<p>Fertilizers containing the primary macronutrients, such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), constitute a significant group on the Polish market. However, in addition to their beneficial properties for plant development and proper growth, fertilizers can lead to environmental pollution with radionuclides. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze the activity concentrations of <sup>234,238</sup>U, <sup>226,228</sup>Ra, and <sup>40</sup>K isotopes in 38 mineral fertilizers available on the market. All samples contained phosphorus, and the largest analyzed group constituted multi-component fertilizers. The highest <sup>234</sup>U and <sup>238</sup>U activity concentrations were recorded in single and triple superphosphates containing the highest P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> content. Most of these fertilizers also contained elevated <sup>226</sup>Ra concentrations. The highest <sup>40</sup>K activity concentrations were recorded in fertilizers containing the highest K<sub>2</sub>O addition. The radioactive equilibrium between <sup>234</sup>U&#xa0;and <sup>238</sup>U isotopes is maintained (median: <sup>234</sup>U/<sup>238</sup>U = 1.01), while isotope segregation between <sup>238</sup>U and <sup>226</sup>Ra occurs during fertilizer production (median: <sup>238</sup>U/<sup>226</sup>Ra = 2.4). Calculated radioactive risk indicators for a significant part of the analyzed fertilizers exceeded acceptable limits; however, the annual effective radiation doses were still below the 1&#xa0;mSv limit. Furthermore, excessive soil fertilization can increase the concentration of radioactive isotopes in the soil, and consequently, in the human diet. To limit the amount of uranium transferred from the cultivated soil into groundwater and the human food chain, companies should undertake efforts to select low radioactive raw materials for fertilizer production.</p>

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The activity concentration of 226,228Ra, 234,238U, and 40K isotopes in the different types of phosphate mineral fertilizers and the associated radiological risk

  • Agata Walencik-Łata,
  • Katarzyna Szkliniarz

摘要

Fertilizers containing the primary macronutrients, such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), constitute a significant group on the Polish market. However, in addition to their beneficial properties for plant development and proper growth, fertilizers can lead to environmental pollution with radionuclides. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze the activity concentrations of 234,238U, 226,228Ra, and 40K isotopes in 38 mineral fertilizers available on the market. All samples contained phosphorus, and the largest analyzed group constituted multi-component fertilizers. The highest 234U and 238U activity concentrations were recorded in single and triple superphosphates containing the highest P2O5 content. Most of these fertilizers also contained elevated 226Ra concentrations. The highest 40K activity concentrations were recorded in fertilizers containing the highest K2O addition. The radioactive equilibrium between 234U and 238U isotopes is maintained (median: 234U/238U = 1.01), while isotope segregation between 238U and 226Ra occurs during fertilizer production (median: 238U/226Ra = 2.4). Calculated radioactive risk indicators for a significant part of the analyzed fertilizers exceeded acceptable limits; however, the annual effective radiation doses were still below the 1 mSv limit. Furthermore, excessive soil fertilization can increase the concentration of radioactive isotopes in the soil, and consequently, in the human diet. To limit the amount of uranium transferred from the cultivated soil into groundwater and the human food chain, companies should undertake efforts to select low radioactive raw materials for fertilizer production.