Natural Radioactivity in Portuguese Mineral Waters

Abstract

Abstract Concentration levels of 226Ra, 210Pb and 222Rn have been analysed in most of the bottled waters commercially available in Portugal, as well as in some spring waters. Concentrations up to abut 2 Bq.l-1, with a geometric mean of 27 mBq.l-1 were observed for 226Ra. For 210Pb a geometric mean of 18 mBq.l-1 with values ranging from 2 to 392 mBq.l-1 and for 222Rn a geometric mean of 17 Bq.l-1 with values ranging from <1 to 814 Bq.l-1 were measured. These values are compared with concentrations reported for other countries. Doses resulting from the consumption of these waters were calculated. The effective dose equivalents due to the intake of 226Ra and 210Pb present in these waters are expected to range from about 5 x 10-3 to 0.2 mSv.y-1. Dose equivalents to the stomach due to 222Rn intake through water consumption are estimated to reach values around 20 mSv.y-1.