GROSS ALPHA-RADIOACTIVITY OF DRINKING-WATER IN VENEZUELA

Bottled mineral water is consumed by a large population in Venezuela. The alpha emitters concentration was measured in samples of bottled wa ter and water springs collected near the surface. Approximately 30% of the total mineral water suppliers was monitored. A database on natura l and artificial radioactivity in drinking water was produced. Results indicate that 54% of the waters sampled contain a total alpha radioac tivity of less than 0.185 Bq l(-1) and only 12% above 0.37 Bq l(-1). O ur results revealed a total annual dose of 2.3 mSv year(-1). (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.