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Applying gross alpha and beta measurements as an estimate to the total indicative dose of Cambrian-Vendian ground water in Estonia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 January 2012

J. Barescut ,
D. Lariviere ,
T. Stocki ,
S. Suursoo ,
M. Kiisk ,
A. Jantsikene ,
K. Isakar  and
R. Koch
S. Suursoo
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
M. Kiisk
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
A. Jantsikene
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
K. Isakar
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
R. Koch
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Environmental Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Riia 142, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
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Abstract

Gross alpha and beta measurements are common procedures for screening water samples in order to estimate the level of total indicative dose (TID) from the radionuclides in water. However, it has been pointed out that gross alpha and beta measurements are not suitable for waters containing high concentrations of natural radionuclides, especially Ra-226 and Ra-228. Cambrian-Vendian aquifer system is the major source of public water supply in northern and north-eastern Estonia. The aquifer is known for its high radionuclide concentrations. The main sources of TID are Ra-226 and Ra-228, but the water also contains K-40. Other nuclides from uranium and thorium series may be present as well. A set of Ra-226, Ra-228 and K-40 activity concentrations measured by gammaspectrometry are studied to analyze the applicability of gross alpha and beta measurements in case of Cambrian-Vendian ground water. The calculations indicate that the levels suggested by WHO guidelines are not suitable for the Cambrian-Vendian ground water. Results on the applicability analysis are given.

Type
Research Article
Information
Radioprotection , Volume 46 , Issue 6: ICRER 2011 – International Conference on Radioecology & Environmental Radioactivity: Environment & Nuclear Renaissance , 2011 , pp. S125 - S130
Copyright
© Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2011

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References

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