Studying the Surface Radiation and Biopolymer Degradation of Soil under Normal and UV-Illuminated Conditions

¹ Department of Materials Sciences, Burgas State University, Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov”, Y. Yakimov Str. 1, Burgas 8010, Bulgaria
² Department of Chemical Technologies, Burgas State University, Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov”, Y. Yakimov Str. 1, Burgas 8010, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The research studies the relation between the surface radioactivity of five types of soils, measured six times over three months and the biopolymer samples embedded in them, under natural conditions (ambient temperature and air humidity) and under UV radiation. The results show that clay soils (black soil – “smolnik” and forest soils) have higher indicators of surface radioactivity than sandy soil. The decomposition of the biopolymer samples embedded in the soil is faster under UV radiation conditions. A positive influence of the degraded polymer in the soil sample on reducing its surface radioactivity has been reported, more clearly expressed in soil samples subjected to UV radiation. This points out the potential of gelatin-based biodegradable polymers to influence the mobility, adsorption, and surface distribution of radionuclides in soils of different compositions. This could be used in the design of biodegradable films or packaging materials that not only minimize plastic waste but also contribute to soil radioprotection.