Spatial distribution of the 226Ra activity concentrations in well and spring waters in Serbia and their relation to geological formations

A survey of radium activity concentrations in well and spring waters in Serbia was conducted and their correlations with geological formations were analysed. Water samples were collected from 170 sampling sites and analysed by gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra were found to be 0.36 Bq L− 1 and 0.57 Bq L− 1 in well and spring waters, respectively. In more than 90% of the analysed waters the 226Ra activity concentrations were below 1 Bq L− 1. The highest activity concentrations of this radionuclide (up to 17 Bq L− 1) were found in crystalline rocks- and carbon dioxide rich-aquifers. The mapping results provide a baseline to identify regions that may require additional assessment of radiation exposure by local communities.

► The spatial distribution of the 226Ra activity concentrations in well and spring water and their correlation with geological formations were analysed.
► The highest 226Ra activity concentrations were found in crystalline rocks aquifers and those enriched in carbon-dioxide.
► Based on geographical mapping, regions with elevated 226Ra activity concentrations that require further assessment were identified.