Radon concentration in drinking water and supplementary exposure in Baita-Stei mining area, Bihor county (Romania)

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2014 Mar;158(4):447-52. doi: 10.1093/rpd/nct258. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

The radon concentration was measured in the drinking water of public water supply and private wells located in the mining area of BăiŢa-Ştei, Bihor County, Romania. The measurements were performed using the LUK-VR system based on radon gas measurement with Lucas cell. The results show that the radon concentrations are within the range of 1.9-134.3 kBq m(-3) with an average value of 35.5 kBq m(-3) for well water, 18.5 kBq m(-3) for spring water and 6.9 kBq m(-3) for tap water. Comparing with previous data from the whole of Transylvania, the average value is two times higher, proving this zone to be a radon-prone area. From the results of this study the effective dose to the population is between 4.78 and 338.43 µSv y(-1). These doses are within the recommended limits of the world organisations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis
  • Drinking Water / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Geography
  • Housing
  • Mining*
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods*
  • Radon / analysis*
  • Romania
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Water Supply / analysis
  • Water Wells / analysis

Substances

  • Drinking Water
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Radon