Radioactivity and heavy metal concentrations in food samples from Rize, Turkey

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Food Safety
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Chernobyl accident in 1986 led to contamination in Rize, Turkey.
• A study assessed radioactivity and heavy metals in local food.
• Data collected from 2008-2010 in Rize.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine radioactivity levels in Rize food samples.
• Quantify heavy metal concentrations in Rize food samples.
• Assess public health risks associated with food contamination.

Main Methods:

• Collected four food categories from Rize.
• Measured concentrations of Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th), Potassium-40 (40K), and Cesium-137 (137Cs).
• Analyzed heavy metal content including Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), and Arsenic (As).

Main Results:

• Highest Uranium-238 (238U) concentration in tomato (9.43 ± 0.128 Bq kg−1).
• Highest Thorium-232 (232Th) concentration in grape (3.22 ± 0.29 Bq kg−1).
• Highest Cesium-137 (137Cs) activity in parsley (10.20 ± 4.19 Bq kg−1).
• Potassium-40 (40K) showed the highest activity across all samples.
• Heavy metal intake levels were within acceptable ranges.

Conclusions:

• Radioactivity levels in Rize food pose no public health risk.
• Heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, As) are below FAO/WHO limits.
• The study confirms the safety of consumed food in Rize regarding contaminants.