Assessment of natural radionuclides released into different environmental compartments caused by usage of Phosphate fertilizers

Abstract

The general goal of the current study is to measure radioactivity released into different environmental compartments (plant and soil) caused by use of phosphate fertilizers. The present study included 53 samples obtained from the Eastern side of the Nile Delta in the region including 20 soil samples before and after fertilization, 20 plant samples before and after fertilization, 10 samples of water wrapping the soil before fertilization and 3 Phosphate fertilizer samples. The mean concentration of 226 Ra in the soil and plant samples before and after fertilization is higher than the global average. After fertilization, mean value concentration of 40 K was higher than before fertilization and global average. The concentration levels of 226 Ra, 40 K and 228 Ra are greater than average background levels after fertilization. Regarding heavy metals concentrations in the plant samples, before and after fertilization, and also the concentration of Cd are higher than the maximum allowable limit. Pb element in plant samples after fertilization is higher than permissible limits. It could be concluded that after use of phosphate fertilizers, the total concentration of 226 Ra in soil and plant samples increases more than before fertilization. After fertilization, the average concentration of 40 K in the plant samples increases more than before fertilization and heavy metals levels of As, Cd and Pb are higher than guideline limits.