title: Natural radioactivity in groundwater--a review.
abstract: The issue of natural radioactivity in groundwater is reviewed, with emphasis on those radioisotopes which contribute in a significant way to the overall effective dose received by members of the public due to the intake of drinking water originating from groundwater systems. The term 'natural radioactivity' is used in this context to cover all radioactivity present in the environment, including man-made (anthropogenic) radioactivity. Comprehensive discussion of radiological aspects of the presence of natural radionuclides in groundwater, including an overview of current regulations dealing with radioactivity in drinking water, is provided. The presented data indicate that thorough assessments of the committed doses resulting from the presence of natural radioactivity in groundwater are needed, particularly when such water is envisaged for regular intake by infants. They should be based on a precise determination of radioactivity concentration levels of the whole suite of radionuclides, including characterisation of their temporal variability. Equally important is a realistic assessment of water intake values for specific age groups. Only such an evaluation may provide the basis for possible remedial actions.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Nguyen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dinh Chau
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dulinski
authors.forename: Pawel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jodlowski
authors.forename: Jakub
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.forename: Kazimierz
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rozanski
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sleziak
authors.forename: Przemyslaw
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wachniew
mesh_terms: D005060:Europe; D060587:Groundwater / Q000032:analysis*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011851:Radioactivity; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes