Radon and radium concentrations in drinkable water supplies of the Thu Duc region in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The results of (222)Rn and (226)Ra activity measurements in drinkable water supplies of the Thu Duc region in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, are presented in this paper. The measurements were performed using a RAD 7 radon detector manufactured by Durridge Company, Inc. Mean concentrations of (222)Rn and (226)Ra were found to be 0.11±0.01Bql(-1) and 0.11±0.02Bql(-1) in 14 drinking water samples. They are 0.12±0.01Bql(-1) and 0.10±0.02Bql(-1) in 15 tap water samples, respectively. The mean (222)Rn concentration of 1.40±0.03Bql(-1) in the 20 groundwater samples of this study is also lower than the WHO advised level of 100Bql(-1). Fifty percent of groundwater samples analysed have (226)Ra levels in excess of the USEPA recommended maximum contaminant level of 0.185Bql(-1). The occurrence of elevated concentrations of (226)Ra in groundwater samples was explained by pH and alkaline conditions.
Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNU-HCM, University of Science, Vietnam. Electronic address: lchao@hcmus.edu.vn.
Cong Hao
CH
Le
Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNU-HCM, University of Science, Vietnam.
Nguyen Phong Thu
NPT
Huynh
Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNU-HCM, University of Science, Vietnam.
Van Thang
VT
Nguyen
Nuclear Technique Laboratory, VNU-HCM, University of Science, Vietnam.
Quoc Bao
QB
Le
(222)Rn; (226)Ra; Drinkable water; RAD 7; The Thu Duc region; Vietnam