Estimation of Radiation Dose and Lifetime Risk from Gross Alpha/Beta Radioactivity in Drinking Water in Şırnak City, Türkiye
Abstract
The research aimed to evaluate the radiological quality of drinking water in Şırnak city, Türkiye. A gas proportional α/β counter (Berthold, LB 770 model) was employed to quantify the gross α and β activities in a total of seven drinking water samples. The findings revealed that the average gross α and β activities were 27 mBq/L (range: 19-35 mBq/L) and 117 mBq/L (range: 24-534 mBq/L), respectively. The age-dependent annual effective dose (AED) resulting from the ingestion of drinking water in Şırnak was meticulously estimated. The calculated average total AED values (alpha+beta) were 9.5 μSv/y for infants, 22.1 μSv/y for children, and 46.2 μSv/y for adults. The average lifetime risk of radiation-induced cancer (LTR) for the population was found to be 1.7×10⁻⁴. Overall, the study concluded that the radiological parameters in Şırnak city's drinking water were within the permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). These findings provide significant assurance that the drinking water in the region is safe for consumption, concerning radiation exposure. Furthermore, the results imply that existing water treatment and monitoring systems are effective in maintaining radiation levels within safe limits. The study highlights the importance of regular testing and evaluation of water quality to protect public health.
Keywords
Gross α/β, Drinking water, Annual effective dose, Lifetime risk
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