<p>This study assessed the activity of natural radionuclides (<sup>238</sup>U, <sup>234</sup>U, <sup>226</sup>Ra, <sup>232</sup>Th, <sup>210</sup>Po, and <sup>40</sup>&#xa0;K), metal(loid) concentrations, and mineral composition in phosphate fertilizers marketed in Uruguay. Forty solid fertilizer samples of different types (NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), ammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, superphosphate and phosphate rock) were analyzed using gamma and alpha spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The highest uranium isotope activity concentrations were observed in triple superphosphate (up to 4402 ± 92&#xa0;Bq/kg for <sup>238</sup>U), while phosphate rock exhibited the highest <sup>232</sup>Th and <sup>226</sup>Ra activity concentration values. The highest values for <sup>40</sup>&#xa0;K were observed in NPK fertilizer type. All measured radionuclide activity concentrations were comparable to those reported for phosphate fertilizers. Among the analyzed metal(loid)s, all elements regulated under national legislation complied with the established standards. Correlations between uranium radionuclide series confirmed partial disequilibrium probably caused by industrial processing. These findings contribute to the radiological and chemical characterization of fertilizers used in Uruguay and provide baseline data for future environmental assessments.</p>

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Assessment of natural radionuclides, metals and mineralogical composition in phosphate fertilizers available in Uruguay

  • Ana Noguera,
  • Cristina Bañobre,
  • Rodolfo Reboulaz,
  • Germán Azcune,
  • Heinkel Bentos Pereira,
  • Laura Fornaro

摘要

This study assessed the activity of natural radionuclides (238U, 234U, 226Ra, 232Th, 210Po, and 40 K), metal(loid) concentrations, and mineral composition in phosphate fertilizers marketed in Uruguay. Forty solid fertilizer samples of different types (NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), ammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, superphosphate and phosphate rock) were analyzed using gamma and alpha spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The highest uranium isotope activity concentrations were observed in triple superphosphate (up to 4402 ± 92 Bq/kg for 238U), while phosphate rock exhibited the highest 232Th and 226Ra activity concentration values. The highest values for 40 K were observed in NPK fertilizer type. All measured radionuclide activity concentrations were comparable to those reported for phosphate fertilizers. Among the analyzed metal(loid)s, all elements regulated under national legislation complied with the established standards. Correlations between uranium radionuclide series confirmed partial disequilibrium probably caused by industrial processing. These findings contribute to the radiological and chemical characterization of fertilizers used in Uruguay and provide baseline data for future environmental assessments.