Radioactivity Levels Research Articles

A preliminary study on determination of radioactivity levels and estimation of the annual effective dose in dried fruits consumed in Albania.

This work aimed to support Albania's food safety monitoring regime. In this context, the natural and artificial radioactivity was measured in 20 samples of dried fruits collected randomly in different markets of Tirana. The activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th and 137Cs was determined by using the high-purity germanium detector. The maximum values of activity concentration in dried fruits were calculated as 517±22Bqkg-1 for 40K, 11.10±0.93Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, 4.38±0.26Bqkg-1 for 232Th and 0.83±0.14Bqkg-1 for 137Cs. The average values of activity concentration of 40K and 226Ra were 269and 6.05Bqkg-1 and the average effective dose to individuals from the intake of the dried fruits was 44μSv y-1. All average values in this study were lower than recommended values by reports United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation, World Health Organization and International Commission on Radiological Protection for all age groups. Therefore, all dried fruit samples in this study are safe for consumption with acceptable radiological risk and none of them pose any significant radiological impact. The obtained data in this paper and information for levels of radioactivity and ingestion absorbed dose from dried fruits can be used to be the basic data for future comparative analysis of the other studies.

Improvement of the knowledge of diatom ecology by coupling geochemistry, radioactivity and taxa inventory in thermo-mineral springs of a volcanic and upland area in south-central France, the Massif Central

ABSTRACT In connection with its geological history, many thermo-mineral springs are present in the Massif Central (France). The physicochemical characteristics of these springs (temperature, mineralization, gas content) result both from their deep circulation and from the geological formations or surface waters with which they interact during their ascent. In mineral springs, diatoms are well represented. To date, no study has focused on coupling the origin of water with diatom communities, whether in the Massif Central or in other parts of the world. The purpose of this study is to cross the information obtained on the water and the diatoms in order to analyse the biodiversity and improve knowledge of the species autecology. Twelve mineral springs with some of which have high levels of radioactivity were studied in the Massif Central. As results, the geochemical facies, the origin of the water and the Total Dissolved Solids influence the taxonomic composition but not the specific richness, Shannon index and Evenness. Furthermore, 222Rn influences diatom richness and community structure. Planothidium frequentissimum, Crenotia angustior and Sellaphora labernardierei were associated with high values of 222Rn activity. The water temperature was a factor that influences diatom species distribution. Some species appears to be more sensitive to the composition of water, such as Planothidium frequentissimum which attests to a mixing between deep and surface waters.

Assessment of heavy metal and radioactive element levels in the ovarian follicular fluid of pregnant and non-pregnant Kyrgyz breed mares

Objective: In the current study, we aimed to ascertain the levels of heavy metals and radioactive elements in the ovarian follicular fluids of pregnant and non-pregnant Kyrgyz mares. Materials and Methods: To this end, follicular fluids were obtained from 49 Kyrgyz mares aged 3–5 years. The mares were in various stages of pregnancy (Group 1, n = 27) or were non-pregnant (Group 2, n = 22). We measured the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), antimony (Sb), cobalt (Co), potassium (K), uranium (U), nickel (Ni), and thorium (Th) in follicular fluids using atomic emission mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the data were statistically analyzed according to whether the mare was pregnant or not, the pregnancy stage, the presence or absence of the corpus luteum in the ovaries, the corpus luteum’s diameter if present, and the presence or absence and diameter of follicles. Results: We found that K levels were higher in non-pregnant mares (0.00564 ± 0.000590 ppm, p = 0.009). Furthermore, Ni (0.01033 ± 0.001880 ppm, p = 0.07) and K (0.00563 ± 0.000498 ppm, p = 0.026) levels were higher in mares with a follicle diameter of 1–3 cm. However, these results did not change according to the month of pregnancy, number of follicles, presence or absence of the corpus luteum in the ovaries, number of corpora lutea, and their diameters. Conclusion: Thus, we concluded that heavy metal and radioactive element levels in the ovarian follicular fluids of Kyrgyz mares do not significantly change with pregnancy status, and there are limited detrimental effects of pollution on the follicular fluids.

Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity Level in Surface Soil from Bambasi District in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia.

The study assessed the concentration of natural radionuclides in soil samples from the Bambasi district in Ethiopia's Benishangul Gumuz region using a gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The measured activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples varied from 46.2 ± 2.25 to 88.49 ± 5.73 Bq/kg, 73.4 ± 4.12 to 119.65 ± 8.45 Bq/kg, and 176.78 ± 8.63 to 396.71 ± 25.39 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of 238U and 232Th exceeded the recommended worldwide population weighted average values of 32.0 and 45.0 Bq/kg, respectively, while the average concentration of 40K was below the recommended value of 420.0 Bq/kg. The mean absorbed dose rate was calculated to be 91.6 ± 5.1 nGy/h, which is above the recommended safe value of 59 nGy/h. The average annual effective dose equivalents for indoor and outdoor exposure were determined to be 2.65 ± 0.14 mSv/y and 0.66 ± 0.1 mSv/y, respectively. The calculated mean values of the internal hazard index, external hazard index, and gamma index across all soil samples were 0.72 ± 0.05, 0.55 ± 0.02, and 0.72 ± 0.02, respectively, all below the recommended safe threshold of one. These findings suggest that the activity concentrations observed in the soil samples exceed safe levels, indicating the necessity for further investigation into radioactivity levels and epidemiological studies regarding potential hazards from high background radiation.

Elevated levels of environmental radioactivity in fluvial sediment: origin and health risk assessment.

To study the geogenic processes of naturally occurring radioactive materials' (NORMs') distribution, a transboundary Himalayan river (Punarbhaba) is chosen due to its trivial anthropogenic impacts. In explaining the genesis of radionuclides, transition elements (Sc, Ti, V, and Fe), rare-earth-elements (REEs: La, Eu, Ce, Yb, Sm, and Lu), Ta, Hf, Th, and U were analysed in 30 riverbed sediments collected from the Bangladeshi portion of the river. Elemental abundances and NORMs' activity were measured by neutron activation analysis and HPGe-gamma-spectrometry, respectively. Averagen=30 radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra (68.4 Bq kg-1), 232Th (85.7 Bq kg-1), and 40K (918 Bq kg-1) were 2.0-2.3-fold higher, which show elevated results compared to the corresponding world mean values. Additionally, mean-REE abundances were 1.02-1.38-times higher than those of crustal origin. Elevated (relative to earth-crust) ratios of Th/U (=3.95 ± 1.84) and 232Th/40K and statistical demonstrations invoke Th-dominant heavy minerals, indicating the role of kaolinite clay mineral abundance/granitic presence. However, Th/Yb, La/V, Hf/Sc, and Th/Sc ratios reveal the presence of felsic abundances, hydrodynamic sorting, and recycling of sedimentary minerals. Geo-environmental indices demonstrated the enrichment of chemical elements in heavy minerals, whereas radiological indices presented ionizing radiation concerns, e.g., the average absorbed-gamma-dose rate (123.1 nGy h-1) was 2.24-fold higher compared to the threshold value which might cause chronic health impacts depending on the degree of exposure. The mean excess lifetime cancer risk value for carcinogen exposure was 5.29 × 10-4 S v-1, which is ∼2-times greater than the suggested threshold. Therefore, plausible extraction of heavy minerals and using residues as building materials can alleviate the two-reconciling problems: (1) radiological risk management and (2) fluvial navigability.

Preliminary studies on radon concentration in CO2-rich mineral waters of the Elbrus area (Caucasus, Russia)

The geological and geochemical conditions as well as radon concentrations of ten manifestations of СО2-rich waters in the Elbrus area are considered in this paper. Also, content of uranium and thorium were measured in waters and in host rocks. The data were compared with chemical and isotopic composition of associated gases. It is established that water bearing rocks are classified into rocks of low and normal radioactivity. The contents of uranium (<1.37 μg/L) and thorium (<0.3 μg/L) in the water are low. Measurements of radon concentrations in water and gas flux of mineral springs in the Elbrus area indicate that most of them are weakly radioactive (6–33 Bq/L, 25-350 Bq/m3, respectively). The CO2-rich mineral waters of the Tyrnyauz exhibit the highest level of radioactivity (33 Bq/L) within the Elbrus area. Isotopical gas studies have shown that within the Elbrus region there is a connection with the deep horizons of the Earth's crust, from which various fluids (water and gases) can rise to the surface. Although Rn values are low and cannot be used for medical purposes, natural objects with similar characteristics can be used to observe the state of the geological environment (e.g. earthquakes) and as natural laboratories to establish the mechanisms of deep gas migration to the surface.

Energy deposition in liquid scintillators composed of CsPbBr3 colloidal nanocrystal dispersions.

Liquid scintillation processes are commonly used for various applications involving radioactivity levels analysis, as well as experiments in the field of high energy physics, most commonly in the form of organic scintillating cocktails. In this paper, we explore the potential of halide perovskite nanocrystal colloidal dispersions as an alternative to those organic mixtures. After an optimization of the nanocrystals' mean size and surface chemistry, the scintillation yield of these composite mixtures is evaluated through Compton - Triple to Double Coincidence Ratio experiments and compared with commercial liquid scintillator. The obtained results shine a light on the energy deposition mechanisms in nanocrystals-based liquid scintillators.

ASSESSMENT OF KARAMUSTAFA GOLD-BEARING Zn-Pb MINE (GÜMÜŞHANE, TÜRKİYE) AREA IN TERMS OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL RADIOACTIVITY

This study aimed to assess the environmental effects of natural and artificial radioactivity contents, especially in the context of medical geology of base metal-containing mineral deposits. In the study, artificial/anthropogenic (137Cs) and natural (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) radioactivity levels in the soil of the Karamustafa gold-bearing Zn-Pb-(±Cu) mining area, one of the important mines of Gümüşhane (NE Türkiye), were determined and evaluated. In order to determine the natural and artificial radioactivity of the mining area, 9 soil samples were collected from different parts of the field, taking into account the geological and alteration characteristics of the field. 232Th, 226Ra and 40K activities of the samples prepared according to the relevant laboratory procedures were determined by the gamma-ray spectrometry, and the artificial radioactivity values of 137Cs were also measured. As a result of the study, it was determined that the 40K and 226Ra average activities of the Karamustafa gold-bearing Zn-Pb-(±Cu) mining area exceeded the world averages in most sampling points, while the 232Th activities were above the world averages at some sampling points. It has been determined that the artificial/human-derived 137Cs radioisotope values in the field are remarkably high. Considering the major radio indices calculated for the field, it was determined that the absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose rate indices of the mine site exceeded the relevant threshold values. When all the data obtained from the field were evaluated together, it was concluded that the mine field needed detailed study in the context of radiation risk.

Assessment of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace utilizing nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry and low background alpha/beta counting system

The study conducted in the northwest region of Jordan aimed to assess the levels of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace (OMP) samples. The researchers used Nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry to measure the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in the samples. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in the soil samples were found to be 18.624 ± 5.82, 12.276 ± 5.728, 518.33 ± 212.57, and 0.140 ± 0.09 (Bq,kg−1), respectively. In the OMP samples, the average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 7.272 ± 4.386, 3.454 ± 1.503, and 169.997 ± 81.873 (Bqkg−1), respectively, and no 137Cs was detected.The study also investigated fundamental parameters associated with radon, specifically the radon emanation coefficient (RnEC) and radon mass exhalation rate (Ex). The RnEC values ranged from 0.621 to 0.78 (Bqkg−1), with an average value of 0.71 ± 0.06 (Bqkg−1). The estimated Ex from the soil samples ranged from 65.83 to 124.86 (mBqkg−1h−1), with an average value of 99.74 ± 21.73 (mBqkg−1h−1).Regarding radiological hazards, the study examined various parameters, including radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, gamma and alpha indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk. All of these assessed values were found to be below the worldwide recommended limits for radiological safety.Additionally, the study analyzed the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities in soil and OMP samples. The soil samples had an average gross alpha activity of 4.642 ± 1.04 (Bqkg−1) and an average gross beta activity of 48.13 ± 14.50 (Bqkg−1). The OMP samples showed an average gross alpha activity of 0.32 ± 0.27 (Bqkg−1) and an average gross beta activity of 59.19 ± 12.94 (Bqkg−1).Overall, the obtained results are crucial for evaluating the radiological risks associated with natural radioactivity in the northwest region of Jordan. The findings establish baseline data for comparison and reference for radioactivity levels in the environment.

