Natural radionuclides in drinking waters in Serbia

Gross alpha and beta activities, 3H, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activities were measured in bottled mineral water produced in Serbia in order to assess its radiological quality. In 11 samples of tap water and in 1 sample of spring waters gross alpha and beta activity were determined. The natural activity concentration of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides are within the range recommended by World Health Organization. The tritium concentration in bottled mineral waters ranged from 0.023±0.012 to 0.046±0.006 Bq l−1. The activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were below the minimum detectable activity.In order to evaluate the annual effective dose for different classes of age, a conservative dosimetric calculation was carried out.

► The gross alpha and beta activities are within the range recommended by WHO.
► Tritium activity were lower than the value established for mineral waters.
► The activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40 K were below the MDC.
► Investigated water can be used as drinking water.