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Buzynnyi M, Mykhailova L. Long term studying of uranium and radium-226 activity in drinking water in some regions of Ukraine and assessment of corresponding hypotetical irradiation doses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2530. [PMID: 38291175 PMCID: PMC10828465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53079-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The article summarizes the activity concentrations data of 226Ra and the sum of uranium isotopes (∑U) in samples of drinking underground water for different regions of Ukraine studied during 1998-2023 in the radiation monitoring laboratory of the State Institution "O.M. Marzieiev Institute of Public Health National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Arithmetic mean and standard deviations, minimum and maximum values for 226Ra and ∑U activity concentrations are presented for the entire 1240 sample set and for each region separately. Collected data show that the established state permissible level for drinking water of 1.0 Bq/l is exceeded for 226Ra in 1.1% of the studied samples, and for ∑U-in 3.9% correspondingly. The detected high levels of 226Ra and ∑U activity concentrations correspond to certain regions belonging to the Ukrainian crystalline shield territory. A comparison of the current data with the data of previous studies held during of 1989-1991 indicates a significant difference: for the previous studies the average and standard deviations are much higher. We attribute this to the fact that the centralized sampling of previous studies was random, and it was related exclusively to communal water supply systems. At the same time, the current sample set covers a much larger number of regions, different water consumers; the data set includes the results of repeated studies for a large number of sources, in particular, sources with purified water. Hypothetical exposure doses caused by consumption of 226Ra and ∑U in water for the current sample set were estimated for different age groups for each sample studied, as is, without taking into account the pattern of water consumption. The corresponding dose exceeds the WHO recommended value of 0.1 mSv per year for children under the age of one year for 220 cases (17.7%). This dose limit excess for other age groups corresponds-for children: aged 12-17 years-13.1%, aged 1-2 years-7.4%, 7-12 years old-5.6%, 2-7 years old-3.9% and for adults-4.1%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhailo Buzynnyi
- State Institution O.M. Marzieiev Institute of Public Health of National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, 50, Hetman Pavlo Polubotko Str. (Popudrenko), Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Liubov Mykhailova
- State Institution O.M. Marzieiev Institute of Public Health of National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, 50, Hetman Pavlo Polubotko Str. (Popudrenko), Kyiv, Ukraine
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Leier M, Suursoo S, Kiisk M. Cost-benefit analysis of health risks caused by indicative dose from drinking water consumption. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 231:106546. [PMID: 33610948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effective dose annual limit in European Union member states for doses above natural background is 1 mSv. This includes ingestion, inhalation and external dose to a member of public. For doses received due to ingestion of drinking water, parametric value for annual indicative dose is 0.10 mSv. As the name indicates, parametric value is not a limit value: when the parametric value is exceeded, a risk estimation needs to be carried out. Assessment of health risks is done in various fields, however, it is unclear how to do this for drinking water in a situation where the parametric value for indicative dose is exceeded but the annual effective dose limit is not. Approach for risk assessment through cost-benefit analysis is proposed to find the upper limit for investment in a water treatment plant that is justified for lowering the indicative dose of drinking water to a level equal to the parametric value. When a water treatment process cannot be improved with financial resources equal to or below the upper limit of investment, the risk caused by radionuclide ingestion with drinking water can be considered low enough that it is acceptable for the society as a whole. Case study based on the situation in Estonia is brought as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Leier
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Siiri Suursoo
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Madis Kiisk
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Almasoud FI, Ababneh ZQ, Alanazi YJ, Khandaker MU, Sayyed MI. Assessment of radioactivity contents in bedrock groundwater samples from the northern region of Saudi Arabia. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125181. [PMID: 31671301 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recognizing the vast uses of water in human life, the presence of α and β particles emitting radionuclides in groundwater of northern Saudi Arabia has been evaluated as a means of water quality assessment of the region. A liquid scintillation counting technique was used to determine the gross α/β, and 228Ra radioactivities in water samples, while the radioactivity concentrations of 234,238U and 226Ra were determined using alpha spectrometry after the separation process. Present results show that all water samples contain a higher level of gross α and β radioactivity than the WHO recommended limits; the average gross α activity is about 7 times greater than the limit value of 0.5 Bq L-1, while the average gross β activity value is about 3.5 times greater than the limit value of 1 Bq L-1. Correlations of TDS and pH with gross α and β radioactivity in the studied samples were investigated. The activity ratio of the measured U and Ra alpha emitters to the gross α radioactivity and the ratio of the measured β emitters to gross β radioactivity were also discussed. Furthermore, interesting information on thorium abundance and radioactive disequilibrium in U series were observed by studying the activity ratio of 228Ra/226Ra, 226Ra/238U, and 234U/238U. Although these samples are not directly used for human being drinking, and mainly used in irrigation, the higher gross α/β radioactivity may cause health risks to humans, since these radionuclides may enter the food chain through irrigation water. Thus, further radioactive risk assessment is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad I Almasoud
- Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P·O.Box 6086, Riyadh, 11441, Saudi Arabia; Department of Soil Sciences, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Zaid Q Ababneh
- Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan; College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef J Alanazi
- Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P·O.Box 6086, Riyadh, 11441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Center for Biomedical Physics, School of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M I Sayyed
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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Leier M, Kiisk M, Suursoo S, Vaasma T, Putk K. Formation of radioactive waste in Estonian water treatment plants. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2019; 39:1-10. [PMID: 30511652 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/aaed49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In northern Estonia, higher levels of Ra-226 and Ra-228 concentrations give rise to problems with water treatment plants (WTPs) using Cambrian-Vendian (Cm-V) aquifer. During water treatment processes, radionuclides accumulate in the filter material to a level where the material could be classified as a radioactive material. In order to understand the scope of the problem, a nation-wide survey was carried out among the Cm-V fed treatment plants. Filter material and water samples were collected from 18 Estonian WTPs to analyse the activity concentration of Ra-226 and Ra-228 in filter materials and also the radium treatment efficiency was determined. Sixteen WTPs exceeded the exemption levels of 1 kBq * kg-1 set by the EC directive 2013/59/Euratom. The quantity of filter material exceeding the exemption levels was approximately 300 tons, average concentrations values for Ra-226, Ra-228 and Th-228 were, accordingly, 7.6 kBq * kg-1, 8.0 kBq * kg-1 and 5.6 kBq * kg-1. That includes WTPs not designed for radium removal. The results suggest a need to investigate further NORM generation in WTPs, as uncontrollable disposal of NORM may occur.
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Suursoo S, Hill L, Raidla V, Kiisk M, Jantsikene A, Nilb N, Czuppon G, Putk K, Munter R, Koch R, Isakar K. Temporal changes in radiological and chemical composition of Cambrian-Vendian groundwater in conditions of intensive water consumption. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:679-690. [PMID: 28577403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Intensive groundwater uptake is a process at the intersection of the anthroposphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. In this study, groundwater uptake on a peninsula where only one aquifer system - the Cambrian-Vendian (CmV) - is available for drinking water uptake is observed for a period of four years for relevant radionuclides and chemical parameters (Cl, Mn, Fe, δ18O). Intensive groundwater uptake from the CmV aquifer system may lead to water inflow either from the sea, through ancient buried valleys or from the under-laying crystalline basement rock which is rich in natural radionuclides. Changes in the geochemical conditions in the aquifer may in turn bring about desorption of Ra from sediment surface. Knowing the hydrogeological background of the wells helps to predict possible changes in water quality which in turn are important for sustainable groundwater management and optimization of water treatment processes. Changes in Cl and Ra concentrations are critical parameters to monitor for sustainable management of the CmV groundwater. Radionuclide activity concentrations in groundwater are often considered rather stable, minimum monitoring frequency of the total indicative dose from drinking water is set at once every ten years. The present study demonstrates that this is not sufficient for ensuring stable drinking water quality in case of aquifer systems as sensitive as the CmV aquifer system. Changes in Cl concentrations can be used as a tool to predict Ra activity concentrations and distribute the production between different wells opening to the same aquifer system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siiri Suursoo
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwaldi Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Liie Hill
- Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Valle Raidla
- Tallinn University of Technology, Institute of Geology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia; University of Heidelberg, Institute of Environmental Physics, Neuenheimer Feld 229, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Madis Kiisk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwaldi Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alar Jantsikene
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwaldi Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nele Nilb
- Viimsi Vesi Ltd., Nelgi Str. 1, Viimsi parish, 74001 Harju County, Estonia
| | - György Czuppon
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, Budaörsi út 45., H-1112 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kaisa Putk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwaldi Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rein Munter
- Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Rein Koch
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwaldi Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadri Isakar
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W. Ostwaldi Str. 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Hu Y, Yan S, Xia C, Dong Z, Liu G. Distribution characteristics and radiotoxicity risks of radium-226 (226Ra) in groundwater from Wanbei Plain, China. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5186-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Forte M, Abbate G, Badalamenti P, Costantino S, Lunesu D, Rusconi R. Validation of a method for measuring (226)Ra in drinking waters by LSC. Appl Radiat Isot 2015; 103:143-50. [PMID: 26093366 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A simple method for measuring (226)Ra in drinking waters has been validated and validation parameters are provided. It is based on the measurement by LSC of (222)Rn, at equilibrium with (226)Ra, which is absorbed into a water immiscible scintillation cocktail (Ultima Gold F) inside the counting vial. The validated application field ranges between the detection limit (2·10(-3) Bq/kg) to 150 Bq/kg. The method has proven to be reliable, effective and suitable for wide-range measuring campaigns. A summary of results obtained in recent years is also given.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Forte
- ARPA Lombardia, via Juvara 22, 20129 Milano, Italy.
