Evaluation of TENORM radionuclides and trace element levels by using seagrass

The effects of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) on coastal zones were ecologically evaluated using Posidonia oceanica. Radionuclides and trace element levels were investigated in Posidonia oceanica to evaluate if seagrasses can be assessed as a biomarker for biomonitoring surveys. The radionuclide concentrations were determined using radiometric methods. Furthermore, trace element levels were obtained using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 210Po and 40K were found to be 375.5 and 1.6 Bq/kg, respectively. The mean levels of trace elements of Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cr were 1620, 183, 15.3, 7.9, 7.1, 2.8 and 67 ppm, respectively. The absorbed dose rates (D) of 210Po and 40K were calculated, with the average levels being 1.2 × 10− 3 and 4.4 × 10− 3 µGy/h, respectively. In marine ecology, P. oceanica can be a biomarker for detecting trace metals (40K and 210Po) and absorbed dose rates. The concentrations and sources of TENORM were evaluated in terms of ecological and industrial hazards to the marine environment. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.We are grateful to Ege University Planning and Monitoring Coordination of Organizational Development and Directorate of Library and Documentation for their support in editing and proofreading service of this study.Ege Üniversites