Monitoring and analysis of total α and total β levels in drinking water around Qinshan Nuclear Power Plsnt in 2018

Abstract

Objective To ascertain the background levels of total α and total β radioactivity in drinking water around Qianshan Nuclear Power Plant (QNPP). Methods Under the National Health and Wellness Committee′s program, 11 monitoring points within 30 km of QNPP were selected in Haiyan County in 2018. The samples of raw water, factory water and tap water were collected in the first half and the second half of the year, respectively, and determined and analyzed according to Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water - Radiological Parameters (GB/T 5750.13-2006). The total α and total β levels in the tested drinking water were evaluated under the Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749-2006) . Results A total of 22 water samples were collected from 11 sampling points in April and September 2018, respectively. The residue rate obtained after drinking water was dried varied, dependent on different types of water, which could be up to 0.033 7%. The total α levels in different types of water ranged from 0.008 to 0.04 Bq/L, averaged on (0.015±0.009) Bq/L, whereas the total β levels ranged from 0.014 to 0.320 Bq/L with an average of (0.188±0.068) Bq/L. There was statistically significant difference in total α levels between raw water and factory water (Z=-2.286, P 0.05). The background levels of total α and total β radioactivity in 93 drinking water samples in 2016 and 2017 were also investigated, combined with a total of 115 water samples from different water bodies in 2018. There was statistically significant difference in total α and total β levels in tap water between 2017—2016 and 2018 (Z= -2.976, -2.031, P<0.05), between 2016 and 2017 (Z=-2.042, -3.214, P<0.05) and between 2017 and 2018 (Z=-20.112, -2.511, P<0.05). Conclusions The operation of nuclear power plant has no impact on radioactivity level in drinking water around QNPP. The drinking water around QNPP is safe. Key words: Drinking water; Radioactive level; Residue rate