Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Purslane (portulaca Oleracea) Plant Samples Collected from Selected Locations in Kaduna South Local Government Area Using X-Ray Diffractometer

This study assessed the levels of natural radioactive in purslane using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to ensure food safety and informed agricultural practices in regions potentially affected by radioactive contamination. The preparation of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) samples for assessing natural radioactivity and nutritional content involved several systematic steps including harvesting, washing, drying, grinding and analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a nutritious edible plant commonly found in Kaduna South, Nigeria, where it is known for its health benefits including high levels of vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids.However, concerns arise regarding it's potential accumulation of natural radionuclides, such as uranium, and thorium, from environment, which can pose health risks when consumed. Fresh Purslane plants were carefully collected, cleaned and dried before being ground into a fine powder for analysis. The XRD process was calibrated and executed to generate a diffractogram, allowing for the identification of minerals and potential radionuclides content, with all findings documented for further evaluation. The study highlighted the varying levels of natural radioactivity in purslane samples from different locations driven by the presence and concentration of specific minerals. Key contributors to radioactivity include Thoranite and Phosphuranylite, while Graphite and Aluminum Phosphate generally exhibit low radioactivity. Crystallinity is indicated by sharper XRD peaks, with higher intensity reflecting more crystalline material, confirming the analyzed samples' crystalline structure.The findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring to understand the geological influences on environmental radioactivity in these areas.