Assessment of Transfer Factors for Natural Radionuclides and Radiocesium from Soil-to-Plant and Plant-to-Cow’s Milk on a Cattle Farm in Lembang

Human populations are exposed to both natural and artificial radiation. This research aims to measure the radioactivity of natural and artificial radionuclides in soil, grass, and cow’s milk to determine the possible transfer of radionuclides through the food chain in Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. The samples were obtained from a nearby cattle farm and analyzed with an ORTEC gamma spectrometer with an HPGe detector to determine the radionuclides, including 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, and 137 Cs. Analysis indicated that the radioactivity concentration in soil is below the world average. Transfer factor analysis revealed that 40 K possesses the highest transfer factors from soil to plant and from plant to milk, validating the results of previous studies. In addition, 137 Cs were detected in grass and soil but not in milk samples, indicating no further transmission through the food chain. The findings indicate radionuclide transfer mechanisms and show a low radiation risk level in the study area.