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Spatial distribution and risk assessment of radioactivity and heavy metal levels of sediment, surface water and fish samples from Lake Van, Turkey

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Abstract

In this study, radioactivity levels of 228 lake water samples, 63 upper and depth sediment samples and 12 fish samples from Lake Van were investigated from 2005 to 2008 and the distribution patterns of the radionuclides were presented. Analysis included gross alpha–beta and total radium isotopes activities and uranium concentrations of the water, and gross alpha and gross beta activities and relevant 238U, 232Th and 40K activity of the sediment and fish samples of the lake. Mean gross alpha, gross beta and radium isotopes activities of lake water were found 0.74 ± 0.46, 0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.06 ± 0.04 Bq/L, respectively. Mean gross alpha and beta activities in upper and depth sediments were found to be 41 ± 6 and 1,514 ± 74 Bq/kg; 77 ± 5 and 394 ± 24 Bq/kg at a 95 % confidence level, respectively. Mean activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations in upper and depth sediments were determined to be 225 ± 22, 70 ± 7 and 486 ± 39 Bq/kg; 174 ± 4, 63 ± 3 and 263 ± 25 Bq/kg, respectively. The mean gross alpha and beta, 238U, 232Th and 40K aktivities in fish samples were established as 47 ± 18, 470 ± 12, 0.57 ± 0.220, 0.022 ± 0.006, 319 ± 11 Bq/kg, respectively. The transfer factor from lake water to fish tissues, annual intake by humans consuming fish, and annual committed effective doses were estimated and evaluated.

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Acknowledgment

This research project work was financially supported by the TUBITAK (The Scientific Technological Research Council of Turkey) by Project Number 104Y072.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Energy, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey

    Sema Erenturk & Zeyneb Camtakan

  2. Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey

    Sabriye Yusan, Mahmut A. A. Aslani & Sule Aytas

  3. Department of Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey

    D. Alkim Turkozu

  4. Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey

    M. Kirami Olgen

  5. Director of the Marmara Region, Mineral Research & Exploration General Directorate, Kocaeli, Turkey

    M. Akif Isik

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  1. Sema Erenturk
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Correspondence to Sema Erenturk.

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Erenturk, S., Yusan, S., Turkozu, D.A. et al. Spatial distribution and risk assessment of radioactivity and heavy metal levels of sediment, surface water and fish samples from Lake Van, Turkey. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 300, 919–931 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3042-0

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