Radioecological research of some water resources in central region of Azerbaijan

Background: In this proposed work, the products of 238U radioactive decomposition: 226Ra, which has a comparatively great decomposition period and 228Ra intermediate product of 232Th were examined, which were more prevalent in water samples of the territories investigated. Natural radionuclides are usually observed more in artesian well waters than in river and canal waters, and less in comparison with groundwater. Materials and Methods: For studying the concentration of radionuclides in drinking and agricultural water, samples were collected from Kura River, Yukhari Garabakh and Yukhari Shirvan channels and from artesian wells in different regions. For measurement of radioactivity, gamma spectrometer with high-sensitivity Ge-detector was used, controlled by the software Genie 2000 (manufactured by CANBERRA firm). Results: The obtained results for well waters showed high activity concentrations; the total effective doses for all radionuclides were 2.54, 4.27, and 0.66 mSv for infants, children, and adults, respectively. Conclusion: From these results, it can be concluded that the investigated water is not acceptable for life-long human consumption.