A Study on Determination of Natural Radionuclide Concentrations in Tap Water Samples Collected from the Districts of Sinop Province, Türkiye

Since Turkey's second nuclear power plant is planned to be built in Sinop province, it is very important to determine the background levels of radioactivity in this region. In the present study, activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K natural radionuclides in nine tap water samples collected from the districts of Sinop province located in the north of Turkey were determined using a high purity germanium detector (HPGe). The coordinates of sampling areas were also recorded by GPS device (Magellan Explorist 510). The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides in the studied waters were calculated to be 1.74 ± 0.49 Bq/L, 1.39 ± 0.35 Bq/L and 5.32 ± 1.41 Bq/L. In addition, annual effective dose equivalents from the intake of these radionuclides in the tap water samples were calculated for infants, children and adults and the found results were compared with the values recommended by international organizations. As a result, there is no risk in terms of natural radioactivity in the consumption of studied waters by humans.

Radioactivity levels, soil-to-grass and grass-to-milk transfer factor of natural radionuclides from grazing area in Erbil governorate, Iraq

The levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, grass, and milk were measured in this study in order to calculate the transfer factor of radionuclides from soil to grass and grass to milk obtained from Erbil governorate in Iraq. High efficiency gamma spectrometry used for the measurement. It has been determined that the mean activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K are 3.08, 8.37, and 253 BqKg−1 in soil, 0.5, 0.39, and 203.05 BqKg−1, in grass, and 0.29, 0.084, and 29.69 BqL−1, in milk, respectively. For soil to grass, the transfer factor values for 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K were found to be 0.18, 0.052, and 0.84, respectively, for soil to grass. For grass to milk, the transfer factor values for 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K were found to be 0.45, 0.166, and 0.11 dayL−1, respectively. The average transfer factor for 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K in all samples were lower than the world average value.

Natural Radioactivity Levels of the Beach Sands of Cleopatra Beach and Damlatas Beach (Türkiye) and Their Impact on Human Health.

HPGe γ spectrometry method was used to measure the natural radioactivity levels (40K, 232Th, and 226Ra) of the beach sand samples from Cleopatra Beach and Damlatas Beach in Antalya (Türkiye). The mean 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra radioactivity levels of the studied samples were calculated as 276.88 ± 17.24, 25.04 ± 2.88, and 17.06 ± 1.68 Bq/kg, respectively. Being below the radiation limits, these values indicate no risk in terms of public health. Moreover, the radiological risk parameters, such as excess lifetime cancer risk, radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed γ dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (Eaed), γ index (Iγ), internal radiation hazard index (Hin), and external radiation hazard index (Hex), were calculated. The values of all of these parameters were found to be below the internationally accepted radiation limit values. In addition, distribution maps showing the radiological situation of the region were generated although they did not pose a hazard to public health. No results were found in the analysis processes related to artificial radioactivity.

A Comprehensive Radiological Survey of Groundwater Resources in Artisanal Mining Communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana: Water Quality vs. Mining Activities

In recent times, groundwater has emerged as an alternative drinking water source for populations in Ghana’s gold mining communities due to high pollution levels in surface water resources caused by artisanal miners. This study presents the findings on different radioactivity levels in groundwater, their sources, the characteristics of aquifers in the study area, and the impact of radionuclides on human health as a factor of water quality. The mean activity concentrations of radionuclides in groundwater samples were 0.1 ± 0.04 Bq/L for Ra-226, 0.36 ± 0.05 Bq/L for Ra-228, and 1.41 ± 0.10 Bq/L for K-40. The activity concentration of 228Ra exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline level of 0.1 Bq/L. The elevated levels of Ra-228 in groundwater were found to be of natural origin, emanating from the aquifer rocks in the study area. Groundwater resources near mining zones showed higher radioactivity levels. The corresponding committed effective dose from consuming such groundwater was estimated to be higher than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) recommended value of 0.3 mSv/y for children and infants, indicating potential health risks.

