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Elemental analysis of Egyptian phosphate fertilizer components
S M El-Bahi1, N Walley El-Dine, A El-Shershaby
1Physics Department, Faculty of Girls, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt. samia_elbahi@yahoo.com
Health Physics
|February 26, 2004
Summary
This study measured natural radioactivity in Egyptian phosphate fertilizer, finding concerning levels of uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K). These findings highlight potential health risks associated with fertilizer use and accumulation in the environment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- The presence of heavy metals and radioactive elements in essential media like water, soil, and food poses health risks.
- Fertilizers can vary significantly in their content of heavy metals and uranium, necessitating careful monitoring.
- Understanding the natural radioactivity in agricultural inputs is crucial for assessing environmental and health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the natural concentrations of Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th), and Potassium-40 (40K) in phosphate fertilizer and its raw components.
- To determine the absorbed dose rate and external hazard index associated with the measured radioactivity.
- To analyze the concentrations of 22 other elements in the fertilizer samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector to measure gamma-ray activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K.
- Employed inductively coupled plasma optical-emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for elemental analysis of 22 elements.
- Collected samples from Abu-Zaabal fertilizers and chemical industries in Egypt, including raw materials and final products.
Main Results:
- Concentrations ranged from 134.97-681.11 Bq kg(-1) for 238U, 125.23-239.26 Bq kg(-1) for 232Th, and 446.11-882.45 Bq kg(-1) for 40K.
- Absorbed dose rates varied from 177.14 to 445.90 nGy h(-1), with external hazard indices from 1.03 to 2.71.
- Detailed elemental analysis identified the presence of 22 elements in both raw materials and the final fertilizer product.
Conclusions:
- Phosphate fertilizers produced in Egypt contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) at levels that warrant attention.
- The calculated absorbed dose rates and hazard indices suggest a potential risk that requires further investigation and management strategies.
- Comprehensive elemental and radiological assessment of fertilizers is essential for ensuring agricultural sustainability and public health safety.