Concentrations of Rn-222, Ra-226 and Ra-228 in surface sea water of the Bay of Bengal

Concentrations of Rn-222, Ra-226 and Ra-228 in surface sea water of the Kar naphuli river estuary, near-shore and off-shore regions of the Bay of Benga l were measured using a p-type coaxial high purity Ge detector along with i n situ measurement of air and water temperature, salinity, pH and tides of the water. The activities of Ra-226 and Ra-228 were in a range of 5.4 +/- 2 .4-29.0 +/- 8.3 mBq l(-1) and 3.0 +/- 2.0-7.6 +/- 3.7 mBq l(-1), respective ly. These values are compared with concentrations reported for other countr ies of the world. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.