1
|
Abdullah GM, Azeez HH, Mustafa HT, Ismaeel AO. A study of radon concentration and physicochemical parameters in spring water of Erbil city, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-023-08808-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
|
2
|
He C, Zeng Z, Zhang L, Wang Y, Guo Q. A new-designed system for continuous measurement of radon in water. Appl Radiat Isot 2022; 187:110320. [PMID: 35728286 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
On-line continuous monitoring of radon concentration in water is of great significance for its environmental application as a radioactive tracer, for example, as a potential precursor for earthquake forecast and volcanic eruption. To realize on-line continuous measurement on radon in complex water body, a compact measurement system mainly consisted of a simple degassing device and an electrostatic radon monitor is newly developed. The sensitivity of the measurement system is 73 ± 5 cph/(Bq/L), and the detection limit is 0.04 Bq/L with a 60-min cycle at 25 °C water temperature. Intercomparison measurements with RAD H2O were performed both in laboratory condition and in field, and consistent results within the error range were achieved. To test the developed measurement system, a continuous monitoring of radon concentration in water in the drainage tunnel of Mount Jinping was performed for 3 months. The arithmetic mean of radon concentration in water is 0.34 ± 0.09 Bq/L, varying in the range of 0.04-0.60 Bq/L during the period. Several rapid decreases of radon concentration in water were observed, which might be attributed to the increase of rainwater mixing in the drainage tunnel caused by heavy rainfall. The stability of long-term operation of the system enables it to be widely used in the field of radon in water as a tracer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Department of Engineer Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China.
| | - Yunxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qiuju Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rahimi M, Asadi Mohammad Abadi A, Jabbari Koopaei L. Radon concentration in groundwater, its relation with geological structure and some physicochemical parameters of Zarand in Iran. Appl Radiat Isot 2022; 185:110223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
4
|
Kumar M, Kumar P, Agrawal A, Sahoo BK. Radon concentration measurement and effective dose assessment in drinking groundwater for the adult population in the surrounding area of a thermal power plant. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:551-559. [PMID: 35350007 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Radon in the household water collected from hand pumps is measured using a continuous radon monitor. Water samples are collected from 25 villages from the surrounding regions of the National Capital Power Cooperation (NTPC), Dadri. The radon concentration ranges from 17±1 to 68±3 Bql-1 with a mean value of 33±13 Bql-1. The measured radon concentration in all collected samples lies well within the limit of 100 Bql-1as set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The mean values of the annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon and due to the inhalation of radon released from water are 84±33 and 167±65 μSvy-1, respectively. In addition, the mean values of estimated total annual effective doses are found to be 167±65 μSvy-1. The mean value of total annual effective doses is found to be higher than the reference dose level of 100 μSvy-1 recommended by the WHO and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The mean values of effective doses per annum to the lungs and stomach are 9.9±3.9 and 10.1±3.9 μSv, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Physics, S.V. College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202001, India E-mail:
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Physics, S.V. College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202001, India E-mail:
| | - Anshu Agrawal
- Department of Chemistry, D.S. College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202001, India
| | - B K Sahoo
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Naskar AK, Gazi M, Mondal M, Deb A. Water radon risk in Susunia hill area: an assessment in terms of radiation dose. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11160-11171. [PMID: 34528208 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Radiological impact of radon in air is a global issue whereas radon in water has local consequences. Considering its importance, we have conducted a study on radon activity measurements in 316 tube-well water samples collected from Susunia hill area in Bankura district of West Bengal, India during the period of 25th December 2018-2nd February 2020. Radon contents are measured using AlphaGUARD radon monitor. The obtained radon activities in drinking water samples lie between 1.78 ± 0.07 and 3213.50 ± 77.32 Bq/l with an average of 128.30 ± 14.09 Bq/l. This study reveals that 93% of the samples have radon levels in excess of the USEPA proposed maximum contamination level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/l while radon levels of 40% samples have exceeded the WHO and EU Council Directive recommended reference level of 100 Bq/l. The total annual effective dose of the samples have been estimated by considering the per day water intake of 3 l. The calculated total annual effective dose widely fluctuates between 10.39 and 18649.55 μSv/year with an average value of 744.59 μSv/year. 269 water samples have exceeded the WHO and EU Council Directive recommended reference level of 100 μSv/year. However, if we consider the UNSCEAR prescribed annual water intake of 60 l, the average dose becomes 279.82 μSv/year. The situation demands attention of the local authorities. Local people are advised to take some easy preventive measures for their radiological protection against such contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Kumar Naskar
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- Department of Physics, Bangabasi Evening College, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700009, India
| | - Mahasin Gazi
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, 58 Canal Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Mitali Mondal
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
| | - Argha Deb
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India.
