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Radioactivity in surface water, 1980-2000

 Target value1)198019901995199819992000
       
 Bq/l      
Rhine (Lobith)       
Residual beta activity<0.20.080.070.060.050.060.04
Tritium<1012.87.15.65.04.64.0
Alpha activity<0.10.060.07----
Meuse (Eijsden)       
Residual beta activity<0.20.10.050.020.040.040.02
Tritium<1022.1324.810.518.114.7
Alpha activity<0.10.060.03----
Westerschelde (on Belgian border)      
Residual beta activity<0.20.20.150.070.080.080.07
Tritium<108.914.58.59.912.36.3
Alpha activity<0.10.270.21----
Source: RIZA     RIVM/EDC/Oct02
1) Target value for surface water (V&W, 1999).

Developments in radioactivity in surface water


Discharges by nuclear power plants and the processing industry are the main human sources of radioactivity in surface water. Since 1980, most activity values in surface water have fallen. Most values now fluctuate below or around the target value.

Relevance


The monitoring of radioactivity in the surface water fits in with the Dutch government policy. This is geared specifically to limiting as much as possible additional radiation and the associated health risks, such as cancer.

Technical note


The Institute for Inland Water Management and Wastewater Treatment (RIZA) conducts measurement programmes systematically for determining radioactivity in surface water. The table includes the measurement results for tritium (hydrogen-3), the total activity of alpha emitters and residual beta activity. This is the total beta activity, less the activity of potassium-40, that is naturally present in surface water.

References


  • Jacobs, J.E.M. (2001). Monitoring of radiation in the environment. Results in the Netherlands in 1999. RIVM (report 610 056 046), Bilthoven.
  • Knetsch, G.J. (2002). Monitoring of radiation in the environment. Results in the Netherlands in 2000. RIVM (report 610 056 047), Bilthoven.
  • V&W (1999). Fourth Water Management Policy Document. Ministry of Transport and Public Works, The Hague.

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This page was last changed on November 18, 2005  (version 01).