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Disequilibrium studies using 210Po/210Pb ratio in top soil in the mineralized region of East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India

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Abstract

Present study evaluates distribution of 210Pb and 210Po in soil around uranium mineralized region of East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India. The overall median activity concentration of 210Pb and 210Po in soil was observed to be 95 ± 35 Bq kg−1 and 79 ± 35 Bq kg−1, respectively. Based on KS test, both the radionuclides follow normal distribution in the study area. The extent of disequilibrium in soil is evaluated using 210Po/210Pb activity ratio. Also, comparison between cultivated and virgin (uncultivated) lands based on activity concentration of 210Pb and 210Po and 210Po/210Pb activity ratio has been carried out. Higher median activity concentration of both the radionuclides were observed in cultivated soil compared to uncultivated soil. Comparison of 210Po/210Pb ratio indicates higher degree of radioactive disequilibrium in cultivated soils (210Po/210Pb = 0.70) compared to uncultivated soils (210Po/210Pb = 0.99). Further, correlation study indicated significant difference between cultivated and uncultivated soils with respect to 210Po and 210Pb. The observed difference between cultivated and uncultivated soil could be due to physical and chemical alterations of cultivated land during farming practices.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to Shri. R. M. Suresh Babu, Director, Health, Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, for his support and encouragement during this study. Support received from colleagues of Health Physics Unit, Jaduguda especially Mr. N. M. Soren and Mr. Prakash Mukhi are also acknowledged. Thanks are due to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited for facilities and assistance provided during this investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Physics Unit, Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Jaduguda, East singhbhum, Jharkahnd, 832102, India

    D. B. Sharma, N. K. Sethy, V. N. Jha & Sarjan Singh

  2. Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India

    A. C. Patra, S. K. Jha & M. S. Kulkarni

  3. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India

    Sarjan Singh

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Sharma, D.B., Sethy, N.K., Jha, V.N. et al. Disequilibrium studies using 210Po/210Pb ratio in top soil in the mineralized region of East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 1323–1334 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08199-z

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