Abstract
Radon concentrations in the raw water and treated water used for 59 brands of bottled water produced in South Korea were analysed. The radon levels in 59 raw water samples ranged from 3.7 to 476.8 Bq/L, with a geometric mean of 49.0 Bq/L. The mean radon levels in raw water samples were high in Jurassic granite aquifers and low in volcanic rock aquifers. However, the maximum radon levels were observed in metamorphic rock aquifers. The concentrations in 55 treated water samples ranged from 0.1 to 239.4 Bq/L, with a geometric mean of 7.7 Bq/L. In treated water, radon levels decreased by 16.0–98.9% (average, 74.9%) due mainly to storage in water tanks and treatment with granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. The radon levels in raw water and treated water samples exceeded the US EPA alternative maximum contaminant level (AMCL) of 148 Bq/L by 16.9% and 1.8%, respectively. Considering the radon reduction rate, it is anticipated that the radon concentrations in bottled water in stores will not exceed 148 Bq/L because it takes about 1–2 weeks for treated water to reach the customer as bottled water.
Highlights
Radon is a colourless, odourless, inert gas that has a half-life of 3.8 days
This study highlighted the importance of investigation of the radon concentrations in the raw and treated waters produced by all the bottled water companies in Korea
The highest concentrations were in water from Jurassic granite, and the lowest occurred in water from volcanic rocks
Summary
Direct ingestion of groundwater with high concentrations of radon can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer [1]. Because sources of bottled water originate from groundwater, there have been concerns about radon. Most studies have focused on the radon concentrations in bottled water and their effective dose in the human body [7,8]. The radon concentrations in bottled water are only meaningful at the time the final bottled water products reach the consumers. Because of these circumstances, Todorovic et al [9] investigated temporal variation in radon concentrations in bottled water of various sizes from the bottling date
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
