Gross alpha and beta analysis of groundwater samples in Barangay 206 Zone 19 in Tondo, Manila

Abstract

The analysis of gross alpha and beta radioactivity is a process that assesses the quality of groundwater samples in a given region. In Barangay 206 Zone 19, Tondo, Manila, four active water pumps are used by the residents continuously. One of them is privately owned by a resident and is also being used most of the time. To determine whether the groundwater source is safe to use, the researcher conducted the study to measure the gross alpha and beta concentrations of these water samples. The gross alpha and beta were measured using Tri-Carb 3110 Liquid Scintillation Counter for 360 minutes for each sample. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations obtained were in the ranges of below LLD to 0.06 ± 0.04 Bq/L and 0.70 ± 0.1 to 1.10 ± 0.1 Bq/L, respectively. The alpha activities of all samples were safe. However, the beta activities of the two samples exceeded the level and are relatively not safe. The cause of the contamination comes from natural sources, nearby Ospital ng Tondo, and mechanical shops. The resulting data will contribute to the database of radioactivity regulations in consuming water in the Philippines.