The radioactivity levels of food and the dose in residents due to food intake around Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant / 中国辐射卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the radionuclide levels in food and the committed effective dose due to food intake in residents around the Shidaowan Nuclear Power Plant (SNPP). Methods Daily food samples were collected within 30 km radius around the nuclear power plant in 2019—2022. The radioactivity levels before and after the operation of SNPP were determined. The data were combined with the dietary consumption of residents in Shandong province, China to estimate the committed effective dose. Results The radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K in food were at normal background levels, and the average radioactivity was (0.062 ± 0.004), (0.121 ± 0.007), (0.162 ± 0.010), and (92.4 ± 5.5) Bq/kg fresh weight. Trace 137Cs and 90Sr were detected in some food samples and the average radioactivity was (0.047 ± 0.003) and (0.193 ± 0.200) Bq/kg fresh weight. The levels of radionuclides did not increase after the operation of SNPP compared with that before operation. The estimated committed effective dose in residents due to food intake was 0.205 mSv. Conclusion The radioactivity of food in the area around SNPP shows no difference before and after operation, and the dose burden is low in local residents.