Mesure par spectrométrie gamma a bas bruit de fond de la teneur en contaminants radioactif dans quelques plantes médicinales

Abstract

This work mainly focused on the use of gamma spectrometry techniques for dosimetric purposes, dosimetry of radiation emitted spontaneously by various radioelements present in eight samples to evaluate their radiological impact. To achieve better detection sensitivities, low-background gamma spectrometry is recommended. The results obtained show that the specific activity levels of 40K are remarkably high for the eight samples, in the range [272.8 – 886.52] Bq.Kg−1. For the radioelements 226Ra and 232Th, lower levels were found compared to 40K. The specific activity values obtained for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K allowed us to calculate the following radiological parameters: radium equivalent Raeq, external risk index Hex, internal risk index Hin, absorbed dose rate DR, and annual effective dose rate EDR. These factors enabled us to assess the radiological impact due to the analyzed samples. The results obtained show that these values are below the recommended limit values for any food product, which is a maximum of 600 Bq.Kg−1. Given the findings, these plants may contain radioactive contaminants that could harm the expected therapeutic effect. Therefore, one should be cautious of phytotherapy preparations that do not have the status of a medication.