Natural radioactivity in groundwater and estimates of committed effective dose due to water ingestion in the state of Chihuahua (Mexico)

The activity concentration of Rn-222, Ra-226 and total uranium in groundwater samples collected from wells distributed throughout the state of Chihuahua has been measured. The values obtained of total uranium activity concentration in groundwater throughout the state run from < 0.03 up to 1.34 Bq l(-1). Generally, radium activity concentration was < 0.16 Bq l(-1), with some exceptions; in spring water of San Diego de Alcala, in contrast, the value reached similar to 5.3 Bq l(-1). Radon activity concentration obtained throughout the state was from 1.0 to 39.8 Bq l(-1). A linear correlation between uranium and radon dissolved in groundwater of individual wells was observed near Chihuahua City. Committed effective dose estimates for reference individuals were performed, with results as high as 134 mu Sv for infants in Aldama city. In Aldama and Chihuahua cities the average and many individual wells showed activity concentration values of uranium exceeding the Mexican norm of drinking water quality.