Determination of concentration levels of toxic elements and radon in drinking waters consumed in Kastamonu province, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Pb, and As) and radon (222Rn) in forty-five drinking water (tap and bottled water) samples consumed in Kastamonu (Turkey) were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and radon gas analyser, respectively. Also, the total annual effective dose due to ingestion and inhalation of 222Rn in drinking water samples was estimated for infants, children, and adults to assess the radiological risk caused by hazards by considering three different annual water intake scenarios. While the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb analysed in tap water samples were below the detection limit, the As concentration analysed in two tap water samples was higher than the maximum concentration recommended by national and international organisations. The concentration of Cd and Pb analysed in one bottled water sample was higher than the recommended maximum concentration values. The average activity concentration of 222Rn analysed in tap and bottled water samples was found as 35.7 mBq L−1 and 16.1 mBq L−1, respectively. The average total annual effective dose was found as 0.28, 0.18 and 0.24 µSv for infants, children and adults, respectively. These radiological values are lower than the recommended limits for drinking water by the WHO. The results of the study revealed that tap water is of better chemical quality than bottled water in terms of some toxic elements analysed and the radiological risk caused by radon in drinking water samples studied is at a negligible level.