Determination of radon concentration and heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cd, As, Cr) in drinking and irrigated water sampled from Kulim, Malaysia

Background: the presence of heavy metals and radon in water are considered as apotential threat to public health. modern day industrialization has led to increasepollutants in ecosystem whilst the main source of public radiation exposure,especially exposure from radon, is caused by portable water. this study aimed toestimate the health risk related to radon concentration and heavy metals indrinking and irrigated water. materials and methods: water samples, fromdifferent sources, were collected from kulim, malaysia and analyzed for radon andheavy metals using rad7 and atomic absorption spectrometry. results: resultsshowed that the maximum average value of radon concentration (16.06±1.7)bq/l was found in well water used for drinking and irrigation. minimumaverage value of radon concentration (2.65±0.33) bq/l was found in tap waterused for drinking purpose. from the measured radon concentrations, agedependent associated annual effective doses and contribution of radon indrinking water to indoor air was calculated which were found below thelower limit of recommended action level. metal concentrations were foundhigher in stream and lake waters used for irrigation, compared to well and tapwaters. the average daily intake of drinking water and health risk indiceswere found higher for infants and lower for children and adults. conclusion:radon concentrations in well, stream and lake waters were found higher than eparecommended level and lower than who action level while the annual effectivedoses and level of heavy metals in water reported in this study were found lowerthan recommended levels.