Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 2021
The assessment of environmental radioactivity much relies on radionuclide content in soil. This s... more The assessment of environmental radioactivity much relies on radionuclide content in soil. This stems from the significant contribution of soil to both external and internal exposure to ionising radiation via direct emission of gamma radiation and soil-to-plant radionuclide transfer, respectively. This motivated us to carry out a systematic research on the radioactivity of soil in Croatia to obtain relevant data that can be used as a basis for understanding the related effects of geomorphological, biogeographical, and climatological properties of the environment. We collected samples of the surface layer of uncultivated soil (0–10 cm) at 138 sites from all over the country and measured them for radionuclide activity concentrations by means of high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. This resulted in radioactivity maps containing data on activity concentrations of representative radionuclides in the environment. In this paper, which is the first in our two-part presentation, we focus ...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021
The aim of this study was to investigate the natural radioactivity of Plitvice Lakes, under the a... more The aim of this study was to investigate the natural radioactivity of Plitvice Lakes, under the assumption that due to its status as a National Park, the area can be considered an example of a natural freshwater system. Also, considering the transfer parameter data as the largest source of uncertainty in radiological risk assessments, the impact of site-specific data on dose rate assessment, as opposed to currently available data, was investigated. The study included gamma and alpha spectrometric measurements of 238 U, 226 Ra, 210 Pb, 228 Ra, and 40 K in water, sediment, and fish samples, as well as 137 Cs due to the coinciding of the study with the Fukushima accident. The content of naturally occurring radionuclides significantly varied in sediments of different Lakes, probably as a reflection of the different underlying geology of the area. Also, the 210 Pb distribution in sediments indicated an up to 312 Bq kg −1 of the allochthonous contribution of this radionuclide at the begin...
This study refers to background activity concentrations of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (208)Tl, (40... more This study refers to background activity concentrations of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (208)Tl, (40)K, and (137)Cs in soil and plants of the Kaštela Bay, Croatia and related plant-soil concentration ratios (CR's). Fourteen different Mediterranean plant species growing in natural conditions have been included and were divided into three major plant groups (grasses and herbs, shrub, tree). Radionuclide activity concentrations were determined by means of high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Soil parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter content) were also analysed. CR ranges were within one order of magnitude for (40)K (10(-2)-10(-1)), (238)U, and (226)Ra (10(-3)-10(-2)), and two orders of magnitude for (232)Th, (208)Tl, and (137)Cs (10(-4)-10(-2)). There was no statistical difference between the plant groups in radionuclide uptake. Overall statistical analyses indicated a moderate negative relationship between soil concentrations and CR values, and no relationsh...
In theory, limits of radioactive contamination of food should be based on risk analysis, but in p... more In theory, limits of radioactive contamination of food should be based on risk analysis, but in practice this procedure is compromised by economic reasons. This paper looks into the EU limits for radiocaesium in foodstuffs after the Chornobyl accident and gives a few examples of effective dose assessment of 137Cs. Croatia has harmonised radiation protection regulations with international and EU standards. This article presents the effective doses in the adult population of Croatia assessed at the Radiation Protection Unit of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health. The assessment included ingestion, inhalation, and external exposure, and distinguished between radionuclide intake through food, water, and injection in medical procedures. Our results show low 137Cs activity concentrations, which are within limits, even though the radiation standards are very stringent. Therefore, their contribution to the effective dose is very small (<0.1 mSv).
Phosphogypsum (PG) is a waste by-product (residue) originating from the production of phosphoric ... more Phosphogypsum (PG) is a waste by-product (residue) originating from the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilisers. PG contains chemical and radioactive impurities, which is why it is mostly stockpiled in controlled areas. Worldwide, only about 15 % of PG is recycled or reused. Today, policies and business strategies prioritise sustainable development through circular economy, which certainly includes PG. This provides new opportunities for Croatia to manage its PG and make an effort to use it as an additive in different industries, such as agriculture and construction. Due to its chemical and radiological properties, PG can potentially cause problems for the environment and human health. Hence, before using PG, detailed knowledge of potential hazards is necessary to protect people and the environment. The aim of this review is to summarise available data on Croatian PG, compare them with other countries, and to identify knowledge gaps and the lack of data on potential ...
Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 2021
The assessment of environmental radioactivity much relies on radionuclide content in soil. This s... more The assessment of environmental radioactivity much relies on radionuclide content in soil. This stems from the significant contribution of soil to both external and internal exposure to ionising radiation via direct emission of gamma radiation and soil-to-plant radionuclide transfer, respectively. This motivated us to carry out a systematic research on the radioactivity of soil in Croatia to obtain relevant data that can be used as a basis for understanding the related effects of geomorphological, biogeographical, and climatological properties of the environment. We collected samples of the surface layer of uncultivated soil (0–10 cm) at 138 sites from all over the country and measured them for radionuclide activity concentrations by means of high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. This resulted in radioactivity maps containing data on activity concentrations of representative radionuclides in the environment. In this paper, which is the first in our two-part presentation, we focus ...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021
The aim of this study was to investigate the natural radioactivity of Plitvice Lakes, under the a... more The aim of this study was to investigate the natural radioactivity of Plitvice Lakes, under the assumption that due to its status as a National Park, the area can be considered an example of a natural freshwater system. Also, considering the transfer parameter data as the largest source of uncertainty in radiological risk assessments, the impact of site-specific data on dose rate assessment, as opposed to currently available data, was investigated. The study included gamma and alpha spectrometric measurements of 238 U, 226 Ra, 210 Pb, 228 Ra, and 40 K in water, sediment, and fish samples, as well as 137 Cs due to the coinciding of the study with the Fukushima accident. The content of naturally occurring radionuclides significantly varied in sediments of different Lakes, probably as a reflection of the different underlying geology of the area. Also, the 210 Pb distribution in sediments indicated an up to 312 Bq kg −1 of the allochthonous contribution of this radionuclide at the begin...
This study refers to background activity concentrations of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (208)Tl, (40... more This study refers to background activity concentrations of (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (208)Tl, (40)K, and (137)Cs in soil and plants of the Kaštela Bay, Croatia and related plant-soil concentration ratios (CR's). Fourteen different Mediterranean plant species growing in natural conditions have been included and were divided into three major plant groups (grasses and herbs, shrub, tree). Radionuclide activity concentrations were determined by means of high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Soil parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter content) were also analysed. CR ranges were within one order of magnitude for (40)K (10(-2)-10(-1)), (238)U, and (226)Ra (10(-3)-10(-2)), and two orders of magnitude for (232)Th, (208)Tl, and (137)Cs (10(-4)-10(-2)). There was no statistical difference between the plant groups in radionuclide uptake. Overall statistical analyses indicated a moderate negative relationship between soil concentrations and CR values, and no relationsh...
In theory, limits of radioactive contamination of food should be based on risk analysis, but in p... more In theory, limits of radioactive contamination of food should be based on risk analysis, but in practice this procedure is compromised by economic reasons. This paper looks into the EU limits for radiocaesium in foodstuffs after the Chornobyl accident and gives a few examples of effective dose assessment of 137Cs. Croatia has harmonised radiation protection regulations with international and EU standards. This article presents the effective doses in the adult population of Croatia assessed at the Radiation Protection Unit of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health. The assessment included ingestion, inhalation, and external exposure, and distinguished between radionuclide intake through food, water, and injection in medical procedures. Our results show low 137Cs activity concentrations, which are within limits, even though the radiation standards are very stringent. Therefore, their contribution to the effective dose is very small (<0.1 mSv).
Phosphogypsum (PG) is a waste by-product (residue) originating from the production of phosphoric ... more Phosphogypsum (PG) is a waste by-product (residue) originating from the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilisers. PG contains chemical and radioactive impurities, which is why it is mostly stockpiled in controlled areas. Worldwide, only about 15 % of PG is recycled or reused. Today, policies and business strategies prioritise sustainable development through circular economy, which certainly includes PG. This provides new opportunities for Croatia to manage its PG and make an effort to use it as an additive in different industries, such as agriculture and construction. Due to its chemical and radiological properties, PG can potentially cause problems for the environment and human health. Hence, before using PG, detailed knowledge of potential hazards is necessary to protect people and the environment. The aim of this review is to summarise available data on Croatian PG, compare them with other countries, and to identify knowledge gaps and the lack of data on potential ...
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