraulic fracking wastes from the Permian Basin. Radium, the major TENORM of interest in unconventional drilling wastes, varied from 19.1 ± 1.2 to 35.9 ± 3.2Bq/L for 226Ra, 10.3 ± 0.5 to 21.5 ± 1.2Bq/L for 228Ra, and 2.0 ± 0.05 to 3.7 ± 0.07Bq/L for 224Ra. In addition to elevated concentrations of radium, these wastewaters also contain elevated concentrations of dissolved salts and divalent cations such as Na+ (31,856-43,000mg/L), Ca2+ (668-4123mg/L), Mg2+ (202-2430mg/L), K+ (148-780mg/L), Sr2+ (101-260mg/L), Cl- (5160-66,700mg/L), SO42- (291-1980mg/L), Br- (315-596mg/L), SiO2 (20-32mg/L), and high total dissolved solid (TDS) of 5000-173,000mg/L compared to background waters. These elevated levels are of radiological significance and represent a major source of Ra in the environment. The recent discovery of large deposits of recoverable oil and gas in the Permian Basin will lead to more fracking, TENORM generation, and radium releases to the environment. This paper evaluates the potential radiation risks associated with TENORM wastes generated by the oil and gas recovery industry in the Permian Basin.

Characteristics of the natural radioactivity of the underground laboratories in the Baltic Sea Region participating in the BSUIN and EUL projects

Abstract. Underground laboratories (ULs) offer more and more opportunities for their usage. Still, one of the most critical parameters describing ULs is their natural radioactivity. Therefore, the article compares the six ULs of the BSUIN (Baltic Sea Underground Innovation Network) and EUL (Empowering Underground Laboratories Network Usage) projects regarding their natural radioactivity. Measurements include in situ and laboratory analysis of the collected rock and water samples, using various nuclear spectrometry techniques. The lowest level of natural radioactivity characterizes salt deposit is in the Conceptual Lab development co-ordinated by KGHM Cuprum R&D centre.

Modified Northern blot protocol for easy detection of mRNAs in total RNA using radiolabeled probes

BackgroundNorthern blotting is still used as a gold standard for validation of the data obtained from high-throughput whole transcriptome-based methods. However, its disadvantages of lower sensitivity, labor-intensive operation, and higher quality of RNA required limit its utilization in a routine molecular biology laboratory to monitor gene expression at RNA level. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the traditional Northern protocol to make the technique more applicable for standard use.ResultsIn this paper, we report modifications and tips used to improve the traditional Northern protocol for the detection of mRNAs in total RNA. To maximize the retention of specifically bound radiolabeled probes on the blot, posthybridization washes were performed under only with moderate-stringency until the level of radioactivity retained on the filter decreased to 20~50 counts per second, rather than normally under high and low stringency sequentially for scheduled time or under only high stringent condition. Successful detection of the low-expression gene using heterologous DNA probes in 20 µg of total RNA after a two-day exposure suggested an improvement in detection sensitivity. Quantitatively controlled posthybridization washes combined with an ethidium bromide-prestaining RNA procedure to directly visualize prestained RNA bands at any time during electrophoresis or immediately after electrophoresis, which made the progress of the Northern procedure to be monitored and evaluated step by step, thereby making the experiment reliable and controllable. We also report tips used in the modified Northern protocol, including the moderate concentration of formaldehyde in the gel, the accessory capillary setup, and the staining jar placed into an enamel square tray with a lid used for hybridization. Using our modified Northern protocol, eight rounds of rehybridization could be performed on a single blot. The modification made and tips used ensured the efficient proceeding of the experiment and the resulting good performance, but without using special reagents or equipment.ConclusionsThe modified Northern protocol improved detection sensitivity and made the experiment easy, less expensive, reliable, and controllable, and can be employed in a routine molecular biology laboratory to detect low-expressed mRNAs with heterologous DNA probes in total RNA.

Dosing Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals in Obese Patients.

