Analysis of radionuclide content, annual effective dose and cancer risk in bananas

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of 40K radionuclides in bananas procured from different regions, calculate the annual effective dose, analyze the carcinogenic risk, and establish baseline data. Nine kinds of bananas from 6 regions in China and three kinds of bananas from 2 regions abroad were collected. After peeling, slicing, drying, crushing, sieving, and sample loading, the samples were measured and analyzed using a γ-ray spectrometer. 40K was detected in all bananas, but the concentrations of the other radionuclides were lower than the detection limit. The radioactivity concentration of 40K in Philippine imperial banana was the highest and that in Xigong banana from Guangxi was the lowest. The average 40K radioactivity of imported bananas was (472.1±59.5) Bq/kg, while that of domestic bananas was (361.9±80.7) Bq/kg. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05). The annual effective dose caused by 40K in Fujian Hongpi banana was the highest (5.4 μSv/a), while that in Xigong banana from Guangxi was the lowest (3.1 μSv/a). The average increased cancer risk due to banana intake was 1.6×10-5. The highest concentration of 40K in the bananas considered in this study was (540.8±26.8) Bq/kg, which is much lower than the national standard limit. The annual effective dose and carcinogenic risk caused by 40K in the bananas are at the normal level, thus eliminating the need for consumers to take any precautions.

Keywords

• banana
• radionuclide
• 40k
• annual effective dose
• carcinogenic risk