Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the internal radiation dose resulting from the consumption of food products among the population of Tbilisi. The activity concentrations of radionuclides (Cs137, Sr90, and K40) in foodstuffs were determined by the Soil Fertility Research Service of the Scientific Research Centre of Agriculture. Actual dietary intake of the adult population was assessed using a structured questionnaire.
Among the investigated radionuclides, K40 is of natural origin; therefore, the total internal radiation dose (Cs137 + Sr90 + K40) and the anthropogenic component (Cs137 + Sr90) were calculated separately and amounted to 1.140 mSv/y (0.001114 Sv/y) and 0.800 mSv/y (0.000800 Sv/y), respectively. The results indicate that Sr90 is the dominant contributor to the anthropogenic internal dose, accounting for more than 95% of the total. This finding is consistent with the biokinetic properties of Sr90, which preferentially accumulates in mineralized tissues and substitutes calcium.
The estimated internal radiation doses are comparable with those reported for other urban and post-Soviet settings and fall within the ranges documented by UNSCEAR. In Tbilisi, the internal dose attributable to anthropogenic radionuclides is lower than in areas affected by significant radioactive contamination and is similar to levels primarily associated with global background processes.
References
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