Cultural inputs of ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁶Ra in tropical agricultural environments

Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetra, Av. Salvador Allende s/n 37750, 22780-160 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

In this work, soil to plant transfer factor of ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra obtained in areas of traditional agricultural practices varied as a function of the considered cultivated species, but little variation was observed as a function of the soil type. Beans and soybeans presented a more important absorption than cereals (com, rice and wheat). Values of transfer factor of the legumes (beans and soybeans) were about an order of magnitude greater than the average obtained in areas of high natural radioactivity, while the results for the cereals did not presented such clear differences. Cultural inputs of ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra are occurring in agricultural areas, but few species can demonstrate it. Soil to plant transfer factor values for ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra, obtained in agricultural areas seem more applicable in models of risk evaluation.