The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in the Western population. Obesity is known to influence not only the proportion of adipose tissue but also physiological processes that could alter drug pharmacokinetics. Yet, there are no specific dosing recommendations for radiopharmaceuticals in this patient population. This could potentially lead to underdosing and thus suboptimal treatment in obese patients, while it could also lead to drug toxicity due to high levels of radioactivity. In this review, relevant literature is summarized on radiopharmaceutical dosing and pharmacokinetic properties, and we aimed to translate these data into practical guidelines for dosing of radiopharmaceuticals in obese patients. For radium-223, dosing in obese patients is well established. Furthermore, for samarium-153-ethylenediaminetetramethylene (EDTMP), dose-escalation studies show that the maximum tolerated dose will probably not be reached in obese patients when dosing on MBq/kg. On the other hand, there is insufficient evidence to support dose recommendations in obese patients for rhenium-168-hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (HEDP), sodium iodide-131, iodide 131-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), lutetium-177-dotatate, and lutetium-177-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). From a pharmacokinetic perspective, fixed dosing may be appropriate for these drugs. More research into obese patient populations is needed, especially in the light of increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in the Lesser Himalayas of the Jammu and Kashmir, India

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in the Lesser Himalayas of the Jammu and Kashmir, India

Natural and artificial radioactivity levels of greenhouse soils and relations with soil properties

Natural and artificial radioactivity levels of greenhouse soils and relations with soil properties

Evaluation of natural radionuclides distribution in beach sands of Cox’s bazar sea beach, Bangladesh, using multivariate statistical technique

ABSTRACT The distribution of natural series radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and non-series 40K in the heavy mineral-rich beach sands of highly touristic areas of Cox’s Bazar sea beach has been studied. The study is made to evaluate the gamma radiation exposure to individuals with an aim to establish reference data for the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides. The present study reports the probable first attempt of detail and systematic work in the study areas for estimation of activity concentration in the recent beach sand samples. Radiometric analysis was performed using gamma ray spectroscopy system based on HPGe detector. The mean activity levels of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in Laboni beach sands were ranged from 255.69±64.57, 336.83±93.96 and 1785.91±89.60 Bq kg-1, respectively. While in Kolatoli beach sands, the respective values were 166.42±35.99, 157.35±35.90 and 1894.42±74.07Bq kg-1, respectively. The mean values of 226Ra and 232Th concentrations in the investigated beach sands were estimated to be very much higher than the corresponding world average values and comparable to those found in high background radiation areas in the world. The heavy minerals seem to control the activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th in sand samples, showing some variances based on uranium and thorium bearing minerals. Various radiation health hazard indicators were found to be extremely higher when compared to the recommended values. Hence, heavy mineral-rich sands may pose a significant radiological health risk to the people. The descriptive statistics indicating the radionuclides of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are uniformly and symmetrically distributed in the Cox’s bazar beach sand. Multivariate statistical analysis showing the radioactivity and estimated radiological parameters are strongly positively correlated with 226Ra and 232Th, while weakly correlated with 40K, signifying that radiological risk is mainly associated and controlled by the radioactivity levels of uranium and thorium series radionuclides.

Natural radioactivity levels and associated radiation hazards in soil samples of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, India

Natural radioactivity levels and associated radiation hazards in soil samples of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, India

Preclinical assessment of Alzheimer's disease using novel designed 99mTc‐labeled RGD‐based pro‐apoptotic cyclic peptide as a promising SPECT agent

