Derived radioactivity concentration factors studied in water, sediment and fish samples collected from a pond at Puthoor, Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu

M. Selin Roselet and H. Mary H

Abstract

The area chosen for the study was Puthoor. It is highlighted as natural background radiation area. This is because of the presence of low Monazite content present in the soil samples. Radiation exposure is harmful to human life if it exceeds particular limit. The objectives of this study is to collect the fish, water and sediment samples from pond to check whether there is any radioactive element present responsible for causing radiation. Measurements were carried out using α and β counting systems. Known weight of samples was tested for their radioactive emission. Comparative studies in this area have shown that radioactive content is in the order: sediment > fish > water. From present study it was concluded that the radioactivity of pond water is within the permissible limits and the consume of this water by fish does not cause any adverse effects.