Estimation of thorium intake due to consumption of vegetables by inhabitants of high background radiation area by INAA

A study was conducted to estimate the thorium concentration in locally grown vegetables in high background radiation area (HBRA) of southern coastal regions of India. Locally grown vegetables were collected from HBRA of southern coastal regions of India. Thorium concentration was quantified using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The samples were irradiated at CIRUS reactor and counted using a 40% relative efficiency HPGe detector coupled to MCA. The annual intake of thorium was evaluated using the consumption data provided by National Nutrition Monitoring Board. The daily intake of ²³²Th from the four food categories (green leafy vegetables, others vegetables, roots and tubers, and fruits) ranged between 0.27 and 5.352?mBq?d^?1. The annual internal dose due to ingestion of thorium from these food categories was 46.8?×?10^?8 for female and 58.6?×?10^?8?Sv?y^?1 for male.