Disequilibrium studies using 210Po/210Pb ratio in top soil in the mineralized region of East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India

Present study evaluates distribution of Pb-210 and Po-210 in soil around uranium mineralized region of East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India. The overall median activity concentration of Pb-210 and Po-210 in soil was observed to be 95 +/- 35 Bq kg(-1) and 79 +/- 35 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Based on KS test, both the radionuclides follow normal distribution in the study area. The extent of disequilibrium in soil is evaluated using Po-210/Pb-210 activity ratio. Also, comparison between cultivated and virgin (uncultivated) lands based on activity concentration of Pb-210 and Po-210 and Po-210/Pb-210 activity ratio has been carried out. Higher median activity concentration of both the radionuclides were observed in cultivated soil compared to uncultivated soil. Comparison of Po-210/Pb-210 ratio indicates higher degree of radioactive disequilibrium in cultivated soils (Po-210/Pb-210 = 0.70) compared to uncultivated soils (Po-210/Pb-210 = 0.99). Further, correlation study indicated significant difference between cultivated and uncultivated soils with respect to Po-210 and Pb-210. The observed difference between cultivated and uncultivated soil could be due to physical and chemical alterations of cultivated land during farming practices.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the distribution of Pb-210 and Po-210 in soil around the uranium mineralized region of East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India. The results show higher activity concentrations of both radionuclides in cultivated soil compared to uncultivated soil, indicating a higher degree of radioactive disequilibrium in cultivated soils.