| | - G Abbate
- ARPA Lombardia, via Juvara 22, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | | | - S Costantino
- ARPA Lombardia, via Juvara 22, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - D Lunesu
- ARPA Lombardia, via Juvara 22, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - R Rusconi
- ARPA Lombardia, via Juvara 22, 20129 Milano, Italy
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Grande S, Risica S. Radionuclides in drinking water: the recent legislative requirements of the European Union. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2015; 35:1-19. [PMID: 25485835 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/35/1/1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In November 2013, a new EURATOM Directive was issued on the protection of public health from the radionuclide content in drinking water. After introducing the contents of the Directive, the paper analyses the hypotheses about drinking water ingestion adopted in documents of international and national organizations and the data obtained from national/regional surveys. Starting from the Directive's parametric value for the Indicative Dose, some examples of derived activity concentrations of radionuclides in drinking water are reported for some age classes and three exposure situations, namely, (i) artificial radionuclides due to routine water release from nuclear power facilities, (ii) artificial radionuclides from nuclear medicine procedures, and (iii) naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water or resulting from existing or past NORM industrial activities.
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(226)Ra measurement by LSC as a tool to assess the efficiency of a water treatment technology for removing radionuclides from groundwater. Appl Radiat Isot 2014; 93:57-63. [PMID: 24593925 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A simple (226)Ra analysis procedure by LSC with an extractive scintillator was tested for evaluating the long-term radionuclides removal efficiency of a water treatment facility at Viimsi, Estonia. During the 14 months of operation, total radium removal efficiency of the treatment process has stayed over 90%, but the removal efficiencies of the different purification steps have varied notably. This demonstrates the need for routine monitoring of radium content in the water treatment plant.
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Trotti F, Caldognetto E, Forte M, Nuccetelli C, Risica S, Rusconi R. Estonian waterworks treatment plants: clearance of residues, discharge of effluents and efficiency of removal of radium from drinking water. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2013; 33:809-822. [PMID: 24047590 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/33/4/809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Considerable levels of radium were detected in a certain fraction of the Estonian drinking water supply network. Some of these waterworks have treatment systems for the removal of (mainly) iron and manganese from drinking water. Three of these waterworks and another one equipped with a radium removal pilot plant were examined, and a specific study was conducted in order to assess the environmental compatibility of effluents and residues produced in the plants. (226)Ra and (228)Ra activity concentrations were analysed in both liquid (backwash water) and solid (sand filter and sediment) materials to evaluate their compliance, from the radiological point of view, with current Estonian legislation and international technical documents that propose reference levels for radium in effluents and residues. Also with regard to water treatment by-products, a preliminary analysis was done of possible consequences of the transposition of the European Basic Safety Standards Draft into Estonian law. Radium removal efficiency was also tested in the same plants. Iron and manganese treatment plants turned out to be scarcely effective, whilst the radium mitigation pilot plant showed a promising performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Trotti
- ARPAV (Environmental Protection Agency of Veneto), via Dominutti 8, I-37135 Verona, Italy
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A short review on radioactivity in drinking water as assessed by radiometric and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry techniques. Microchem J 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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