STUDY OF RADIOACTIVE DECAY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH CONTEXTS

Abstract

Radioactive decay is a fundamental physical process with wide-reaching implications for environmental safety and public health. This study explores the impact of naturally occurring and anthropogenic radioactive isotopes, such as uranium-238, thorium-232, and cesium-137, in various ecological systems. The research integrates a multi-disciplinary approach combining geophysics, environmental chemistry, health physics, and epidemiology to examine the pathways and rates of decay, bioaccumulation in flora and fauna, and the correlation with adverse health outcomes such as cancer and genetic mutations. Utilizing both field sampling and controlled laboratory simulations, decay rates and radiation dose equivalents were measured across soil, water, and biological samples in regions near nuclear facilities and naturally radioactive geological formations. Advanced radiometric techniques, including alpha and gamma spectroscopy, were employed to quantify isotope concentration and decay kinetics.

The findings indicate that long-lived isotopes persist in environmental reservoirs, often binding to particulates and organic matter, which complicates natural remediation processes. Moreover, chronic low-dose exposure in affected populations showed statistically significant correlations with increased incidences of thyroid abnormalities, leukemia, and congenital disorders. Risk assessments based on ICRP models were refined through localized dose conversion factors, accounting for environmental attenuation and dietary intake variations. This research underscores the importance of rigorous radioactive waste management policies and targeted health surveillance programs in radiation-exposed communities. The results also contribute to the development of predictive models for isotope migration and accumulation, which are crucial for environmental monitoring and policy-making. Future directions include exploring phytoremediation strategies and advancing dosimetry techniques for more accurate exposure assessments.