Measurement and analysis of radium 226 in drinking water at Amphoe Muang Khon Kaen via manganese fibers using gamma-spectrometry

Abstract

Measurement and Analysis of Raduim 226 concentration in 111 water samples at Amphoe Muang Khon Kaen were determined by measuring activity of Radium 226 via Manganese Fibers using gamma spectrometry. The average of Radium 226 was found to be 0.03 Bq/l, range 0 – 0.105 Bq/l. The average risk of Annual Equivalent Dose was found to be 0.018 mSv/y, range 0 – 0.064 mSv/y. This study show that Radium 226 in drinking water at Amphoe Muang Khon Kaen is not more than 0.11 Bq/l which is the standard value of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and its Annual Equivalent Dose not exceed 0.1 mSv/y, which is the maximum for the public drinking water. Therefore, drinking water at Amphoe Muang Khon  Kaen is safe for drinking.