Radionuclides Content in Pasteurized Cow Milk: Dose Estimation.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiological Health
• Food Safety

Background:

• Pasteurized cow milk is a significant dietary component.
• Understanding radionuclide content in milk is crucial for public health.
• Previous studies have indicated the presence of various radionuclides in dairy products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present results from radiological monitoring of pasteurized cow milk.
• To determine the activity of specific artificial and natural radionuclides.
• To estimate the annual effective dose from milk ingestion for different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Radiological monitoring of 46 pasteurized cow milk samples (2011-2015).
• Gamma spectrometry for gamma emitters (137Cs, 226Ra, 40K, 210Pb, 232Th, natural U).
• Radiochemical separation for 90Sr.
• Estimation of Annual Effective Dose using realistic and conservative models for adults and children (1-2 years).

Main Results:

• Maximum activities reported for 137Cs (0.449 Bq/l), 90Sr (0.105 Bq/l), 226Ra (1.63 Bq/l), 40K (53.1 Bq/l), 210Pb (1.01 Bq/l), 232Th (0.05 Bq/l), and natural U (0.14 mg/l).
• Ingestion dose estimates ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 mSv/y (adults, realistic model) and 0.15 to 0.87 mSv/y (children, conservative model).
• 210Pb and 226Ra were the main contributors to the ingestion dose, surpassing 40K in both models.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the necessity of determining both artificial and natural radionuclides in cow milk.
• Results indicate low but measurable levels of radionuclides, necessitating ongoing monitoring.
• Further investigation into the sources and implications of 226Ra content in pasteurized milk is recommended.