Source, fate and transfer of primordial radionuclides as potential contaminants in environmental matrices of high and low background radiation areas – a critical review
Bharathi Santhanabharathi, Kumara Perumal Pradhoshini, Munawar Suhail Ahmed, Marckasagayam Priyadharshini, Mohamat Hanifa Shafeeka Parveen, Lubna Alam, Ismail M.M. Rahman, Van-Hao Duong, Mehraj Ud Din War, Mohamed Saiyad Musthafa
Abstract
The source, fate and transport of pollutants are of typical interest in environmental chemistry, which focuses on the presence and effects of chemicals in soil and water bodies. In this setting, minimising pollutant sources and limiting pollution generation are key factors in achieving environmental sustainability. Over the past few decades, novel approaches were devised by researchers across the world to resolve disputes related to major pollutions in soil, air and water bodies. However, there is still a need to address the research interest in radionuclides as contaminants. The first step in addressing concerns related to radionuclide contamination would be to develop complete knowledge and a database on the accumulation, transport rate, and fate of radionuclides in both natural high background radiation areas and other locations of the world. The current review is an attempt to provide information about this, where it briefs out the A.C, C.R. and T.F of the parental radionuclides (238U, 232Th, 40K) and their progeny nuclides (210Po and 210Pb) in various media (soil, sediments, rock, and water), as well as in the food chains of aquatic environments close to areas contaminated with radionuclides. It discusses the disagreements around radio-isotopes in these regions and draws attention to the threat it poses to the local biota and population. Exceeding concentration of radionuclides than the recommended reference level in such areas shall open up possible opportunity of conducting epidemiological studies related to the health effects of the inhabitants. It shall also pave a way for initiating future research activities destined in formulation of remedial measures for the welfare of biodiversity.