Radiation dose due to dissolved uranium in river water of major rivers of Coastal Karnataka

The paper discusses the results of systematic measurement of activity concentrations of the uranium in river water samples of Kali, Sharavathi and Netravathi, the major rivers of coastal Karnataka. The concentration of uranium has been measured by laser fluorimeter. The mean activity of uranium was found to be 35.5 mBq l-1, 27.9 mBq l-1 and 26.3 mBq l-1for Kali, Sharavathi and Netravathi rivers respectively. The ingestion doses due to uranium in drinking water were calculated and the dose levels were compared with the internationally recommended values. The results of these investigations are presented and discussed in the paper. (author)