Radioecology aspects of water quality

The radiation hygiene approaches to environmental control are summed up and a radioecology evaluation is presented whose aim is to protect the environment. The evaluation should be based on limits derived from reference levels respecting the principles of minimized load. Radiation hygiene standards do not fully quarantee the protection of the environment. Radioecology should provide complementary criteria. Limits are set for the gross alpha and beta activity of drinking water but there is no comprehensive system of qualitative regulations. With the exception of the immediate impact of ionizing radiation on man the application of radiation hygiene regulations still leads to a high load of environmental components. (J.P.)