Gross alpha and beta activities in tap waters of Siirt province, Turkey

Siirt, a province located in Southeastern Anatolia, is a highly preferred tourism destination with its own unique history and cultural diversities. In this study, the activity concentrations of the gross alpha and beta of 12 different tap water samples collected from 12 different sampling sites in Siirt province and its districts were measured using a Berthold LB 770 type, and a gas proportional counter with low background multiple detector system which can measure ten samples at a time. . The gross alpha and activity concentrations measured were presented as tables and figures for each tap water sample and compared with limit values and criteria recommended by WHO and TSE regulation. The values of the activity concentrations of the gross alpha and beta were found to vary between 9 ± 5- 40 ± 9 mBq/L and 21 ± 11 – 252 ± 23 mBq/L, respectively. To assess radiological risks for adult members, the annual effective doses were calculated using dose conversion factors of the public suggested by the WHO due to the fact that tap water in this area is ingested, and thus can cause radiological risks. The results of the calculations were found as 238U, 226Ra, 210Po, 210Pb, 228Ra and 232Th the average dose values, 0.9, 5.3, 22.6, 52.3, 52.3 and 4.3 Sv/y, respectively.