Ecology

New Environmental Radioactivity Research Reported from University of Yaounde

  2012 JUL 6 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Ecology, Environment & Conservation -- Investigators publish new report on Environmental Radioactivity. According to news reporting originating from Yaounde, Cameroon, by VerticalNews correspondents, researchers stated "Concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides Ra-226, Ra-228 and K-40 were determined in five most consumed vegetables in a high-level background radiation area (HLBRA) in the southwest region of Cameroon. A total of 25 foodstuff samples collected from Akongo, Ngombas, Awanda, Bikoue and Lolodorf rural districts were analyzed by gamma spectrometry."

  Our news editors obtained a quote from the research by the authors from the University of Yaounde, "The average activity concentration values of Ra-226, Ra-228 and K-40 were respectively 2.30, 1.50 and 140.40 Bq kg(-1) fresh-weights. The effective dose for individual consumption of the investigated foodstuff types was calculated on an estimated annual intake of such diets in the study area. The estimated total daily effective doses from the ingestion of the investigated foodstuffs for each studied long-life natural radionuclide were respectively 0.41 mu Sv for Ra-226, 0.84 mu Sv for Ra-228 and 0.71 mu Sv for K-40. The total annual effective dose was estimated at 0.70 mSv y (-1)."

  According to the news editors, the researchers concluded: "Ra-228 (44%) and K-40 (36%) were found to be the main sources for internal irradiation which is very likely due to the specific uptake of these radionuclides by the studied plants."

  For more information on this research see: Annual intakes of Ra-226, Ra-228 and K-40 in staple foodstuff's from a high background radiation area in the southwest region of Cameroon. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2012;110():59-63. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity can be contacted at: Elsevier Sci Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Journal of Environmental Radioactivity - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/405861)

  The news editors report that additional information may be obtained by contacting P.E. Abiama, Univ Yaounde I, Fac Sci, Dept. of Phys, Yaounde, Cameroon.

  Keywords for this news article include: Africa, Yaounde, Cameroon, Environmental Radioactivity

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