Radioactivity monitoring in foodstuff and drinking water in Bihor County, Romania

Abstract

The aim of this work is to present the results of monitoring the amount of specific radioisotopes in foodstuff and drinking water in Bihor county over the last 10 years. Overall 100 samples of different types of food were taken from various regions of the county. The samples from the most consumed vegetables, milk products, and meats were taken directly from the private farms and also from the market. The drinking water was monitored according to the Romanian 301 law / 2015. Measurements were made from the samples taken from the major water suppliers. For all products gross alpha and beta measurements were conducted and some specific isotopes were tracked for food such as 40K, 137Cs and 90Sr, as well as 226Ra, 210Po, 210Pb and natural Uranium for drinking water. The measurements were made by counting alpha and beta particles using scintillation detectors in a calibrated geometry, after the separation of chemical species, and also by using alpha and UV-VIS spectrometry techniques. All results were compared with the data recommended by European Regulations. The current work aimed to compare samples among geographically different areas and also between farm products and market goods. Furthermore, a study was undertaken to quantify radioactivity in food and water samples from the vicinity of a closed uranium ore exploitation area, from Nucet - Baiţa Plai.The aim of this work is to present the results of monitoring the amount of specific radioisotopes in foodstuff and drinking water in Bihor county over the last 10 years. Overall 100 samples of different types of food were taken from various regions of the county. The samples from the most consumed vegetables, milk products, and meats were taken directly from the private farms and also from the market. The drinking water was monitored according to the Romanian 301 law / 2015. Measurements were made from the samples taken from the major water suppliers. For all products gross alpha and beta measurements were conducted and some specific isotopes were tracked for food such as 40K, 137Cs and 90Sr, as well as 226Ra, 210Po, 210Pb and natural Uranium for drinking water. The measurements were made by counting alpha and beta particles using scintillation detectors in a calibrated geometry, after the separation of chemical species, and also by using alpha and UV-VIS spectrometry techniques. All results were compared...