In this study, three methods to measure activity concentrations of radionuclides through high resolution gamma spectrometry are developed, optimized, and tested on drinking water samples. Two pre-concentration methods (partial evaporation and ion-exchange resins) were optimized for accuracy, precision, detection limits, costs, preparation, and measurements times. A new sampling method for 222Rn was designed and optimized to directly sample water from the tap, reducing and minimizing losses of radon during the sampling. A total number of 85 water samples were collected between 2017 and 2019 in collaboration with two drinking water suppliers in a wide area (~2000 km2) of the Veneto region, northeast Italy. These are the first results of radionuclides activity concentration in drinking water concerning a large extension in the foothill Veneto region. Finally, this study provides a first attempt of determining the spatial distribution and seasonal variations of radon activity concentration in drinking water in the study area.
Keywords: Drinking water; Gamma spectrometry; Radioactivity; Radon; Water resources.
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