Gross Alpha/Beta Radioactivity In Drinking Water In The Main Cities Of Albania

The main sources of radioactivity in drinking-waterare: the leaching of radionuclides from rocks and soils and thedeposition of radionuclides from the atmosphere. Naturally occurring radionuclides from both these sources account for almost the entire radioactivity present in Albanian drinking water. The principal responsible radionuclides in drinking water are U-238, Th-232, K-40 and, to a lesser extent,trace elements, such as U-235. Alpha-emitting radioelements are Ra-226, Ra-224, Po-210 andin certain circumstances, the uranium isotopes U-234 and U-235,as they are rather insoluble in reducing environments but are soluble in oxidizingand particularly in acidic conditions.As a consequence the control of natural radionuclides in water for human consumption has become a major goal worldwide during the recent decade. Limitations were set and the need for simple and rapid procedures for their implementation becomes necessary.As a consequence of the ICRP 65 recommendations the European Community in their directives 98/83 EC in 1998 demands for the control of radioactivity levels in water for human consumption. This has been extended in 2001 as well to Radon and long lived daughter nuclides. As a consequence the member states are enforced to transfer these directives into national legislation. An action level of 0.1 mSv/afor total natural radiation exposure from drinking water has been fixed(Council Directive 98/83/EC). According to Albanian legislation Nr.957, date 25. 11. 2015 "Guide levels of indoor radon concentration and radioactivity concentration in goods, with effect public protection", article 6 "Guidance levels for radionuclide concentration in water intended for public consumption" the gross alpha/beta screening was first carried out since it is a simple radioanalytical procedure, without regard to the identity of specific radionuclides. For grossalpha and gross betaradioactivity concentration exceeding the screening levels of 0.5 Bq/L and 1 Bq/L respectively, the further investigation is needed.