Eleftheriou G, Pappa FΚ, Maragos N, Tsabaris C. Continuous monitoring of multiple submarine springs by means of gamma-ray spectrometry.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020;
216:106180. [PMID:
32217197 DOI:
10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106180]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The measurement of radiotracers is recognized as a major tool for the investigation and characterization of submarine groundwater discharges, while the use of underwater gamma-ray spectrometry has been proved a robust solution for the qualitative and quantitative determination of radionuclides in the aquatic environment. The capability of online continuous monitoring of submarine springs by means of gamma-ray spectrometry for direct estimation of SGD velocity and discharge is presented. The quantification of SGD flux rate is based on radon progenies time-series provided by two spectrometers placed above the seabed and near the water surface respectively, coupled with water level and meteorological data. The proposed methodology has been applied for a 5-month period in a coastal karstic system where multiple submarine springs occur at Anavalos-Kiveri, Greece. The estimated flux rates derived from the measured activities revealed significant SGD temporal variations with the mean discharge of 12 m3 s-1 being compatible with previous measurements. The advantages and limitations of direct SGD estimation via underwater gamma-ray monitoring are also discussed.
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