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This study presents the first data of 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations using moss species Hypnum cupressiforme from Thrace region, the northwestern part of Turkey. The moss samples were systematically collected from 40 locations in the study area. The average with standard deviation and range of 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations were found to be 409 ± 128, 188–777 and 494 ± 183, 178–852 Bq kg−1 at dry weight, respectively. Comparatively higher radionuclide activities were found in the northeastern Thrace, probably due to 222Rn daughters attached to aerosols through high rainfall in this part of the region. A significant positive correlation was found between 210Po and 210Pb, which shows that their source and/or bioaccumulation behavior are similar. The average and range of 210Po/210Pb ratio were calculated to be 0.89 and 0.47–2.67, respectively. Those levels were calculated to be mostly lower than unity that addressed the abundance of 210Pb, probably due to predominantly inorganic particles through atmospheric deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb in 15 different commercial fish species collected around Gökçeada Island (northern Aegean Sea) in 2016. The distribution of 210Po and 210Pb was investigated in fish tissues and significant differences (P < 0.05) in radionuclide concentrations were noted between muscle, gills, and liver in each species. 210Po activity concentrations in tissues were systematically higher than those of 210Pb and the average values of 210Po/210Pb concentration ratios were calculated at 6.6 ± 1.5, 8.4 ± 3.2, and 10.2 ± 1.6 in muscle, gills, and liver, respectively. The annual effective dose to consumers through 210Po ingestion with fish filet averaged 62 µSv year−1 (range 5.5-160 µSv year−1). This effective dose is in the range of natural radiation doses reported worldwide for humans through ingestion of sea food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with determination of Po and Pb activity concentrations using epigeic moss ( Hypnum cupressiforme), bushy soil (fruticose) lichen ( Cladonia rangiformis) and surface soil samples in the area around Çan coal-fired power plant, northwest Turkey. Mean activity concentrations of Po and Pb were found to be 303.9 and 425.8 Bq kg for moss, 161.6 and 259.1 Bq kg for lichen, and 79.9 and 91.5 Bq kg for soil samples at dry weight, respectively. We propose that distance and altitude of sampling site may be of significant parameters of distribution of both radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The first comprehensive study regarding radioactivity in Turkish marine environment. [•] Assessment of several radionuclides in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. [•] Estimation of possible risks due to 210Po for public health. [•] Using active and passive biomonitoring for determination of radioactivity. [•] Comparing the results with previous studies from Turkey and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, trace elements and radioactivity levels were investigated in raw cow's milk samples collected seasonally from villages of Havsa, Hayrabolu, Malkara and Uzunköprü towns of West Thrace region in Turkey. The element concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and mean values of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were found to be 10.0 ± 1.2. 51.5 ± 5.0. 5.7 ± 1.1, 51.2 ± 6.3, 257.0 ± 43.6. 43.3 ± 10.0, 120 ± 31, and 4187 ± 162 µg kg-1, respectively. The activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, 137Cs and 40K in the raw cow's milk were measured by using gamma spectrometry with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. 232Th, 238U, and 137Cs were found to be under limit of detection whereas 40K was detected in all samples. The mean activity concentrations of 40K were 47.0 ± 1.3 Bq kg-1. No significant variation could be observed among seasons and towns with regard to the trace element and radionuclide contents of the milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inventory of gamma-emitting radionuclides was determined in soil samples collected at six depth levels, from 15 locations in Istanbul metropolis. The activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, 40K were measured by means of gamma spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, 40K in the 30-cm depth soil were found as 32.1, 27.4, 393.1 Bq kg − 1, respectively. The mean value of the absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) from the outdoor terrestrial gamma radiation, Ra equivalent activity (Raeq), and the external hazard index ( Hex) were calculated as 48.7 nGy h − 1, 59.7 μSv, 104.1 Bq kg − 1, and 0.28, respectively. The effects of organic matter content, textural properties, and pH value of soil samples on the natural radionuclide levels were also investigated. The relations between natural radionuclide level and the physical and chemical properties of studied soil samples were mainly clarified with cluster analysis and Pearson correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]