Determine the hazards of radioactive elements and radon gas manufacturing processes in an Egyptian fertilizer factory

This study investigated the levels of radioactivity in soil surrounding a phosphate fertilizer factory in Egypt, aiming to assess potential risks to the population exposed to radiation. Concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured in soil samples collected from two subsites: one near the factory (subsite 1) and another further away (subsite 2). Two different systems were used for measuring radioactivity, a high-purity gamma ray spectroscopy system with an HPGe detector for gamma-emitting isotopes and a CR-39 solid nuclear track detector for alpha-emitting radon gas. Subsite 1, located close to the factory, displayed significantly elevated levels of 226Ra compared to global background levels (514 and 456 Bq/kg vs. 35 Bq/kg). Additionally, the concentrations of 238U (241.06 Bq/kg vs. global average 35 Bq/kg), 232Th (16.15 Bq/kg vs. global average 30 Bq/kg), and 40K (146.36 Bq/kg vs. global average 400 Bq/kg) were all above global averages. Furthermore, a high concentration of radon gas (337.06 μSv/y) was measured at subsite 1. The strong positive correlation observed between 226Ra and 238U (0.96256) provides further evidence of potentially elevated radioactivity levels near the factory. In contrast, subsite 2, situated farther from the factory, exhibited natural radioactive background levels within international limits. Quantitative analysis revealed that gamma ray absorbed doses for 226Ra and 232Th exceeded global averages in some samples. Specifically, 226Ra doses ranged from 7.8 to 46.26 ppm (exceeding the 20 ppm global average in some cases), and 232Th doses ranged from 1.98 to 9.14 ppm (exceeding the 10 ppm global average in some cases). The concentration of 40K, however, remained within the global range (0.07%–0.69 %). The observed imbalances in the ratios of Th/U (0.17–0.24 Bq/kg and 0.73–0.24 ppm) and U/Ra (0.81–0.73 Bq/kg and 0.73–0.17 ppm), both of which are significantly lower than their respective global averages of 4 and 2.4, point towards the presence of fertilizer-derived contamination. This conclusion is further supported by the high phosphate concentrations detected in the samples. Overall, this study suggests that radioactive contamination near the phosphate fertilizer factory significantly exceeds global background levels and international limits in some cases. This raises concerns about potential risks posed to surrounding agricultural land and crops.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels and potential radiological risks of commonly used building materials in Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India.

The main goal of this study is to evaluate the natural radioactivity and potential radiological risks of frequently used building materials in Uttara Kannada district. Using an High purity Germanium Detector (HPGe) detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer, the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was determined. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the construction materials vary from 13.78±0.90 to 151.9±1.85, 14.21±0.80 to 207.72±2.9 and 55.26±1.20 to 1298.24±25Bqkg-1 with an average value of 40.57±1.37,60.13±1.70 and 425.38±4.75Bqkg-1 having a geometric mean of 33.07, 46.49 and 290.20Bqkg-1, respectively. The mean annual effective dose equivalent was found to be 0.68mSv y-1 and is less than the International Commission on Radiological Protection proposed acceptable limit of 1mSv y-1. The estimated radiological hazard parameters show that these building materials are safe to use in the construction of homes and do not offer a substantial source of radiation hazard.

Effects of Radioactive 56MnO2 Particle Inhalation on Mouse Lungs: A Comparison between C57BL and BALB/c.

