Total alpha-beta activity in water discharges from the Santa Catarina River of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Abstract

Radioactive isotopes are used in various processes such as nuclear medical treatments. After their use, these isotopes can be discharged into wastewater, causing environmental and human health problems. The objective of this work was to identify the presence of total alpha and beta emissions in the Santa Catarina River, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, as a reference to know if there is a risk to the health of the population due to these radionuclide discharges in wastewater. Point samples were collected for convenience at six water discharge sites during the winter and summer seasons and taken to the ABC Laboratory for analysis. The alpha and beta emissions varied according to the season of the year, with higher concentrations of both alphas and betas in summer of 0.551 Bq/l and 0.842 Bq/l, respectively. None of the values exceeded the limits allowed by Mexican regulations for radioactive elements and therefore do not represent a health risk.