Open Access

Determination of Natural Radiation Amount in Apricots Growing Up in Malatya

1 Harran Üniversitesi, Fen-Edebiyat Fakültesi, Fizik Bölümü, Şanlıurfa
2 Harran Üniversitesi, Fen-Edebiyat Fakültesi, Fizik Bölümü, Şanlıurfa
3 Harran Üniversitesi, Fen-Edebiyat Fakültesi, Fizik Bölümü, Şanlıurfa

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the radioactivity concentrations of dried apricot samples collected from six different districts within the borders of Malatya province. Peaks originating from the radionuclides of 40K and the natural series of 238U (226Ra) and 232Th were identified in the gamma spectra obtained using a NaI scintillation detector. The activity concentrations corresponding to these peaks were found to range between 493±23 and 629±30 Bq kg-1 for 40K, 4.3±0.6 and 18.5±2.2 Bq kg-1 for 238U, and 0.6±0.1 and 4.3±0.3 Bq kg-1 for 232Th. The average values were calculated as 570±27 Bq kg-1 for 40K, 10.4±1.2 Bq kg-1 for 238U, and 2.6±0.2 Bq kg-1 for 232Th. While the measured values for the 40K radionuclide exceed 400 Bq kg-1, they are within acceptable limits. It does not pose a risk to human health. It is evaluated that the use of potassium-containing artificial fertilizers to supplement the mineral content of apricot trees is the cause of this.

Keywords

How to Cite

KOŞAL , M., BABUR, Y., & ŞA , A. (2024). Determination of Natural Radiation Amount in Apricots Growing Up in Malatya. MAS Journal of Applied Sciences, 9(4), 1186–1194. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14544697

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