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ravikumar P, Naika K, Prakash KL, Somashekar RK. Quantification of radon concentration in groundwater around abandoned Gogi uranium mineralized zone, Yadagir district, Karnataka, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
7
|
Radon concentration and effective dose in drinking groundwater and its relationship with soil type. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07424-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
|
8
|
Noverques A, Juste B, Sancho M, García-Fayos B, Verdú G. Study of the influence of radon in water on radon levels in air in a closed location. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.108761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
9
|
Wang Y, Zhang L, Wang J, Guo Q. Study on an on-site radon-in-water measurement system based on degassing membrane. RADIAT MEAS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2019.106231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
10
|
Sharma DA, Keesari T, Rishi M, Thakur N, Pant D, Mohokar HV, Jaryal A, Kamble SN, Sinha UK. Radiological and hydrological implications of dissolved radon in alluvial aquifers of western India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
11
|
Kaur M, Kumar A, Mehra R, Mishra R. Age-dependent ingestion and inhalation doses due to intake of uranium and radon in water samples of Shiwalik Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:224. [PMID: 30879151 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The research work involved the ingestion and inhalation doses due to the intake of radon and uranium through water samples used by the inhabitants, measured in the villages of the Shiwalik Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The uranium concentration in collected water samples was assessed by LED fluorimetric technique. All values of doses were found to be below the proposed limit of 100 μSv year-1 for all age categories except for infants due to the high-dose conversion factor. The annual effective doses for the various body organs due to the intake of radon was also calculated and found the maximum dose for lungs than other organs. The concentration of radon in water samples was assessed by Smart Rn Duo portable monitor and compared with RAD7. Statistical analysis was carried out and the Shapiro and Wilk (Biometrika, 52(3/4), 591-611, 1965) test has been also used for the distribution of the data. The physicochemical parameters were also measured in the collected water samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Physics, DAV College, Katra Sher Singh, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
- Department of Physics, National institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144011, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Physics, DAV College, Katra Sher Singh, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India.
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Department of Physics, National institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144011, India
| | - Rosaline Mishra
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jobbágy V, Stroh H, Marissens G, Hult M. Comprehensive study on the technical aspects of sampling, transporting and measuring radon-in-water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 197:30-38. [PMID: 30502660 PMCID: PMC6343077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre organizes proficiency tests (PT) on radon-in-water measurements. In order to optimize sampling, transport and measurement methods many tests and small scale proficiency tests have been performed. The waters from natural springs, wells were sampled on-site in glass bottles then transported cooled to the JRC and collaborating laboratories. For the material characterization standard measurement methods based on gamma-ray spectrometry, emanometry and liquid scintillation counting were used. The influence of sampling, transport and sample handling on radon-loss was tested and quantified. It was observed that parameters like container material, filling height, storage temperature and handling can lead to substantial measurement bias due to radon-loss. This high risk for radon-loss from samples can potentially be a general radioprotection problem as doses to the public may be underestimated. Regular air and road transport can be considered adequate means of transport as they have little influence on radon-loss if a suitable glass sample container with flexible cap is used and that it is completely filled. On the basis of this work, modifications to the related standard as best practices are also proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Jobbágy
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440, Geel, Belgium.
