Determination of natural radioactivity levels and associated radiation hazard indices of wheat flour samples from selected Ethiopian markets

Abstract

In this study, natural radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, as well as the related harmful radiological features, were determined for various wheat flour samples using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry.The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in wheat flour are found to be (0.26 ± 0.07),(1.54 ± 0.43), and (59.79 ± 3.65) Bq kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, the corresponding radiological parameters, internal index (Hint), annual effective dose (Eave) (sum), and lifetime cancer risk were found to be below the permissible world average values. In conclusion, the risk of absorbing natural radionuclides from wheat flour consumption is negligible.