Assessment of the radiological doses and health risk from natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in wheat samples near nuclear facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract

The study evaluated the presence of anthropogenic and natural radionuclides in wheat samples close to nuclear facilities of Dera Ghazi Khan by using gamma ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K found to be 1.60, 2.41 and 108.22 Bq/kg, respectively. The estimated average values for the internal hazard index, radium equivalent, radiological doses and cancer risk factor were found to be within acceptable ranges. The study discovered no substantial health concerns from consuming edible grains because their concentrations were within the permissible limits established by UNSCEAR.

Graphical abstract