Selected natural and fallout radionuclides in plant foods around the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, India

The activity concentrations of certain radionuclides were quantified in some plant foods cultivated around Kudankulam, where a mega-nuclear power plant is being established. The activity concentrations were found more in the ‘pulses’ group and were the lowest in ‘other vegetable’ category. The annual effective dose was computed based on the activity concentration of radionuclides and it was found to be higher due to the consumption of cereals and pulses. Other vegetables, cereals, pulses and nuts recorded high transfer factors for the radionuclide 228Ra. Fruits, leafy vegetables, tubers and roots, and palm embryo registered high transfer factors for 226Ra. Group-wise activity concentration, radiation dose to the public and soil-plant-to-transfer factor are discussed in detail. [Display omitted] ► Fallout radionuclides (90Sr and 137Cs) were below the limit of detection. ► 228Ra activities were higher than 226Ra activity concentrations. ► ‘Pulses’ group (leguminous grains) was the highest accumulator of radium nuclides. ► 228Ra transfer factor was higher in few groups while 226Ra was higher in others.