The increased prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and glioma results in increased risks to abolish the healthy life. This is because of inducing alternation causes into the intracellular compartment as well as noncell compartments. Therefore, herein, a simple and facile radiosynthesis strategy was employed for the development of a novel 99mTc (t1/2 = 6 h, Er = 140 keV) labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) conjugated cyclic heptapeptide (99mTc‐DTPA‐c[RGDKLAK]; cPT). The radiotracer was characterized using various analytical techniques to evaluate the identity, radiolabeling, biocompatibility, in vitro stability, and amenability for preclinical use. The biological specificity and efficacy of the radiolabeled cyclic peptide analog were confirmed by in vivo biodistribution and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies in Alzheimer disease (AD)‐induced animal models. The results demonstrated that 99mTc(CO)3‐DTPA‐cPT showed high radioactivity concentration at the site of αvβ3, α5β1‐integrins expressing brain regions while decreasing radioactivity levels in kidneys and increasing urinary bladder over the period of 3 h suggested the renal clearance route of the radiotracer. The diagnostic outcomes obtained from planar SPECT study are consistent with that of the biodistribution study with a target‐to‐nontarget ratio (T/NT = 28.47 ± 2.53) at 3‐h postinjection. The results are surprisingly supportive to our hypothesis that the small cyclic peptide‐based radiotracer is well‐oriented towards targeted drug delivery and envisaged that our proposed radiotracer 99mTc(CO)3‐DTPA‐cPT has potential diagnostic applications for Alzheimer's disease as a novel SPECT agent.

Environmental radioactivity measurement in soils of an abandoned potash deposit at Holle, Republic of Congo

The main objective of the present study was to assess natural radioactivity level from soils of an abandoned potash mine and its surroundings at Holle locality in Hinda district, the Republic of Congo. Samples were analyzed using an HPGe gamma spectrometer. Activity concentration values obtained varied from 21.01 ± 6.47 to 117.3 ± 2.69 Bq/kg with a mean value of 46.15 ± 4.69 Bq/kg of 40K; that of 238U varied from 17.36 ± 10.74 to 40.04 ± 8.58 Bq/kg with a mean value of 25.14 ± 10.06 Bq/k, while that of 232Th varied from 8.68 ± 3.7 to 27.33 ± 2.69 Bq/kg with a mean value of 18.16 ± 2.94 Bq/kg. Mean activity concentration values obtained for 238U, 232Th and 40K were relatively low compared to the world average values. Radiological hazard indices associated were also calculated and found to be under recommended limits. Results pointed out that radioactivity level in the region was relatively low. Consequently, soils of the surrounding abandoned potash mine can be used for buildings construction.

Annual effective dose and radiological risk assessment from selected salt pans from the lagoon of Erongo region, Namibia.

Radioactivity levels in salt pans from the Erongo region of Namibia have been investigated. Ten composite salt samples, collected from salt pans of the Walvis Bay lagoon were analyzed for activity concentrations of 2226Ra, 232Th and 40K. This was done using a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer. The average activity concentrations in (Bq.kg-1) of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 2.17±0.19, 0.20±0.02 and 2.28±0.39, respectively. These activity concentrations were used to calculate the annual effective dose and radiological health risk from the ingestion of salt for the different age groups. The average annual effective dose in (μSv/yr) for the age ranges (2-7 years), (7-12 years), (12-17 years) and ≥ 17 years were found to be 2.67±0.22, 3.33±0.28, 6.08±0.53 and 1.22±0.10, respectively. All these were lower than the worldwide average of 0.29 mSv/yr as reported by UNSCEAR in 2000. The total average radiological risk (unitless x 10-8) for the age ranges (2-7 years), (7-12 years), (12-17 years) and ≥ 17 years were found to be 30.15±2.48, 60.30±4.96, 89.8±7.44 and 422.09±34.75, respectively. All these were lower than the recommended limit of between 1x10-6 to 1x10-4 as reported by USEPA in 1991. Therefore, the results from this study indicated that the salt samples do not pose a radiological risk to members of the public.

Ispitivanje vazduha i padavina u blizini nuklearnih objekata kao deo praćenja zračenja životne sredine

Public company "Nuclear Facilities of Serbia" is the only operator of nuclear facilities and holder of licenses to perform nuclear activities in the country. By the current legislation, environmental radiation monitoring in the vicinity of nuclear facilities is performed to assess the level and control the external exposure of the population and environment to ionizing radiation due to the operation of nuclear facilities. This paper presents an overview of the representative environmental radiation monitoring results regarding radioactive contamination level and ambient gamma dose rate equivalent in air and precipitation for the year 2021. The obtained results show that there is no adverse influence on the population and environment and the radiation risk for individuals in the population is negligible.

