Chernobyl radioactivity in Turkish tea and its possible health consequences

Like several other European countries, Turkey has been affected by the radioactive clouds arising from the Chemobyl reactor accident. There were two major fronts. The first one affected the western parts of Turkey, namely Thrace, Istanbul and Western Black Sea coast, starting from April 30th 1986. The second cloud affected the Eastern Black Sea coast at the beginning of May 1986. In both regions the clouds left their radioactive content with the heavy rains. Eastern Sea coast is one of the regions receiving highest volume of rainfall almost all year round. However, after the accident, the rains loaded with radioactive contaminants felt just before the tea collection period and the contaminated tea leaves were collected without finding a chance for cleaning with following rains. All of the tea consumed by Turkish people grows on a very narrow coastal line along the Eastern Black Sea. In this study, the results of radioactivity measurement on Turkish tea are summarized. Although there were other affected products in the region, e.g., hazelnuts, tobacco, vegetables, their level of contamination and yearly consumption rates were not as significant as tea. Tea is the major hot beverage consumed by Turkish people of all ages, but unfortunately it turned out to be one of the heavily contaminated products of Turkey. The effect of brewing and rinsing with hot water on tea were also investigated in the present work. The dose estimates from the tea consumption was done following a different approach than previous studies. Instead of using the radioactivity data obtained by measuring only limited number of contaminated tea samples in our laboratories, the data reported by the Turkish Atomic Energy Agency Authority covering all the tea product of 1986 were used for dose estimates. In addition the collective effective dose equivalent in Turkey was estimated. Although in this study contamination only in one product, namely tea, was discussed, it turned out to be important as it was consumed by large populations in Turkey, so contributed to the doses significantly. Precautions to be taken were summarized, one simple precaution rinsing of tea before brewing was sufficient to remove half of the contamination from tea without any drawbacks.Dedicated to the memory of late Olcay Birgül.     

Natural depuration rate and concentration of cesium-137 radionuclide in Black Sea macro algae

Cesium-137 concentrations in red, brown and green algae have been studied for the calculation of natural depuration rates. The algae species were collected from the same population of the Black Sea stations during the period of 1986–1995. The natural depuration rates are estimated as biological half-lives. The pattern of depuration results represented by a single component for each algae division. The biological half-lives of¹³⁷Cs in red (Phyllophora nervosa), green (Chaetomorpha linum) and brown (Cystoceira barbata) algae are estimated to be 18.5, 21.6 and 29.3 months, respectively.¹³⁷Cs and⁴⁰K activity levels and their ratios in algae species in two stations in Black Sea region of Turkey have been determined during the period of 1990–1995. The results showed that the Sinop region was more contaminated than the ile region on the Black Sea coast of Turkey from the Chernobyl accident.     

Levels of natural and artifical radioactivity in sediments in the Eastern Black Sea of Turkey

Sediment samples collected from the Eastern Black Sea in 1993 from 15 sampling stations of different depths have been analyzed. Natural and artifical radionuclide activity levels in offshore sediment samples from the Eastern Black Sea in Turkey are reported about seven years after the Chernobyl accident. The purpose of this paper is to follow up the earlier study and present results for the distributions of radionuclides in sediments of the Black Sea.     

Lead concentrations of herbs used in Van Herby cheese

Van Herby Cheese is a traditional milk product including local herb species in eastern Turkey. This special milk product was previously produced only for the local market, but industrial scale production and marketing have recently started in the region. However, some quality characteristics such as microbial flora and heavy metal concentrations of this novel product need to be investigated. In this study, lead concentrations of 28 different herbs mostly used in Van Herby Cheese were analyzed by AAS. The highest lead concentration of 1.69 mg kg(-1) of the analyzed herbs was found in Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson subsp. longifolia.     

Chernobyl radioactivity on the Black Sea coast of Turkey

After the Chernobyl reactor accident, Eastern Black Sea coast was one of the heavily contaminated regions of Turkey. Clouds loaded with radioactive isotopes arrived the region on May 1986 and emptied their contents with the heavy rains that are frequently seen in the region. In order to asses the current level of contamination, several different samples, moss, lichen, litter, surface soil and soil cores were collected on August 1994. Samples were brought to the laboratory and their moisture, pH and organic matter contents were determined. Gamma-ray spectra of the samples were collected with a HpGe detector. (137)Cs was the major isotope observed. Activity of most litter samples were below 1000 Bq/kg, while most of the moss samples had activities below 5000 Bq/kg, there were a few with higher (137)Cs activities. Surface soil samples generally had activities less than 2000 Bq/kg and depth profiles of cesium activities in the soil cores showed regional variations.     

