Radiometric analysis and radiological risk assessment of natural and artificial radionuclides in soils, seeds, and capsules of poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.) collected from Afyonkarahisar in Türkiye

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the activity concentration of natural and artificial radionuclides for seeds, capsules of poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.), and soils where they were grown in Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye, and calculate the transfer factors (TFs) from soil to seed and capsule. Furthermore, radiological risk parameters of soil will be obtained. A total of 60 samples were investigated: 20 seeds of poppy, 20 capsules of poppy, and 20 soils. The ⁴⁰ K was detected in seeds, capsules, and soils. ¹³⁷ Cs was detected only in soils. The average value of ⁴⁰ K is 199 ± 11 for seeds, 1260 ± 84 for capsules, and 635 ± 31 for soils. The ²³² Th and ¹³⁷ Cs were not detected in the seeds of P. somniferum L., which is a substantial safety indicator for human consumption. For ⁴⁰ K, the mean value of TF from soil to seed is smaller than the mean value of TF from soil to capsule. As a result, this study could provide significant information on the radiological assessments of the studied area for future environmental radioactivity research and help improve a database for modifications related to future nuclear events.