Pages: 133-138

Authors: Rositza M. Kamenova-Totzeva, Alexandar V. Totzev, and Radostina M. Kotova

Abstract

This study presents the results of ²²⁶Ra content in 104 Bulgarian mineral waters as well as the investigated correlations between the physicochemical parameters, geological structure, and specific activity of ²²⁶Ra. The results show that the ²²⁶Ra activities range from <30 mBqL^-1 to 4900 mBqL^-1  with a mean value of 156 mBqL^-1. The highest concentrations of ²²⁶Ra were measured in mineral waters originating from the carbonate strata, as the dominant geological structure. Thus it is well connected with the estimated moderate positive correlation between Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ra²⁺ cations in the water. The estimated annual dose shows large dispersion of values ranging from 6 µSv to 1000 µSv with a mean value of 32 ± 9 µSv. The results demonstrate the need for further investigation of every mineral water, but greater attention should be given to the mineral waters with low pH and high content of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺.

Key words: ²²⁶Ra, mineral water, correlation, dose assessment

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