Nutritional Analysis of Red-Purple and White-Fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus) Species

Pitaya is one of the most preferred and produced tropical fruit species recently introduced to the Mediterrranean region in Turkey. Due to its nutritional fruits with high economic value, the popularity of pitaya increases steadily in Turkey as an alternative crop. No detailed nutritional analysis has been undertaken in Turkey so far on fruits of the pitaya species. In this study, we determined and compared some nutritional parameters in fruit flesh of two pitaya (dragon fruit) species (Hylocereus polyrhizus: Siyam and Hylocereus undatus: Vietnam Jaina) grown in the Adana province located in the eastern Mediterranean region in Turkey. The individual sugars, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, phenolic compounds and volatiles were determined for the first time in Turkey on two pitaya species. The results showed that total phenol content and antioxidant capacity are notably higher in red-fleshed fruits than white-fleshed ones and the predominant phenolic compound in fruits of both species was quercetin. The total sugar content and most of the phenolic compounds in fruits of two pitaya species were similar. A total of 51 volatile compounds were detected by using two Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) fibers, coupled with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, and more volatile compounds were presented in the white-fleshed species. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the red-fleshed and white-fleshed pitaya species were 16.66 and 17.11 mg GAE/100 g FW (fresh weight). This study provides a first look at the biochemical comparison of red-fleshed and white-fleshed pitaya species introduced and cultivated in Turkey. The results also showed, for the first time, the biochemical content and the potential health benefit of Hylocereus grown in different agroecological conditions, providing important information for pitaya researchers and application perspective.     

Chernobyl radioactivity on the Black Sea coast of Turkey

After the Chernobyl reactor accident, Eastern Black Sea coast was one of the heavily contaminated regions of Turkey. Clouds loaded with radioactive isotopes arrived the region on May 1986 and emptied their contents with the heavy rains that are frequently seen in the region. In order to asses the current level of contamination, several different samples, moss, lichen, litter, surface soil and soil cores were collected on August 1994. Samples were brought to the laboratory and their moisture, pH and organic matter contents were determined. Gamma-ray spectra of the samples were collected with a HpGe detector. ¹³⁷Cs was the major isotope observed. Activity of most litter samples were below 1000 Bq/kg, while most of the moss samples had activities below 5000 Bq/kg, there were a few with higher ¹³⁷Cs activities. Surface soil samples generally had activities less than 2000 Bq/kg and depth profiles of cesium activities in the soil cores showed regional variations.     

Levels of cesium radionuclides in mosses in the eastern Black Sea area of Turkey

Moss samples collected from the eastern Black Sea about 6.5 years after the Chernobyl accident have been analyzed for radiocesium activity.¹³⁴Cs activity was also detected in all the samples beside¹³⁷Cs radionuclide. The levels of total cesium activity in the mosses proved that the coastal zone in the eastern Black Sea region was highly contaminated.     

Pyrolysis of pistachio shell as a biomass

There is an increasing concern with the environmental problems associated with the increasing CO₂, NO_x and SO_x emissions resulting from the rising use of fossil fuels. Renewable energy, mainly biomass, can contribute to reduce the fossil fuels consumption. Biomass is a renewable resource with a widespread world distribution. Pistachio is available in large quantities in Gaziantep region in Turkey. Pistachio shell has a good energy potential for exploitation through pyrolysis and gasification. This study deals with the thermal degradation characteristics of in different particle sizes pistachio shell and its kinetics. Thermal degradation analysis have been done by using a thermogravimetric analyzer from room temperature to 800°C in N₂ atmosphere at different heating rates (5, 10, 15 and 20°C min⁻¹). TG and DTG curves exhibited two distinct degradation zones. Kinetic parameters were calculated by using Coats-Redfern method and model-free isoconversional Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) kinetic method.     

Gamma-ray spectrometry for the self-attenuation correction factor of the sand samples from Antalya in Turkey

In this paper, we attempt to determine the self-attenuation correction factor for 37 different sand samples collected from Antalya region of Turkey with densities changing from 2.205 to 2.679 g  \(\hbox {cm}^{-3}.\) Transmission method has been used in order to obtain self-attenuation correction factor in comparison with the air and ultrapure water samples for each case. Self-attenuation correction factor versus energy fit curve is obtained. While the self-attenuation correction factor has large values at low energies, it becomes smaller at high energies and tends to become constant thereafter.     

Performance evaluation of a G-6-PD assay employing an adapted error grid graph

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is one of the most common genetic diseases, characterized by neonatal jaundice or hemolysis during adulthood. Neonatal screening for this disease has been established in many countries in the Mediterranean and Middle East region but not yet in Turkey. The performance of a new fully quantitative G-6-PD kit employing hemoglobin normalization was statistically evaluated and the cut-off points and reference values for the Izmir region (Aegean coast of Turkey) were established, including a long term performance evaluation of the method. Statistical acceptance of the bias and variation were also clinically evaluated using new tools, such as the Parkes error grid graph. The kit used is particularly suitable for use with Guthrie cards as well as with whole blood samples. We report here on the results of the evaluation, emphasizing the methodology we used for it.Presented at the 9th Conference on Quality in the Spotlight, 18–19 March 2004, Antwerp, Belgium.     

