Radiometric analysis of samples of domestic fish species and radiological implications

Radiometric analysis of samples of commonly sold fish species in Pakistan were carried out for the measurement of concentrations of naturally occurring and artificial radionuclides. For this purpose, a high resolution Ge detector was employed. Mean concentrations of (226)Ra, (228)Ra, and (40)K in fish samples were 1.3 +/- 0.3, 1.0 +/- 0.2, and 90 +/- 15 Bq kg, respectively, whereas concentration of (137)Cs was not detected. The annual effective dose due to ingestion of these radionuclides through fish diet was evaluated to be 2.3 microSv y(-1). This value of effective dose is found much below the average radiation dose of 0.29 mSv y(-1) received per capita worldwide through ingestion of natural radionuclides during the consumption of food assessed by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. It is concluded that fish supplies in the markets from the domestic fish farms are free from radiological risks. These results may contribute to the national and regional data regarding radioactivity levels in domestic fish species.