Radiological Hazard of Natural Waters in the Eastern part of the Novosibirsk Oblast

This paper presents an assessment of the radiological hazard associated with natural waters in the eastern part of Novosibirsk Oblast. The study area is characterized by fresh and ultra-fresh groundwater with total dissolved solids ranging from 127 to 1,848 mg/dm³, predominantly of HCO₃ Mg-Ca, HCO₃ Na-Mg-Ca and SO₄HCO₃ Na-Mg-Ca composition. The geochemical conditions vary from reducing to oxidizing (Eh from –332 to +313 mV), with pH values between 6.1 and 9.5 and dissolved oxygen concentrations ranging from 0.51 to 16.59 mg/dm³.

The primary contributors to natural radioactivity in these waters are ⁴⁰K and members of the ²³⁸U decay series, including ²³⁴U, ²²⁶Ra, ²²²Rn, and other decay products. Measured activities were as follows: 40K – 0 to 85.5 Bq/dm³; 238U – 0 to 4.3 Bq/dm³; ²²⁶Ra – 0 to 25.2 Bq/dm³; and ²²²Rn – 1 to 1,161 Bq/dm³. Activity levels of thorium-232 generally clarke values, except in waters associated with the western and northwestern parts of the Novosibirsk granitoid massif (Kolyvan, Skala and adjacent areas).

To evaluate the radiological risk, several parameters were calculated based on the activities of ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³²Th: radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rate in air (Dγ), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), external and internal hazard indices (Hex and Hint), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The results indicate that natural waters of the the eastern part of Novosibirsk Oblast generally exhibit low radiological parameter values – well within international safety standards – and are comparable to those reported for natural waters in Iraq, Namibia, Yemen, Spain, China, and other regions. Consequently, these waters can be classified as safe for domestic (non-potable) use.

However, their use for drinking water supply is significantly restricted due to elevated and high concentrations of ²²²Rn, observed both in areas underlain by granitic bedrock and in regions with sedimentary deposits.

The natural radioactivity of waters in the the eastern part of Novosibirsk Oblast and the overall radiological background of the environment are primarily controlled by local geological settings. Exceptions include lake waters near Shilovo village and near a brick-manufacturing plant in the Dzerzhinsky District of Novosibirsk, where elevated ⁴⁰K activity is likely attributable to agricultural application of potassium fertilizers and the use of potassium carbonate in brick production, respectively.

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