Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the GEANT4 code for the investigation of gamma-ray absorption in water in different spherical geometries and of the efficiency of a NaI(Tl) detector for different radionuclides in the aquatic environment. In order to test the reliability of these simulations, experimental values of the NaI(Tl) detector efficiency were deduced and seem to be in good agreement with the simulated ones. In addition, using the simulated efficiency, an algorithm was developed to determine the minimum detectable activity in becquerels per cubic meter in situ as a function of energy for typical freshwater and seawater spectra.