Sains Malaysiana 42(3)(2013): 319–323

 

Radionuclides Level and its Radiation Hazard Index in Some Drinks Consumed

in the Central Zone of Malaysia

(Aras Radionuklid dan Indeks Bahaya Sinaran dalam Beberapa Minuman yang Terdapat

di Zon Tengah Malaysia)

 

A.A. Tawalbeh, S.B. Samat* & M.S. Yasir
School of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

 

Received: 13 October 2011 / Accepted: 18 September 2012

 

 

ABSTRACT

Fifty three samples of different types of imported and locally produced drinks consumed in the central zone of Malaysia were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry system equipped with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K present in the studied samples were measured and the radium equivalent activities Raeq were calculated. In addition, the radiation hazard index (HI) was calculated. The average concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were 0.69 ± 7×10¯4 , 1.3 ± 8×10¯4 and 20.52 ± 6×10¯4 Bq/Kg, respectively. The values of Raeq were  between 0.002 and 10.0 Bq/kg. The HI were  between 0.002 and 0.03, which is below one (the higher limit of HI). The results obtained were compared to the standard accepted international values and found to be within the acceptable limits.

 

Keywords: Activity concentration; NORM; radiation hazard index; radium equivalent; 238U, 232Th and 40K

 

 

ABSTRAK

Lima puluh tiga sampel daripada pelbagai jenis minuman tempatan dan import yang terdapat di zon tengah Malaysia dianalisis menggunakan sistem spektroskopi sinar dengan pengesan germanium berketulenan tinggi (HPGe). Kepekatan radionuklid, tabii 238U, 232Th dan 40K dalam sampel diukur dan setara radium Raeq dikira. Selain itu, indeks bahaya sinaran (HI) juga dikira. Kepekatan aktiviti 238U, 232Th dan 40K dalam sampel berada dalam julat 0.69 ±7×10¯4 , 1.3 ±8×10¯4 dan 20.52 ± 6×10¯4 Bq/Kg. Nilai Raeq berada dalam julat antara 0.002 dan 10.0 Bq/kg. Indeks bahaya sinaran (HI) berada dalam julat antara 0.002 dan 0.03, kurang daripada satu (had atas HI). Keputusan yang diperoleh dibandingkan dengan piawai di peringkat antarabangsa dan didapati berada dalam julat yang boleh diterima.

 

Kata kunci: Indeks bahaya sinaran; kepekatan aktiviti; kesetaraan radium; NORM; 238U, 232Th dan 40K

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*Corresponding author; email: sbsamat@ukm.my

 

 

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