DefinePK

Abstract

The radionuclides present in Fluted Pumpkin Telfairia occidentalis cultivated and consumed in Southeast Nigeria were assessed and their activity concentration determined to assess the potential radiological impact of consumption of the vegetable as part of the daily diet. The radioactivity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the vegetable samples were ranging from 18.066.00 to 43.089.07 Bqkg for 238U mean 28.683.62 Bqkg, 13.413.01 to 17.793.68 Bqkg for 232Th mean 15.411.62 Bqkg and 219.1310.64 to 354.0410.15 Bqkg for 40K mean 251.848.07 Bqkg. There was no anthropogenic radionuclide detected. The annual intake of 238U and 232Th from consumption of Fluted Pumpkin in the locality under study was range from 3.6-8.6 Bqyr mean 5.7 Bqyr and 2.7-3.6 Bqyr mean 3.1 Bqyr. The committed effective dose was 0.25 Sv for 238U and 0.71 Sv for 232Th. The consumption of Fluted Pumpkin can lead to enhanced dietary intakes of thorium series radionuclide when considered against the intakes from other food materials.