Environ Monit Assess. 2026 Apr 18;198(5):478. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15345-7.
ABSTRACT
Activity concentrations of gamma-emitting radionuclides were determined in commonly consumed Kuwaiti foods and beverages using calibrated high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The total annual activity intakes of 4⁰K, 21⁰Pb, 224Ra, 22⁶Ra, and 22⁸Ra were estimated at 103,481 ± 4,889, 243 ± 55, 9.6 ± 0.7, 21.9 ± 9.0, and 13.4 ± 1.5 Bq y⁻1, respectively. 4⁰K was detected in all samples, with the highest activity concentration in coffee (640 ± 30 Bq kg⁻1) and the lowest in grains (64.0 ± 3.3 Bq kg⁻1). In contrast, 21⁰Pb and radium isotopes were detected only in coffee and tea, while 13⁷Cs and 134Cs were below detection limits. The total annual effective ingestion dose was estimated at 823 ± 71 µSv, of which 642 ± 30 µSv (about 78%) was attributed to 4⁰K, while radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series contributed about 22%. Although the 4⁰K contribution exceeds the UNSCEAR reference value, it does not pose a health risk due to physiological potassium regulation. However, uranium and thorium series radionuclides remain radiologically significant due to their long-term accumulation and radiotoxicity, highlighting the need for continued monitoring, particularly in frequently consumed beverages.
PMID:42000909 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15345-7
