Abstract:
Natural radionuclides are found in terrestrial and aquatic food chains, with subsequent transfer to
humans through ingestion of food. Consuming the cereals contaminated with heavy metals has
different detrimental effects on human health. Therefore, monitoring contamination of heavy
metals will allow for avoiding unnecessary exposure.
The research was conducted with the aim of examining the presence of toxic elements (Pb, and
Cd) and essential elements (Zn, Cu, Cr, Si and Mn) in selected sample of wheat flour and
determines the radioactivity concentration with associated health risks in wolela Bahir district.
The gamma spectrometry method with a high purity germanium (HpGe) detector has been used
for radiometric measurements. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs specific activity in (Bq/kg) were
measured of wheat flour that is available in Wolela Bahir village. Also in this study we have
calculated the radiation hazard indices (radium equivalent activity and internal hazard index) and
Ingestion effective dose in wheat sample.
