Determination of Natural Radioactivity by Gross Alpha and Beta Measurements in Groundwater in Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province

Abstract

Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province, where may release the waste into the environmentthat may be contaminated by radioactive waste used in the production or the fuel of the machinery. This research aimed to analyze the natural radioactivity by alpha and beta combined with gas flow proportional counter at the background radiation level in groundwater in Map Ta Phut, Rayong province. In this study, Alpha and beta activity values in groundwater were measured for 10 samples. The results showed that the maximum and minimum levels of Alpha activity values in groundwater were 0.373±0.293 Bq/L and 0.005±0.042 Bq/L, respectively. The mean of 0.123±0.114 Bq/L was found at slightly higher than the standard level recommended by the WHO (0.1 Bq/L). Only 3 samples (30%) were higher than the standard level, these were 0.115±0.130 Bq/L, 0.373±0.293 Bq/L and 0.284±0.202 Bq/L. The beta activity values in groundwater were found the maximum and the minimumat 0.952±0.115 Bq/L and 0.238±0.070 Bq/L, respectively. The mean of 0.599±0.237 Bq/L was found at safe level compared to the standard level recommended by the WHO (1.0 Bq/L). These results concluded that the groundwater in Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province was found at safe level for people who live in this area and could be used for water quality assessment.