Studies on the bioaccumulation of po -210 in the vegetables of Tiruchirappalli City

Natural radiation constitute about 97.7% of total radiation dose received by organisms and the remaining comes from nuclear power sector, nuclear tests, medical and miscellaneous. Major contribution to the various radiation exposure received by mankind comes from natural sources.  In the present study distribution and bioaccumulation of Po-210 has been undertaken in Vegetables from Tiruchirappalli City. Samples of carrot, radish, beans, brinjal, tomato, potato, beet root, cabbage, ladies finger and greens are collected and analyzed. Among the vegetables analyzed, the root growing vegetables recorded a higher level of Po-210 than the shoot growing vegetables. The highest Po-210 content were found in the Carrot (1.10 Bq/kg) and Beet root (0.71 Bq/kg). In the present study low levels of Po-210 was recorded in Tomato (0.17 Bq/kg). The results are discussed.