Concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soils of Bangalore region, India.

Several soil samples of Bangalore region were analyzed for the concentrations of Ra, Th, and K by gamma ray spectrometry. The concentration of Ra varied in the range 7.7-111.6 Bq kg with a mean value of 26.2 Bq kg, Th in the range 16.7-98.7 Bq kg with a mean of 53.1 Bq kg, and that of K in the range 151.8-1424.2 Bq kg with a mean of 635.1 Bq kg. The external gamma absorbed dose rates in air were also measured using a portable environmental radiation dosimeter, and the gamma dose rates were found to vary in the range 61.4-201.7 nGy h with a mean of 117.2 nGy h. These results along with the results of estimation of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose rate, external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), and representative level index (Igamma) are presented in this paper. The results are also compared with the literature values reported for other regions of India as well as worldwide average values and discussed

CONCENTRATIONS of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the SOILS of BANGALORE REGION, INDIA

Several soil samples of Bangalore region were analyzed for the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K by gamma ray spectrometry. The concentration of 226Ra varied in the range 7.7–111.6 Bq kg−1 with a mean value of 26.2 Bq kg−1, 232Th in the range 16.7–98.7 Bq kg−1 with a mean of 53.1 Bq kg−1, and that of 40K in the range 151.8–1424.2 Bq kg−1 with a mean of 635.1 Bq kg−1. The external gamma absorbed dose rates in air were also measured using a portable environmental radiation dosimeter, and the gamma dose rates were found to vary in the range 61.4–201.7 nGy h−1 with a mean of 117.2 nGy h−1. These results along with the results of estimation of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose rate, external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), and representative level index (Iγ) are presented in this paper. The results are also compared with the literature values reported for other regions of India as well as worldwide average values and discussed

Distribution and enrichment of 210Po in the environment of Kaiga in South India

Several soil and vegetation samples from the environment of Kaiga nuclear power plant site in the south western region of India were analysed for 210Po. The vertical profile, particle-size distribution, seasonal variation and the dry deposition rate of 210Po were measured employing the chemical method and α - counting technique. 210Po activity in soil varies from 17.1 to 228.2 Bq kg-1 with a mean value of 83.3 Bq kg-1. The activity of 210Po is higher in the surface soil (0-5 cm) and decreases as depth increases to 20 cm and remains nearly constant thereafter. The activity concentration is almost uniform in the grain sizes of 350-177 μm and below 177 μm. Pterobryopsis tumida (Hook.) Dix, a plant of the moss family, shows a very high level of 210Po activity - 2724 ± 13 Bq kg-1. Seasonal variation studies show elevated levels of 210Po in vegetation during winter. The annual dry deposition rate of 210Po was 53.4 Bq m-2 yr-1. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd

Dietary intake of Po-210 and Pb-210 in the environment of Goa of south-west coast of India

This paper deals with the distribution and activity intake of Po-210 and Pb-210 in food, diet, and potable water samples of the Goa region and the estimated committed effective dose due to ingestion of these radionuclides. The activity concentrations of Po-210 and Pb-210 were determined in about 30 food and diet samples from different places of Goa in order to know the distribution and intake of these radionuclides. The activity concentration of Po-210 in fish and prawn samples were significantly higher than concentrations found in vegetable and rice samples. Higher concentrations of Po-210 and Ph-210 were observed in leafy vegetables than in non-leafy vegetables. Among the diet samples the activity concentrations of Po-210 and Ph-210 in non-vegetarian meal samples were relatively higher than in vegetarian meal and breakfast samples. The committed effective dose due to annual intake of Po-210 was found to be 94.6 mu Sv, 49.1 mu Sv, 10.5 mu Sv, and 2.2 mu Sv and that of Pb-210 found to be 81.6 mu Sv, 59.9 mu Sv, 14.6 mu Sv, and 2.0 mu Sv for the ingestion of non-vegetarian meal, vegetarian meal, breakfast, and potable water, respectively

Cs-137 concentration in the environment of Kaiga of south west coast of India

This paper presents the results of Cs-137 activity in soil and vegetation obtained through a carefully planned pre-operational survey for the establishment of baseline data on background radiation level and distribution of radionuclides in the environment of Kaiga, in the south west coast of India, where two nuclear power reactors of 235 MWe each are under construction, The vertical profile in soil and the seasonal variation in the activity have been studied. Nine commonly available vegetation species of Kaiga region were analyzed for their Cs-137 activity, and the soil-to-plant transfer coefficients were evaluated. Measurements were made by gamma spectrometry method employing a 90 cc HpGe detector and a 3 x 3-inch well type NaI(TI) detector. Results show significant levels of Cs-137 activity in soil samples - ranging from below detection limit (BDL) to 65.4 Bq kg(-1). The mean value of activity observed in 0-5 cm soil profiles of Kaiga environs is significantly higher when compared to the reported values for other environs of India, Depth profile studies show that the Cs-137 activity decreases with the increasing soil depth, and it is below detection limit for depths more than 25 cm, The mean value of effective dose commitment due to the presence of Cs-137 in soil was 167.2 mu Sv. Vegetation samples of the region show elevated Levels of Cs-137 concentration. Epiphytic plants Cymbidium aloifolium (Lo.) Swartz, and Petrobryopsis tumida (Hook,) I)ix. have been identified as bio-indicators to monitor the fallout of this radionuclide in the environment of Kaiga, Seasonal variation studies indicate higher fallout of this radionuclide along with rain

The mental health disaster in conflict settings: Can scientific research help?

Neuner F, Elbert T. The mental health disaster in conflict settings: Can scientific research help? BMC Public Health. 2007;7(1): 275

Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Somali ex-combatants: A validation study

In Somalia, a large number of active and former combatants are affected by psychological problems such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), that impairs their ability to re-integrate into civilian life. This study reports on development and validation of a screening tool for PTSD in Somali language with a sample of ex-combatants.Waxaa Soomaaliya ka jira tiro badan oo askartii hore ah oo dhimirka wax ka gaaray, sida cudurka la yiraahdo "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)", kaaso isbeddel ku sameeyo qofka dad ladhaqankiisa. Darasaadkanina wuxuu horumarinayaa qalabka baaritaanka caafimaadka cudurka DPTS oo loo adeegsanayo Af-soomaaliga.In Somalia, un gran numero di soldati o ex-soldati sono affetti da problemi psicologici come il Disturbo Post-Traumatico da Stress (DPTS), che altera la capacità di re-integrarsi nella vita civile. Questo studio riporta sullo sviluppo di uno strumento di screening per il DPTS in lingua somala

PTSD, depression and anxiety among former abductees in Northern Uganda

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The population in Northern Uganda has been exposed to extreme levels of traumatic stress and thousands abducted forcibly became rebel combatants.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using structured interviews, the prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety was assessed in 72 former abducted adults, 62 of them being former child soldiers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>As retrospective reports of exposure to traumatic stress increased, anxiety and PTSD occurrence increased (r = .45). 49% of respondents were diagnosed with PTSD, 70% presented with symptoms of depression, and 59% with those of anxiety. In a multiple linear regression analysis four factors could best explain the development of PTSD symptoms: male respondents (sex) living in an IDP-Camp (location) with a kinship murdered in the war (family members killed in the war) and having experienced a high number of traumatic events (number of traumatic events) were more likely to develop symptoms of PTSD than others. In disagreement to a simple dose-response-effect though, we also observed a negative correlation between the time spent with the rebels and the PTSD symptom level.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Former abductees continue to suffer from severe mental ill-health. Adaptation to the living condition of rebels, however, may lower trauma-related mental suffering.</p