Accumulation of lead radionuclides in 18 leaf vegetable types in Viet Nam

J Environ Radioact. 2022 Oct:251-252:106960. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106960. Epub 2022 Jul 18.

Abstract

Studying the concentration of radioactive lead in soil and plants, and using plants for phytoremediation are important for the environment and human health protection. In this study, we used gamma spectrometry to determine activity concentration in soil - plants, transfer factor. The average activity concentration of lead radionuclides in soil and plants were in the following order of 210Pb > 214Pb > 212Pb. The average activity ratio of 214Pb and 212Pb to 210Pb in soil were 0.70 and 0.59 and in plants were 0.69 and 0.14, respectively. The results showed that there was not much difference between the ratio of radioactive 214Pb and 210Pb concentrations in vegetable and plant samples. Ming aralia (Polyscias fruticose) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) contained the highest concentrations of 210Pb, and Malabar spinach (Basella alba) contained the lowest concentration. Ming aralia could be used for the radioactive decontamination of 210Pb. There vegetable samples from Ho Chi Minh City were considered safe for human consumption in the aspect of lead radionuclides.

Keywords: Lead radionuclides; Natural radionuclides; Transfer factor.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lactuca / chemistry
  • Lead / analysis
  • Lead Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Radiation Monitoring*
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants* / analysis
  • Vegetables
  • Vietnam

Substances

  • Lead Radioisotopes
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Lead