Abstract
Within this work, the activity concentrations of uranium isotopes (234U, 235U, and 238U) were analyzed in some of the popular and regularly consumed Hungarian mineral-, spring-, therapeutic waters and tap waters. Samples were selected randomly and were taken from different regions of Hungary (Balaton Upland, Bukk Mountain, Somogy Hills, Mezőfold, and Lake Heviz). Concentration (mBq L−1) of 234U, 235U, and 238U in the waters varied from 1.1 to 685.2, from <0.3 to 7.9, and from 0.8 to 231.6 respectively. In general, the highest uranium concentrations were measured in spring waters, while the lowest were found in tap waters. In most cases radioactive disequilibrium was observed between uranium isotopes (234U and 238U). The activity ratio between 234U and 238U varies from 0.57 to 4.97. The calculated doses for the analyzed samples of spring water are in the range 0.07–32.39 μSv year−1 with an average 4.32 μSv year−1. This is well below the 100 μSv year−1 reference level of the committed effective dose recommended by WHO and the EU Council. The other naturally occurring alpha emitting radionuclides (226Ra and 210Po) will be analyzed later to complete the dose assessment. This study provides preliminary information for consumers and authorities about their internal radiological exposure risk due to annual intake of uranium isotopes via water consumption.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
