Assessing the impact of phosphate fertilizer application on radionuclide accumulation in soil and Spinacia oleracea
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Date
2025-06-23
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Journal of Ecological Engineering
Abstract
Phosphate fertilizers improve phosphorus-depleted agricultural soil for better plant growth; however, overuse
may lead to human health issues. Analyzed soil samples were treated with five phosphate fertilizers and Spinacia
oleracea to quantify the levels of natural radionuclides 232 Th, 226 Ra, and 40 K. The study aimed to investigate
how phosphate fertilizers contribute to the accumulation of radionuclides 232 Th, 226 Ra, and 40 K in Spinacia
oleracea using a high-performance germanium detector. Results revealed the mean activity concentrations in
agricultural soil mixed with phosphate fertilizer were 232 Th (66.66 ± 6.39 Bq/kg), 226 Ra (54.78 ± 5.41 Bq/kg),
and 40 K (837.17 ± 62.89 Bq/kg); Spinacia oleracea were 232 Th (5.79 ± 0.83 Bq/kg), 226 Ra (40.24 ± 5.38 Bq/
kg), and 40 K (1268.12 ± 129.95 Bq/kg). The soil-to-plant transfer factors were 232 Th (0.244), 226 Ra (0.572),
and 40K (1.756). The mean annual limits on the intake of radionuclides were 232 Th (231.67 ± 33.20 Bq/kg), 226
Ra (1609.53 ± 215.33 Bq/kg), and 40 K (50724.67 ± 5,198.13 Bq/kg). The mean annual effective dose was 0.849
± 0.103 mSv/year, and the internal radiation index was 0.504 ± 0.059 Bq/kg. The results indicate that the mean
activity concentrations of 232 Th, 226 Ra and 40 K are below standards but exceed those of the control sample,
suggesting regular monitoring of phosphate fertilizer quantity applied to the soil for cultivation.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG - 2: Zero Hunger
SDG - 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Keywords
Agricultural soil, Radionuclides, Activity concentration, Radioactivity, Spinacia oleracea, Phosphate fertilizer