The survey of gross radioactivity level in drinking water in Inner Mongolia Region

Abstract

Objective To ascertain the gross α/β levels in drinking water in Inner Mongolia and to estimate the annual effective dose to the local residents from radionuclides in drinking water. Methods A total of 768 water samples were collected from 101 counties distributed over 12 cities of Inner Mongolia. Low background α/β measuring instrument was used to measure the radioactivity level; On this basis, use EPA Federal Guidance Report 11 universal method to estimate the annual effective dose to the local residents via intake of radionuclides from drinking water. Results The gross α radioactivity range was 0.016-1.003 Bq/L for tap water, 0.016-0.975 Bq/L for factory water, 0.017-1.544 Bq/L for river water, 0.120-0.672 Bq/L for lake water, 0.016-0.492 Bq/L for reservoir water, 0.016-1.139 Bq/L for well water, 0.032-3.156 Bq/L for spring water, respectively.The gross β radioactivity range was 0.030-0.828 Bq/L for tap water, 0.031-0.571 Bq/L for factory water, 0.066-0.873 Bq/L for river water, 0.169-2.268 Bq/L for lake water, 0.046-0.519 Bq/L for reservoir water, 0.071-0.526 Bq/L for well water, 0.087-1.063 Bq/L for spring water, respectively. Conclusions In Inner Mongolia, the gross α/β mean value in tap water is less than the World Health Organization-recommended value and the average annual effective dose from tap water is also less than the WHO-recommended value 0.1 mSv/a. The gross α/β radioactivity from the other water samples is also within the range of the nationwide average. Key words: Inner Mongolia; Drinking water; Gross αradioactivity; Gross βradioactivity; Effective dose