228 Ra, 226 Ra and 210 Pb in sediment and water of the São Francisco River in Petrolina-PE/Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of this of this research is to determine 228Ra, 226Ra and 210Pb concentrations in the water and sediment of the Sao Francisco River, nearby from farms producing fruits in Petrolina City. Concentrations of 228Ra, 210Pb and 226Ra in the water samples varied from < 19.0 (detection limit) to 22.0 mBq.l–1; < 4.0 (detection limit) to 13.0 mBq.l–1; and 12.0 to 42.0 mBq.l–1, respectively. For sediments samples, in this order, the concentrations ranged from < 7.0 (detection limit) to 35.0 Bq.kg–1; < 3.5 (detection limit) to 15.0 Bq.kg–1; and 12.0 to 92 Bq.kg–1. These results indicate that there are spots in Sao Francisco Rive, Petrolina, which have high concentrations of 228Ra, 226Ra and 210Pb in sediments.