Unraveling the nexus of natural radioactivity and radio‑ecotoxicological effects in Bengal Basin: recent findings and way forwards

Abstract

Elevated levels of naturally occurring radionuclides (238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) present significant global environmental and public health challenges due to their increasing radio-ecotoxicological effects. Numerous localized studies have examined natural radioactivity within the Bengal Basin (BB), but comprehensive regional-scale assessments remain limited. This review synthesizes thirty years of research to provide a thorough understanding of radionuclide contamination levels, environmental dynamics, and the associated ecological and human health risks within the BB. Radiation exposure levels from key environmental components, such as soil, water, sediment, and biota, are evaluated and compared with international standards, revealing that the southeastern and central parts of the basin frequently exhibit activity concentrations at or above global averages. The review further highlights the ecotoxicological implications of radionuclide