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Natural radioactivity measurements of frozen red meat samples consumed in Iraq

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Abstract

Purpose

In the present study, the activity concentrations of long-lived gamma-ray emitters (238U, 232Th and 40K) in ten different types of frozen red meat samples selected from markets in Iraq were measured.

Methods

The technique of gamma spectrometer equipped with scintillation detector NaI (Tl) was used.

Results

The annual effective dose was estimated in adults and kids. The results showed that the concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were found in the range of permissible limits of 30, 32 and 400 Bq kg−1, respectively. On the other hand, the maximum values of 238U and 232Th in beef samples are higher than in lamb meat samples. The annual effective dose of adults and kids was observed to be below the limit (1.0 mSv) recommended by ICRP.

Conclusion

The frozen red meat samples are safe for human consumption and have gamma-ray emitter concentrations lower than the maximum permissible levels.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Kufa University, College of Science. Authors would like to thank all those who have contributed in this research and warm regards to the Department of Physics at Kufa University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq

    Murtadha Sh. Aswood

  2. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq

    Ali Abid Abojassim

  3. Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

    Mustafa Salih Ali Al Musawi

Authors
  1. Murtadha Sh. Aswood
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  2. Ali Abid Abojassim
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  3. Mustafa Salih Ali Al Musawi
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Correspondence to Murtadha Sh. Aswood.

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Aswood, M.S., Abojassim, A.A. & Al Musawi, M.S.A. Natural radioactivity measurements of frozen red meat samples consumed in Iraq. Radiat Detect Technol Methods 3, 57 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41605-019-0136-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41605-019-0136-9

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