OCCUPATION AND HEALTH ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (4): 538-542.

• Treatise • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis and risk assessment of total radioactivity levels in different water in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2022

AN Jingjing, QIN Yingxu(), YANG Huanchun, CHEN Tao, LIU Yuan   

  1. Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention,Yinchuan,Ningxia 750000,China
  • Received:2025-04-12 Revised:2025-09-15 Online:2026-02-15 Published:2026-02-13
  • Contact: QIN Yingxu,E-mail:qyx98417@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To assess the gross α and gross β radioactivity levels in various water samples in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2022,and evaluate the associated health risks. Methods From 2013 to 2022,a total of 219 drinking water samples and 104 surface water samples were collected in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The gross α and gross β radioactivity levels were measured using a BH1216Ⅲ low-background α/β measuring instrument. Results From 2013 to 2022,the median gross α and gross β radioactivity levels of water treatment plants,peripheral water,and tap water in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region were 0.055 and 0.081,0.063 and 0.074,0.079 and 0.098 Bq/L,respectively. The median gross α and gross β radioactivity levels of lake water and Yellow River water were 0.116 and 0.208,0.095 and 0.114 Bq/L,respectively. In the five cities of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,the gross α radioactivity in drinking water ranged from <0.016 to 0.447 Bq/L,the median was 0.058 Bq/L,and the radioactivity levels of five cities were as follows:Zhongwei City>Wuzhong City>Shizuishan City>Yinchuan City>Guyuan City,with significant regional difference(P<0.05). The gross β radioactivity ranged from <0.028 to 0.414 Bq/L,the median was 0.074 Bq/L,and the radioactivity levels of five cities were as follows:Zhongwei City>Wuzhong City>Yinchuan City>Shizuishan City>Guyuan City. The total carcinogenic risk of drinking water in various regions of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2022 ranged from 1.27×10-7/a to 2.45×10-6/a. The <1-year-old age group exhibited the highest total carcinogenic risk among all populations,though it remained below the maximum acceptable risk level of 5.0×10-5/a recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection(ICRP). Conclusion From 2013 to 2022,the gross α and gross β radioactivity levels in water treatment plants,peripheral water,tap water,lake water,and Yellow River water in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region are within normal background ranges,and the associated health risks are within acceptable limits.

Key words: Gross α radioactivity, Gross β radioactivity, Drinking water, Risk assessment

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