Determination of Natural Radiation Amount in Apricots Growing Up in Malatya

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.