Distribution characteristics and radiotoxicity risks of radium-226 (Ra-226) in groundwater from Wanbei Plain, China

摘要

A total of 52 groundwater samples from four cities in the Wanbei Plain were collected to determine the activity concentration and radiotoxicity risk of Ra-226. The activity concentrations of Ra-226 were determined by using alpha spectrometry. Results show that the geometric activity concentrations of Ra-226 was 15.24 mBq/L. The mean annual effective dose from Ra-226 was 5.03 x 10(-4) mSv, and less than the international standard of annual effective dose proposed by Council Directive. Meanwhile, cancer mortality risk and lifetime annual daily dose of Ra-226 through intake are quite low when compared with the recommend limit.