Radionuclides in the environment and their impact on food safety and human health

Abstract

The paper shows results of gamma spectrometry testing, determination of specific activity of 90Sr as measurements of activity concentration of torium and uranium isotopes by a technique of inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry. Soil samples were collected from locations in Vojvodina and central Serbia and sludge samples from the bottom of the Danube in the region of Novi Sad. Food samples of fish, dairy (powdered milk, powdered whey, powdered eggs), honey and meat were collected from various markets, and animal feedstuff samples (fish flour, premixes, mineral feedstuff) from regular production. Also, the results of determining the activity concentration of natural and artificial radionuclides in internal organ samples (kidneys) of different types of wild birds, as well as of game urine (samples of roe deer) are shown. Contamination sources of anthropogenic origin were discussed in more detail, as well as nuclear accidents and their influence on technological production chain of plant- and animal- source foods.