Radioactivity in Kosovo Honey Samples

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th) and the artificial radionuclide 137Cs in various honey samples from Kosovo. This study is of particular importance because it is the first effort to evaluate contamination of honey samples by radioactivity at the country level. The average radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 137Cs and 40K radionuclides on honey samples were found to be 0.49±0.15, 1.28±0.18, 1.03±0.11 and 20.44±0.69 Bq kg-1, respectively. The activity values of 137Cs found in honey samples were well below the limit value (1000 Bq kg-1) recommended by the ICRP in foodstuffs. Only 20% of honey samples were found to be contaminated with artificial isotopes 137Cs, and activities proved that the Chernobyl radiocaesium presents no risk to public health. Our study confirms that the honeys produced in Kosovo are of good quality and are in line with international standards due to radioactivity concentration. So it is a healthy food for consumption.