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Determination of chemical elements and natural radionuclides in shopping plastic bags using k0-neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

The neutron activation analysis technique was applied to determine several chemical elements in shopping plastic bags in order to evaluate their environmental impact. 40K (from K), 232Th and 238U were also determined to predict their radiological impact. In total, 38 elements were determined including Th, and U. These results revealed that ~ 20% of samples under investigation had Cr exceeded the regulated level for packing and packing waste. On the other hand, 50% of samples have Zn and/or Cr violate the regulated levels in plastic products intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Models for radiological hazard indices showed that the investigated samples possessed insignificant radiation hazards for human. The obtained data is expected to support the decision-maker in adapting measures to control and manage plastic products, starting from the production stage to the final disposal of the waste.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia under grant no. (UJ-22-DR-8). The authors, therefore, acknowledge with thanks the University of Jeddah for its technical and financial support.

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University of Jeddah (UJ-22-DR-8).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Jeddah, 23890, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    A. H. Al-Ghamdi & Mahmoud Mohery

  2. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

    Mahmoud Mohery

  3. Egypt Second Research Reactor, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt

    Mohamed Soliman

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  1. A. H. Al-Ghamdi
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  2. Mahmoud Mohery
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Correspondence to Mohamed Soliman.

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Al-Ghamdi, A.H., Mohery, M. & Soliman, M. Determination of chemical elements and natural radionuclides in shopping plastic bags using k0-neutron activation analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 333, 387–394 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-09215-6

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