Seasonal variation of the alpha-radioactivity concentration in natural water systems in Cyprus

Abstract

The study deals with the seasonal variation of the total alpha-radioactivity and the U-238/234 radioactivity concentration of ground waters in Cyprus. The radiometric measurements were performed after pre-concentration and selective ion-exchange procedures using liquid scintillation counting. According to the radiometric measurements the total alpha-radioactivity of the ground waters is basically associated with the uranium content in the water systems and the seasonal variation is mainly related to meteorological conditions (e.g. temperature and atmospheric precipitation). Assessments of the radiation exposure to population suggests that using these ground waters for human consumption would result in significantly increased radiation doses, whereas utilization of these waters for irrigation purposes wouldn't imply any excessive radiation exposure to population. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.