The effects of residual radiation from atomic bombs have been considered to be minimal because of its low levels of external radioactivity. However, studies involving atomic bomb survivors exposed to only residual radiation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki have indicated possible adverse health effects. Thus, we investigated the biological effects of radioactive dust of manganese dioxide 56 (56MnO2), a major radioisotope formed in soil by neutron beams from a bomb. Previously, we investigated C57BL mice exposed to 56MnO2 and found pulmonary gene expression changes despite low radiation doses. In this study, we examined the effects in a radiation-sensitive strain of mice, BALB/c, and compared them with those in C57BL mice. The animals were exposed to 56MnO2 particles at two radioactivity levels and examined 3 and 65 days after exposure. The mRNA expression of pulmonary pathophysiology markers, including Aqp1, Aqp5, and Smad7, and radiation-sensitive genes, including Bax, Phlda3, and Faim3, was determined in the lungs. The radiation doses absorbed in the lungs ranged from 110 to 380 mGy; no significant difference was observed between the two strains. No exposure-related pathological changes were observed in the lungs of any group. However, the mRNA expression of Aqp1 was significantly elevated in C57BL mice but not in BALB/c mice 65 days after exposure, whereas no changes were observed in external γ-rays (2 Gy) in either strain. In contrast, Faim3, a radiation-dependently downregulated gene, was reduced by 56MnO2 exposure in BALB/c mice but not in C57BL mice. These data demonstrate that inhalation exposure to 56MnO2 affected the expression of pulmonary genes at doses <380 mGy, which is comparable to 2 Gy of external γ-irradiation, whereas the responses differed between the two mouse strains.

Novel environmental monitoring detector for discriminating fallout and airborne radioactivity

Early warning networks are used for detecting abnormal radioactivity levels in the environment. State-of-the-art networks are equipped with both dose rate detectors and spectrometric stations. Current networks don’t automatically discriminate between radioactivity on the ground and in the air. A novel directional sensing gamma radiation detector utilizing a collimated phoswich scintillator was developed. The signals from the two scintillator materials are separated using a pulse shape discrimination. The separated signals are employed to determine the radioactivity concentrations on the ground and in the air assuming specific concentration distributions. Limitations related to imperfect directional sensing and dead time are discussed.

The Rise and Fall of Radioactive Carbon in the Atmosphere

The level of radioactive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has shifted dramatically since the middle of the twentieth century. At that time, nuclear weapons tests resulted in considerably raised levels of the radioactive molecule. The impact peaked in the early 1960s and, since then, the radioactive level has come back almost to where it was before the nuclear test period. The ambition here is to discuss the character of the carbon dioxide curve in its different phases with an emphasis on what has happened after the atmospheric tests stopped. The curve’s behaviour seems to raise an interesting question for climate change theory.

Pre-clinical evaluation of biomarkers for the early detection of nephrotoxicity following alpha-particle radioligand therapy.

Cancer treatment with alpha-emitter-based radioligand therapies (α-RLTs) demonstrates promising tumor responses. Radiolabeled peptides are filtered through glomeruli, followed by potential reabsorption of a fraction by proximal tubules, which may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because tubular cells are considered the primary site of radiopeptides' renal reabsorption and potential injury, the current use of kidney biomarkers of glomerular functional loss limits the evaluation of possible nephrotoxicity and its early detection. This study aimed to investigate whether urinary secretion of tubular injury biomarkers could be used as an additional non-invasive sensitive diagnostic tool to identify unrecognizable tubular damage and risk of long-term α-RLT nephrotoxicity. A bifunctional cyclic peptide, melanocortin 1 ligand (MC1L), labeled with [203Pb]Pb-MC1L, was used for [212Pb]Pb-MC1L biodistribution and absorbed dose measurements in CD-1 Elite mice. Mice were treated with [212Pb]Pb-MC1L in a dose-escalation study up to levels of radioactivity intended to induce kidney injury. The approach enabled prospective kidney functional and injury biomarker evaluation and late kidney histological analysis to validate these biomarkers. Biodistribution analysis identified [212Pb]Pb-MC1L reabsorption in kidneys with a dose deposition of 2.8, 8.9, and 20 Gy for 0.9, 3.0, and 6.7 MBq injected [212Pb]Pb-MC1L doses, respectively. As expected, mice receiving 6.7 MBq had significant weight loss and CKD evidence based on serum creatinine, cystatin C, and kidney histological alterations 28 weeks after treatment. A dose-dependent urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL, tubular injury biomarker) urinary excretion the day after [212Pb]Pb-MC1L treatment highly correlated with the severity of late tubulointerstitial injury and histological findings. Urine NGAL secretion could be a potential early diagnostic tool to identify unrecognized tubular damage and predict long-term α-RLT-related nephrotoxicity.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in widely used food spices in the Iraqi Kurdistan region and their associated radiological risks

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in widely used food spices in the Iraqi Kurdistan region and their associated radiological risks