Evaluation of radionuclides transfer from soil-to-edible flora and estimation of radiological dose to the Malaysian populace

- Assessment of radionuclides transfer from soil-to-edible flora in Malaysia.
- The estimated TFs for 226,228Ra show greater values than the literature data for vegetables.
- The Highland farms present greater concentrations than the ground farms.
- Committed effective dose and life-time cancer risk found below the permissible limit by UNSCEAR.

Malaysia, a rapidly growing industrial country, is susceptible to pollution via large-scale industrial engagements and associated human activities. One particular concern is the potential impact upon the quality of locally resourced vegetables, foodstuffs that contain important nutrients necessary for good health, forming an essential part of the Malaysian diet. As a part of this, it is of importance for there to be accurate knowledge of radioactive material uptake in these vegetables, not least in respect of any public health detriment. Herein, using HPGe γ-ray spectrometry, quantification has been performed of naturally occurring radionuclides in common edible vegetables and their associated soils. From samples analyses, the soil activity concentration ranges (in units of Bq/kg) for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were respectively 1.33-30.90, 0.48-26.80, 7.99-136.5 while in vegetable samples the ranges were 0.64-3.80, 0.21-6.91, 85.53-463.8. Using the corresponding activities, the transfer factors (TFs) from soil-to-vegetables were estimated, the transfers being greatest for 40K, an expected outcome given the essentiality of this element in support of vigorous growth. The TFs of 226Ra and 232Th were found to be in accord with available literature data, the values indicating the mobility of these radionuclides to be low in the studied soils. Committed effective dose and the associated life-time cancer risk was estimated, being found to be below the permissible limit proposed by UNSCEAR. Results for the studied media show that the prevalent activities and mobilities pose no significant threat to human health, the edible vegetables being safe for consumption.