Estimation of Inhalation and Ingestion Dose Due to Radon Concentration in Drinking Water Samples of Shankaraghatta Forest Environment, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate inhalation and ingestion doses due to radon concentration in rural areas of Shankaraghatta forest environment, India. Methods: In this study, the risk due to radon concentration in underground drinking water samples of the Shankaraghatta region has been estimated using emanometry technique. The 44 drinking water samples were collected from different water sources in sample bottles (500 ml) and were carefully sealed to ensure there is no air gap and were analysed within 24 hours by radon bubbler technique using a Lucas cell. Findings: The radon (222 Rn) concentration in underground and surface water samples of the entire region varies from 1.10 ± 0.25 Bq l −1 to 30.67 ± 5.10 Bq l −1 with an average value of 13.10 ± 2.2 Bq l −1 , is higher than the USEPA proposed maximum contamination threshold of 11Bql −1 .The Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) ranges from 3.86 µSv y −1 to 83.80 µSv y −1 with an average value of 36.35µSv y −1 , which is slightly higher than the global average value. Novelty: The present work focuses on the public health of the study area where such estimation was not carried out. The estimated annual effective, inhalation and ingestion doses due to radon in underground drinking water samples are found to be substantially below the 100 µSvy −1 recommended by WHO and EC. Hence, public of the study area won't receive any serious health hazard due to radon in drinking water and the water is fit for drinking without any additional treatment.