ABSTRACT
Radionuclides are elements or isotopes whose nuclei spontaneously disintegrate to release alpha particles, beta particles, or high-energy gamma radiation, and they produce other isotopes and elements. Many produce more than one emission, and they produce other radioactive isotopes that further disintegrate. Most radionuclides are natural and there are also radionuclides that can be made by nuclear bombardment of nuclei by sub-atomic particles. The number after the element or isotope name is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Most of the radioactivity found in drinking water comes from naturally occurring sources, such as local geology. These rock types hold traces of radioactive elements with radium being the element of greatest concern. All water has some degree of radioactivity that cannot be removed. Uranium can accumulate and become toxic to the kidneys, separate from its radioactivity, which is low level.