| | - Heiko Stroh
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440, Geel, Belgium
| | - Gerd Marissens
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440, Geel, Belgium
| | - Mikael Hult
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440, Geel, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Moreno V, Bach J, Zarroca M, Font L, Roqué C, Linares R. Characterization of radon levels in soil and groundwater in the North Maladeta Fault area (Central Pyrenees) and their effects on indoor radon concentration in a thermal spa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 189:1-13. [PMID: 29544141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Radon levels in the soil and groundwater in the North Maladeta Fault area (located in the Aran Valley sector, Central Pyrenees) are analysed from both geological and radiation protection perspectives. This area is characterized by the presence of two important normal faults: the North Maladeta fault (NMF) and the Tredós Fault (TF). Two primary aspects make this study interesting: (i) the NMF shows geomorphic evidence of neotectonic activity and (ii) the presence of a thermal spa, Banhs de Tredós, which exploits one of the several natural springs of the area and needs to be evaluated for radiation dosing from radon according to the European regulation on basic safety standards for protection against ionizing radiation. The average soil radon and thoron concentrations along a profile perpendicular to the two normal faults - 22 ± 3 kBq·m-3 and 34 ± 3 kBq·m-3, respectively - are not high and can be compared to the radionuclide content of the granitic rocks of the area, 25 ± 4 Bq·kg-1 for 226Ra and 38 ± 2 Bq·kg-1 for 224Ra. However, the hypothesis that the normal faults are still active is supported by the presence of anomalies in both the soil radon and thoron levels that are unlikely to be of local origin together with the presence of similar anomalies in CO2 fluxes and the fact that the highest groundwater radon values are located close to the normal faults. Additionally, groundwater 222Rn data have complemented the hydrochemistry data, enabling researchers to better distinguish between water pathways in the granitic and non-granitic aquifers. Indoor radon levels in the spa vary within a wide range, [7-1664] Bq·m-3 because the groundwater used in the treatment rooms is the primary source of radon in the air. Tap water radon levels inside the spa present an average value of 50 ± 8 kBq·m-3, which does not exceed the level stipulated by the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) of 100 kBq·m-3 for water used for human consumption. This finding implies that even relatively low radon concentration values in water can constitute a relevant indoor radon source when the transfer from water to indoor air is efficient. The estimated effective dose range of values for a spa worker due to radon inhalation is [1-9] mSv·y-1. The use of annual averaged radon concentration values may significantly underestimate the dose in these situations; therefore, a detailed dynamic study must be performed by considering the time that the workers spend in the spa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Moreno
- Unitat de Física de les Radiacions, Dpt. de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici Cc, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J Bach
- Unitat de Geodinàmica Externa i d'Hidrogeologia, Dpt. de Geologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici Cs, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Zarroca
- Unitat de Geodinàmica Externa i d'Hidrogeologia, Dpt. de Geologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici Cs, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ll Font
- Unitat de Física de les Radiacions, Dpt. de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici Cc, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Roqué
- Geodinàmica Externa, Dpt. de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, 17071, Girona, Spain
| | - R Linares
- Unitat de Geodinàmica Externa i d'Hidrogeologia, Dpt. de Geologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici Cs, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Adyasari D, Oehler T, Afiati N, Moosdorf N. Groundwater nutrient inputs into an urbanized tropical estuary system in Indonesia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 627:1066-1079. [PMID: 30857079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater discharge is known to transport nutrients into estuaries at several locations around the world. However, few studies report groundwater-associated nutrient fluxes from tropical developing regions such as Southeast Asia, even though this area shows the strongest human modifications in the coastal zone worldwide. We investigated groundwater nutrient flux into two streams and estuaries (Awur and Sekumbu Bay) in the urban area of Jepara, Indonesia, and its relation with the land usage surrounding the estuaries. We found that average concentrations of NO3, NH4, and PO4 in Jepara's aquifer reached 145μM, 68μM, and 14μM, respectively, and our results indicate that these were mainly originated from untreated sewage, agriculture, and manure input. Approximately 2200tonNyear-1 and 380tonPyear-1 were removed in the soil and aquifer before the nutrients were discharged into the