Contribution of <sup>40</sup>K arising from agropastoral activities to the total effective dose by plant ingestion in the Far-North, Cameroon

<abstract> <p>This study assesses the level of radioactivity, its corresponding dose and risk in areas of intense agropastoral activities in the Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Tsanaga and Mayo-Kani Divisions of the Far North region of Cameroon. The ultimate aim is to show that beyond the geological structure and mineralogical composition of the soil, agricultural fertilizers and animal droppings from livestock farming can contribute significantly to the elevation of the <sup>40</sup>K-induced radioactivity level in an environment. Natural radionuclide analysis was carried out on 55 soil samples collected from the three aforementioned localities, using a laboratory NaI (Tl) gamma spectrometer. The mean activity concentrations of <sup>238</sup>U, <sup>232</sup>Th and <sup>40</sup>K were 41, 59 and 529 Bq/kg respectively. The total effective dose to the public and the risk of cancer morbidity were generated by RESRAD-ONSITE code version 7.2. The 0.7 mSv/year maximum total effective dose was estimated at time <italic>t</italic> = 38 years, with contributions of 56%, 37.3%, 3.9%, 2.1%, 0.7% and 0.07% from plant ingestion, external exposure, meat ingestion, milk ingestion, soil ingestion and inhalation, respectively. Potassium-40 (<sup>40</sup>K) from plant ingestion is the major contributor. The doses in the initial year of agropastoral activity and the total excess cancer risk were 0.3 mSv/year and 1.165×10<sup>-3</sup> respectively. The <sup>40</sup>K contributions to effective dose from plant ingestion obtained in this work are high compared to areas where agropastoral activities are not intensive. This may be due to the various fertilizers and animal droppings distributed in nature which are very rich in potassium. Although potassium is essential to life, it is nevertheless necessary for radiation protection to take into account this type of radiological exposure which is not without harmful effects on the environment and health.</p> </abstract>

Natural radioactivity level and evaluation of radiological hazard in the soil around a gold mining area in the North Region of Burkina Faso

Natural radioactivity level and evaluation of radiological hazard in the soil around a gold mining area in the North Region of Burkina Faso

Measurement of Natural Radioactivity and Assessment of Radiological Hazard Indices of Soil Over the Lithologic Units in Ile-Ife Area, South-West Nigeria.

The distribution of natural radioactivity levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soils overlying the 3 lithologic units within Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria was investigated to characterize the gamma radiation dose distribution over the lithologies and to assess the radiation hazard due to the natural radionuclides. A thallium-doped cesium iodide detector was employed to determine the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in 21 soil samples. The respective average concentrations of the 3 radionuclides are 37.7, 3.2, and 245.6 Bq kg−1 for granite gneiss, 31.9, 2.8, and 241.1 Bq kg−1 for banded gneiss, and 21.1, 1.7, and 196.7 Bq kg−1 for mica schist. The average concentration of 238U in granite gneiss lithology exceeds the world average value. The evaluated values of radiation hazard parameters including average absorbed dose rate, outdoor annual effective dose and external hazard index are below the recommended limits. The spatial distribution of the radiation hazard parameters evaluated over the lithologies has been delineated. The highest average cancer risk of 1.15 per 10 000 population was obtained for the study area within the soil overlying the banded gneiss lithology. Generally, the radiation hazard from the soils in study area poses no significant health hazard.

Analysis of 238U, 226Ra, and 210Pb transfer factors from soil to the leaves of broadleaf tree species

