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Uranium analysis in drinking waters in Cyprus

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Abstract

Uranium determination and speciation in drinking waters consumed in Cyprus has been carried out by means of alpha-spectroscopy and thermodynamic calculations. Sampling included tap waters from different areas as well as local and imported bottled waters. The alpha-spectroscopic analysis was performed after selective separation of uranium by Chelex-100 and the uranium concentration in all waters was found below the WHO guideline. Based on the experimental data the annual radiation exposure of Cypriot population resulting from water consumption has been assessed. Thermodynamic calculations have shown that the ternary CaUO2(CO3) 2−3 and Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) complexes are the predominant species in drinking waters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Katerina Philippou & Ioannis Pashalidis

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  1. Katerina Philippou
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  2. Ioannis Pashalidis
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Correspondence to Ioannis Pashalidis.

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Philippou, K., Pashalidis, I. Uranium analysis in drinking waters in Cyprus. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 312, 361–365 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5211-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5211-4

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