A preliminary study of gross alpha/beta activity concentrations in drinking waters from Albania

A pilot study involving screening measurements of gross alpha/beta activity concentration in drinking water was performed in 12 cities with the highest population density in Albania. The aim of this study was to develop a first insight regarding the radiological quality of drinking and bottled water supplies. The tap and bottled water samples investigated are acceptable for consumption, complying with the WHO recommendations for drinking water. The average gross alpha and beta activity concentrations were $$ 36_{ - 18}^{ + 37} $$ and $$ 269_{ - 150}^{ + 337} $$ mBq/L, respectively in tap waters. While for bottled water the gross alpha and beta activities were respectively $$ 39_{ - 23}^{ + 55} $$ and $$ 220_{ - 132}^{ + 336} $$ mBq/L. The data obtained can provide information for authorities regarding the quality of drinking water and a baseline for future contaminations