Assessment of Some Trace Chemical Elements in Cajío Beach Peloid Using Nuclear Analytical Techniques

Abstract

A peloid is a maturated mud or muddy dispersion with healing and/or cosmetic properties, composed of a complex mixture of fine-grained natural materials of geologic and/or biologic origin, mineral water or seawater, and common organic compounds from biological metabolic activity. Cajio beach peloid is a traditional peloid of the south coast of Güira de Melena municipality located in Artemisa province, Cuba. The peloid is a sea mud, used in situ, by the population of the locality. The present study has tree aims: ones is to determine trace chemical elements content (Sc, Cs, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Hf, Ta, Th and U). The second aim is to determine natural (226Ra, 238U, 232Th, 210Pb, 40K) and the anthropogenic (137Cs) radionuclides in the peloid. Finally, to assess the level of contamination and radiological risk for the users of the peloid therapeutic practices.

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