Radiometric and element analysis of tap and bottle waters consumed in Kastamonu

In this study, packaged waters (21 different brands) and tap water samples (31 samples) consumed in Kastamonu province were collected. The elemental content, natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations of water samples were determined. Radon gas measurements in water samples were made by using AlphaGUARD PQ 2000PRO active radon monitor. Natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations in the samples were determined by using HpGe gamma spectrometer and the elemental content of the samples were determined by using ICP-OES. Radon concentrations in packaged water samples varied between 4.09 and 28.69 Bq/m3 and in tap water samples between 19.94 and 60 Bq/m3. Radon concentrations in the measured water samples were compared with the reference values of the relevant organizations and it was concluded that the consumption of water samples did not pose any threat to human health. The elements analyzed in all water samples are Al, Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Sr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, Ca, Mg, Na and K. According to the results, it was determined that element concentrations in water samples were not sufficient to cause health risks.The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137C radionuclides in water samples were determined as 1.5 ± 0.04; 1.4 ± 0.05; 2.9 ± 0.05 and 0.4 ± 0.01 Bq/L for packaged waters, 1.4 ± 0.05; 1.0 ± 0.03; 2.5 ± 0.05 and 0.4 ± 0.01 Bq/L for tap water, respectively. The data obtained were compared with the reference values of international health institutions and it was concluded that there would be no radiological health risk by consuming water.