Environmental impact assessment of natural radioactivity and heavy metals in drinking water around Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin Province

The aim of this study was to determine natural radioactive and heavy element concentrations in Mersin drinking water samples before the commissioning of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant and to collect data for possible environmental contaminations in the future. Drinking water samples were taken from the provincial center, districts, and populated villages. The annual effective dose of natural radionuclides and cancer risks were calculated for each person living in the city. Hazard index and cancer risk were calculated, which were caused by heavy elements.