Ra-226 and Rn-222 concentrations and doses in bottled waters in Spain

Concentrations of Ra-226 and Rn-222 have been analysed in most of the bottl ed waters commercially available in Spain. Concentrations up to about 600 m Bq l(-1) with a geometric mean of 12 mBq l(-1) were observed for Ra-226. Fo r Rn-222, a geometric mean of 1.2 Bq l(-1) with values ranging from 0.22 to 52 Bq l(-1) were measured. These values are compared with concentrations r eported for other countries. An explanation for the different concentration s of Ra-226 and Rn-222 in bottled water related to the geological compositi on of the source is suggested. Doses resulting from the consumption of thes e waters were calculated. The effective dose equivalents due to the intake of Ra-226 present in these waters are expected to range from about 2 to 102 mu Sv year(-1). Dose equivalents to the stomach due to Rn-222 intake throu gh water consumption are estimated to reach values of around 30 mu Sv year( -1). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.