Transfer of 226Ra, 210Pb and uranium from soil to garden produce: assessment of risk.

A study of gardens contaminated by uranium processing wastes was carried out in the town of Port Hope, Ontario, during the summer of 1976. Concentrations of 226Ra, 210Pb, and total uranium were measured in soils and in garden produce. Highest concentrations were found in root and stem vegetables and, for radium, also in leafy vegetables. Fruit generally showed the lowest values. Uptake was consistent with a linear dependence on soil concentration. Mean concentration factors of 1.1 X 10(-3), 0.37 X 10(-3), and 0.075 X 10(-3) were obtained for 226Ra, 210Pb, and uranium, respectively. The highest estimated dose to an individual who ingested produce from a contaminated garden was 68 mrem/yr to bone surface from 226Ra. The implications of these findings for other communities affected by nuclear fuel-cycle operations are discussed.