Analysis of radon concentrations in drinking water in coastal regions of Karnataka, South India

The measurements of radon activity in water samples from several parts of Karnataka were studied. Drinking water quality is a routine tool in health and environmental research. Radon exposure puts the entire public at risk for radiological damage through inhalation and ingestion. Radon concentrations were measured using the emanometry technique. Estimated ²²²Rn activity concentration in water has been found to vary from 2.05 to 28.02 Bq l^-1 with an average value of 7.38 Bq l^-1. For all samples under study, the total average annual effective doses are much less than the safe limit of 100 μSv y^-1. (authors)