RADIOACTIVITY IN COMMERCIAL PACKAGED DRINKING AND NATURAL MINERAL WATER IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Radiochemistry and Environment Laboratory (RAS) had received bottled drinking water and natural mineral water samples throughout Malaysia from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). These samples need to undergo radioactivity analysis of gross alpha and gross beta which is part of the drinking water licensing requirements in Malaysia. A total of 83 samples were received in year 2020 and analysed using low background gross alpha gross beta counting system. The results of the analysis found that all samples complied with the mandatory standard requirements set by the MOH, which is not more than 0.1 Bq/L for gross alpha activity and 1.0 Bq/L for gross beta activity.