Abstract
Background/Objectives: High density to alpha-particle radiations, particularly from radon, can increase health risks. This study presents the radon alpha-activity of drinking waters in regions of eastern part of India. Methods/Statistical analysis: To figure out radon alpha-activity concentration in natural drinking waters in the above mentioned regions, present study reviewed many literatures that pertinent to radon alpha-activity of waters in the regions. Both inclusion and exclusion criteria have been followed to select the literatures for review. This study consulted the reports of literatures for obtaining data sources. Recommendations of national and international groups have been used to interpret the results. Findings: A wide variation of radon alphaactivity concentration in drinking water of the regions has been found in between 0:31 and 911 Bq=l. Most of the radioactivity values exceeded MCL or reference level recommended by USEPA and UNSCEAR, and few are exceeding action limit given by EU and WHO. High alpha-activity level in waters has been seen in the arsenic and fluoride contaminated areas and near the areas of U-mine and thermal springs. Low level of alpha-activity has been seen in some regions of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Orissa, and in the east coast region of West Bengal. The radon alpha-activity level in coastal area of Orissa is higher than that of West Bengal. It is found that the sources of the alphaemitting radionuclides, arsenic and fluoride may coexist in the arsenic and fluoride contaminated regions. This study is the first that reviewed the alpha contamination level in natural drinking waters in the eastern part of India. More studies on these regions are required in the future. Novelty/Applications: Novelty of this study relies on the observed alpha-activity of drinking waters in the regions. Radioactivity data provided in this study can help to researchers for further investigation. Keywords: Natural waters; Alpha emitters; Radon; Alpha activity; Human health; India
Highlights
This study reported that 95% groundwater samples have radon activities higher than the USEPA proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/l [52], and about 28% samples have radon activity levels significantly exceed the level of 100 Bq/l which is the European Union (EU) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommended reference and action levels [53,54]
A wide variation of alpha radioactivity level, 0.31 to 911 Bq/l, in natural drinking waters has been seen to be present in the regions of eastern part of India
The relatively low level of radon in drinking waters has been present in some regions of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Orissa states as well as in the east coast region of West Bengal state
Summary
The health effects caused by the radioactivity contaminated drinking-water are mainly associated to the alpha-radiations (high-LET) emitted from the alpha-emitting radionuclides that present in such water. A wide variation of the radon alpha-activity concentration has been found to be present in natural drinking water from different sources, and their presence in drinking water can result in inducing many health hazard problems in the human body. Present study has reviewed some research studies that investigated the level of radon alpha-activity in natural drinking waters from different water sources in different regions of eastern part of India. The present review study summarizes the possible sources of alpharadioactivity contamination in drinking water and the association of radioactivity sources with other elements in the drinking water of the regions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
