Assessment of natural radioactivity in bottled mineral water from Brazil

The approach taken in the WHO Guidelines for controlling radiological hazards public water supplies has two stages. first is an initial screening gross alpha and beta activity to determine whether concentrations are below levels at which no further action required; if these exceeded, investigation of concentration individual radionuclides comparison with specific guidance levels. Mineral obtained directly from natural sources or by extracting groundwater, it characterized quantity mineral salts, trace elements other constituents. bottled industry present major regions world, population consumption increased every year Brazil also increasing new mining sites, so necessary constantly check amount radioactivity water. aim this study quantify consumed São Paulo city. samples were purchased a supermarket Paulo, 23 different brands. determination Liquid Scintillation Counting measurement was performed using 1220 Quantulus™ Ultra Low-Level Spectrometer. (226Ra, 228Ra, 210Pb 40K) measured gamma spectrometry, HPGe detector. results can be used database on Brazil.