ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate and evaluate the changes in total α and total β radioactivity levels in drinking water in Beijing, China, 2012—2021. Methods The test results of total α and total β radioactivity levels at 14 monitoring sites from 9 groundwater sources and 5 surface water sources in Beijing, 2012—2021 were collected. The radioactivity levels in the two types of water sources were compared. Statistical charts were used to show the monitoring situation at sampling sites in different regions during different periods, and related issues were explored. Results The total α and total β activity concentrations measured at monitoring sites from some water sources in Beijing, 2012—2021, were less than the total α and total β guideline values specified in the Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749—2006) (total α: 0.5 Bq/L, total β: 1.0 Bq/L). The mean total α activity concentration in the groundwater was significantly higher than that in the surface water. The total α and total β radioactivity levels in the reservoir D in the surface water were slightly higher than those in the other surface water. Conclusion In the past decade from 2012 to 2021, the total α and total β radioactivity levels in some water sources in Beijing were generally in a good condition and fluctuated within the range of environmental background values, without significant changes on the whole.