Chernobyl-derived radiocesium in mosses in the Black Sea area

Radiocesium (¹³⁴Cs and¹³⁷Cs) activity levels in mosses from the Black Sea area, northern Turkey, are reported following the Chernobyl accident during the period of 1989–1991. The cesium radionuclides were detected and measured in all the samples but other longlived radionuclides such as¹⁴⁴Ce and¹⁰⁶Ru were measured in only one sample. The present data support the fact that radioactivity monitoring in mosses can be useful to determine the lasting effect of radioactive contamination.     

Study of the thermal effects in the necking of polymers with the use of an infrared camera

When a polymer specimen yields under tension by the process of cold-drawing, heat is generated in the necking region. This beating effect has been studied in polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC with the use of a thermovision system which produces a real time thermal image of the necking specimen. In this way it was possible to observe the temperature distribution over the surface of the neck and to show that at least 85% of the mechanical work done on the specimen during necking was converted into heat. A semiempirical equation relating the maximum temperature to the drawing rate has been derived.     

Ethnobotanical study of some aromatic and medicinal plants in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco

By the diversity of its soil and climatic factors, Morocco offers a flora particularly rich in aromatic and medicinal plants (MAP). In order to obtain the most information about the flora (flowering times, fruiting, harvesting and their main uses in traditional medicine), a study was conducted in the mountainous Khenifra region. A survey of users of MAP (rural population, herbalists arborists) has been undertaken and was completed by field observations and sampling at different stages of growth. The results showed a range of indigenous and diversified MAP belonging to 10 botanical families (Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Papaveraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cupressaceae, Rutaceae, Anacardiaceae and Zygophyllaceae). The flowering period of all species, according to the local community surveyed, spread from February (2%) to September (12%), with a significant concentration from April to June (65%).The highest rate of fructification occurred in June-July (64%). The harvesting period of the main MAP from this mountain area stretches mainly from March to April (61%). The mode of propagation stated varied among species, and concerned mainly replication by seeds (53%) and cuttings (24%). Regarding the use of these indigenous MAP as traditional medicines, all plant parts are used, especially leaves, flowers and stems.     

Essential Oils of Sideritis Species of Turkey Belonging to the Section Empedoclia

The paper summarizes the work done on the essential oil content and composition of fifty Sideritis species of Turkey belonging to the section Empedoclia. The water-distilled oils were analyzed by GC/MS. The oils were characterized as having mono- and sesquiterpenoids.     

Transition metal ions in black tea: an electron paramagnetic resonance study

Tea (Camellia Sinensis) is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is known to have therapeutic, antioxidant and nutritional effects. It contains dimeric flavanols and polyphenols which are known as the most important organic compounds in tea infusions, and can make strong and stable complexes with metal ions. In this study, we carried out a series of electron paramagnetic resonance experiments on well-known paramagnetic transition metal ions, namely Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, VO²⁺, and Cr³⁺ doped in black tea cultivated along the shore of Black Sea, Turkey, to see the effects and structures formed.     

Elemental blood composition of the inhabitants of Uzbekistan

An instrumental neutron activation method for determining 17 elements in human whole blood of the inhabitants of Uzbekistan has been developed. 2790 blood samples were analyzed. Statistical processing of the results obtained has been done by computer. Mean concentration values have been calculated and plotted for the whole region. Correlation between the element contents and various parameters (sex, age, residence, ethnic group, working conditions, haemoglobin content, Rh, sampling time) has been found. This should be taken into account when studying various pathologies and the environmental impact on human health.     

A study on 210Pb and 210Po levels in different tobacco types produced in Turkey and the estimation of the committed effective dose

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - In this study, 210Pb and 210Po activity concentrations in tobacco samples produced in 12 different regions of Turkey have been investigated and...     

Radioactive pollution of Turkish biotas one year after the Chernobyl accident

Long-lived fission radionuclides spread out after the Chernobyl accident have been measured in samples collected from the Black Sea and at the Aegean coasts of Turkey between June 15 and September 15, 1987. Nondestructive analysis was performed using high resolution -spectroscopy. The activity remaining 16 months after the event was found to be enhanced in coniferous needles as well as in lichens, while foodstuff did not show any appreciable contamination. The relatively high¹⁰⁶Ru/¹³⁴Cs and¹⁴⁴Ce/¹³⁴Cs ratios compared to those found in analogous samples from Southern Europe, might result from a fractionation between refractory and volatile elements.     

Isolation and study of proteinases from the milky juice ofCarica papaya grown under hothouse conditions in Uzbekistan

The results are given of the isolation and study of the proteinase complex from the milky juice of papaya grown under hothouse conditions in the Republic of Uzbekistan. It has been shown that the component composition, proteolytic activity, and pH optimum of the action of the complex obtained are similar to those of the complex proteinase preparation from the milky juice of papaya cultivated in the Black Sea littoral of the Caucasus.