Gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in spring waters in Balaton Upland, Hungary

Hungary is rich in underground waters such as thermal, mineral, and spring waters. A survey was carried out to study the naturally occurring alpha emitter radionuclides in popular and regularly consumed spring waters in the Balaton Upland region of Hungary and significant levels of radioactivity were found. Thirty samples were analyzed for gross alpha and beta activity concentrations by the low background gas flow proportional counter.The activity concentrations ranging from 26 to 1749 mBq dm−3 and from 33 to 2015 mBq dm−3 for gross alpha and beta, respectively, were observed in the spring waters. In general, the gross beta activity was higher than the alpha activity concentration. According to the results obtained, elevated level of Total Indicative Dose (TID) might be expected due to spring water consumption. In some cases, total dose might exceed the 100 μSv y−1 reference level recommended by WHO. The data obtained can provide an important information for the consumers and the authorities regarding the preliminary dose exposure risk due to spring water intake.