Author(s)

D. M. Bonotto, L. Caprioglio, H. K. Itoman, M. Santilli & B. W. Tessari

Abstract

This investigation was carried out within the Paraná sedimentary basin and neighbourhood in Brazil and involved the sampling of different water types with the purpose of evaluating its quality. Several methods were utilized for acquiring the hydrochemical data and a novel technique has been developed for evaluating the gross alpha and beta radioactivities in water, through a combined gamma-alpha spectrometry technique. The results obtained for the analyzed samples were compared with the guideline values established by the São Paulo State and Brazilian Health Ministry legislations for defining potable water standards and for the prevention and control of pollution in the environment. The hydrochemical data allowed evaluation of diverse problems related to the interaction between society and the environment such as sugarcane production and the releases associated with gas stations suppliers. The geogenic input of sulfate in groundwater was also identified. The established radiometric technique was properly calibrated and successfully applied to the analysis of different water types utilized for human consumption. Keywords: drinking water quality, groundwater, hydrochemistry, vinasse, sugar and alcohol production, gross alpha radioactivity, gross beta radioactivity. 1 Introduction For many years, environmentalists, humanitarians, government agencies, politicians, educators, and others have expressed concern for protecting hydrological resources against pollutants. In Brazil, waste disposal areas related to the production and processing of sugarcane may also be a source of contaminants to the hydrologic environment. During 2007, sugarcane production

Keywords

drinking water quality, groundwater, hydrochemistry, vinasse, sugar and alcohol production, gross alpha radioactivity, gross beta radioactivity.