This analysis of 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb transfer factors from the soil to the leaves of different native broadleaf trees at sites previously modified by uranium presence and at the site of background radioactivity levels, was conducted using data from a few available studies from the literature. The broadleaf tree species Quercus ilex, Quercus suber, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus ilex rotundifolia, Populus sp. and Eucalyptus botryoides Sm. at the affected sites and Tilia spp. and Aesculus hippocastanum L. at the back ground site were in cluded in the study regardless of the deciduous or evergreen origins of the leaves. In the papers cited here, data about basic soil parameters: pH, total Ca [gkg-1], sand [%], and silt + clay [%] fractions were also available. All the collected data of activity concentration [Bqkg-1] dry weight in the soil (n=14) which was in the range: 22-6606 for 238U, 38-7700 for 226Ra, and 37-7500 for 210Pb, and the tree leaves in the range: 2.7-137.6 for 238U (n=10), 2.6-134.2 for 226Ra (n=14), and 27-77.2 for 210Pb (n=14), indicated that it was normally distributed after log-transformation. The present study was conducted under the hypothesis that biological differences between the examined broadleaf tree species have a lesser influence on the transfer factors of the investigated radionuclides from soil to tree leaves compared to the impact of the soil parameters and radionuclides activity concentrations in the soil. Consequently, it was examined whether 238U, 226Ra, and 210Pb soil-to-leaves transfer factor values for average broadleaf species could be predicted statistically in the first approximation based on their activity concentration in the soil and at least one basic soil parameter using multiple linear regression.

STUDY OF TELLURIUM-129m (129mTe) GROUND DEPOSITION FOLLOWING FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR DISASTER: DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF UNSCEAR DATABASE USING STATISTICAL PROCESS TECHNIQUES

One of the most shocking accidents that have impacted the world recently was the devastation of the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant following a major earthquake followed by a strong 15-meter Tsunami wave affecting the east coast region. One of the major adverse consequences of this catastrophic event is the release and dissemination of radioactive materials in the surrounding environment. Tellurium-129m is one of the comprehensively traced fission products to assess the magnitude of spreading by measuring ground soil deposition of radioactivity. Radiation level/location relationship study was tested using a simple and inexpensive statistical software package using unique Statistical Process Control methodologies for the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation database that demonstrated spiking in radioactivity. Sampling points were geographically associated with the radioactivity level with the spot of the maximum radionuclide concentration could be linked with the damaged plant location. More than three-fifths of the measured radioactivity are confined in an area of about 640 km2 covering five municipalities namely Namie, and Futaba towns, Litate village and Iwaki city. The latitude-oriented chart showed a sudden rise in deposition followed by a gradual decline. Excessive Tellurium-129m activity could be observed in the area of the catastrophic event.

Radiological safety assessment of soil samples at Kankara mining sites, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, using Gamma-ray spectrometry

The levels of natural radioactivity of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were investigated to check the safety limit with the aim of identifying and quantifying prominent Gamma Emitting Norms associated with mining sites. The specific activity concentration, gamma index, alpha index and hazards indices were calculated and compared to the world recommended value using Gamma Spectroscopy with NaI (TI) detector. The Specific activities of 40K varied from 68.93098 to 98.74651 with a mean value of 84.720414; for 232Th, 19,65476 to 48.29756 with a mean value of 35.192296; and for 226Ra, 25.85647 to 41.89947 with a mean value of 34.50852. The mean values obtained for external hazard (Hex), internal hazard (Hin), gamma index and alpha index were 0.245, 0.338, 0.634 and 0.170. Generally, with the exception of 232Th and 226Ra, the activity levels of the radionuclides investigated were low and within the world average value. The calculated hazard indices were lower than international recommended limit. The alpha index was found to be lower with the exception of gamma index.

A New Radiological Risk Containment Procedure in Potentially Contaminated Areas

A new radiological risk containment procedure, developed to manage the radiological risk in potentially contaminated areas, is presented here. This new methodological approach, systematically employed in sampling and site inspection activities in unknown areas from an environmental point of view, allowed the discovery of eight 226Ra orphan sources buried under the road surface, in a good state of conservation, in an industrial area of the Calabrian territory, southern Italy, and they are reported here as a case study. For workers performing sampling activities in areas for which information regarding the possible presence of contaminated material is missing, an in situ radiometric check is usually carried out as a potential radiological risk prevention, by measuring the levels of environmental radioactivity. Other than this, the procedure described in this article includes, as novelty, a series of progressive operations never carried out before all together for outdoor activities: the assessment of the presence (if any) of hot spots by recording radiometric anomalies, outdoor gamma spectrometry measurements in order to identify the radionuclides generating those anomalies, the sources unearthing activities, the management of the material found and the application of a risk containment protocol.