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.
The levels of metals in wheat flour collected from Wolela Bahir (Ethiopia) were determined by
flame atomic absorption spectrometry (major metals) and graphite furnace atomic absorption
spectrometry (trace and heavy metals) after wet digestion.
In wheat sample, the average activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K and 137 Cs were found
to be <ND, 133.24 and <ND Bq/kg (dry weight), respectively. H ex and H in the present work
are lower than 1. The average value of H ex was found to be 0.028 and average value of H in to
be found 0.028 in wheat sample in Wolela Bahir village Gondar, Ethiopia.
The concentration of the metals determined (mg/kg dry weight) were, Cr 0.0218±0.2 Mn
0.70±0.027, Ni 2.50±0.3 Cu 0.077±0.01 Zn 0.56±0.02 Pb 0.051±0.06 Cd ND respectively.
The specific activity concentrations of this radionuclide in the sample were lower than as
reported by UNSCEAR. Also radium equivalent activity and internal hazard indexes values
obtained when compared with the world permissible values were found to be below the standard
limit which due to be radiological hazard safe
