Uptake and Distribution of Natural ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K Radionuclides in Olive Trees Grown in Hausha Area, Jordan

Abstract

This study focused on determining the concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in olive trees components grown in an area with natural radionuclides (Hausha, Jordan), and in the corresponding soil samples via gamma-ray spectroscopy (GRS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). In addition, the transfer factors (TFs) and the effects of selected soil properties on the uptake of these radionuclides were explored. Results indicated that the mean activity concentration of 238U in soil samples is 33.26 Bq/kg while no 238U was detected in any plant part. For 40K, the mean activity concentration in soil samples is 486.30 Bq/kg, in olive fruits reached a value of 577.77 Bq/kg and in olive oil is 17 Bq/kg. As for 232Th, in soil is 33.04 Bq/kg, in olive fruits is 4.30 Bq/kg, and was not detected in olive oil. The concentration of 232Th in olive fruits exceeded the recommended limiting value of 0.5 × 10−3 Bq/kg and no given reference value for 40K exists. Moreover, the soil organic matter content and alkalinity influenced the uptake of these radionuclides.