river. The total groundwater discharge into the river and estuary was estimated to 461×103m3d-1, or up to 42% of the river discharge. Discharge of groundwater-associated NO3 (72×103mold-1), NH4 (34×103mold-1), PO4 (5×103mold-1), and additional surface runoff may contribute to eutrophication and a decrease of nearshore surface water quality. Nutrient concentrations in groundwater, river, and coastal seawater in the Jepara region are similar to those found in major urban areas in Southeast Asia, e.g. Manila and Bangkok, even though Jepara has smaller size and population. Thus, our results indicate that medium populated cities with highly modified regional land use can contribute a significant amount of nutrient discharge in the coastal area and should be included in global assessments of nutrient budget calculation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dini Adyasari
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Till Oehler
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Norma Afiati
- Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto SH, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | - Nils Moosdorf
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jobbágy V, Altzitzoglou T, Malo P, Tanner V, Hult M. A brief overview on radon measurements in drinking water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 173:18-24. [PMID: 27745714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present information about currently used standard and routine methods for radon analysis in drinking waters. An overview is given about the current situation and the performance of different measurement methods based on literature data. The following parameters are compared and discussed: initial sample volume and sample preparation, detection systems, minimum detectable activity, counting efficiency, interferences, measurement uncertainty, sample capacity and overall turnaround time. Moreover, the parametric levels for radon in drinking water from the different legislations and directives/guidelines on radon are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Jobbágy
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - Timotheos Altzitzoglou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - Petya Malo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - Vesa Tanner
- European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy, Euroforum Building, 10, Rue Robert Stumper, L-2557, Luxembourg.
| | - Mikael Hult
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (JRC-Geel), Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Radon levels in drinking water of Fatehabad district of Haryana, India. Appl Radiat Isot 2017; 123:36-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
17
|
Fonollosa E, Peñalver A, Borrull F, Aguilar C. Radon in spring waters in the south of Catalonia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 151 Pt 1:275-281. [PMID: 26551586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Spring waters in the south of Catalonia were analysed to determine the (222)Rn activity in order to be able to establish a correlation between the obtained values with the geology of the area of origin of these samples, and also estimate the potential health risks associated with (222)Rn. Most of the analysed samples (90%) show (222)Rn activities lower than 100Bq/L (exposure limit in water recommended by the World Health Organisation and EU directive 2013/51/EURATOM). However, in some cases, the activity values found for this isotope exceeded those levels and this can be attributed to the geology of the area where the spring waters are located, which is predominantly of granitic characteristics. To verify the origin of the radon present in the analysed samples, the obtained activity values were compared with the activities of its parents ((226)Ra, (238)U and (234)U). Finally, we have calculated the annual effective dose from all the radionuclides measured in spring water samples. The results showed that the higher contribution due to spring water ingestion come from (222)Rn and (226)Ra. The resulting contribution to the annual effective dose due to radon ingestion varies between 10.2 and 765.8 μSv/y, and the total annual effective dose due to his parents, (226)Ra, (234)U and (238)U varies between 0.8 and 21.2 μSv/y so the consumption of these waters does not involve any risks to population due to its natural radioactivity content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Fonollosa
- Departament de Química Analítica i Química Orgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unitat de, Radioquímica Ambiental i Sanitaria (URAIS), Consorci d'Aigües de Tarragona (CAT), Carretera Nacional, 340. Km 1094, 43895 L'Ampolla, Tarragona, Spain
| | - A Peñalver
- Departament de Química Analítica i Química Orgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unitat de, Radioquímica Ambiental i Sanitaria (URAIS), Consorci d'Aigües de Tarragona (CAT), Carretera Nacional, 340. Km 1094, 43895 L'Ampolla, Tarragona, Spain
| | - F Borrull
- Departament de Química Analítica i Química Orgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unitat de, Radioquímica Ambiental i Sanitaria (URAIS), Consorci d'Aigües de Tarragona (CAT), Carretera Nacional, 340. Km 1094, 43895 L'Ampolla, Tarragona, Spain.
| | - C Aguilar
- Departament de Química Analítica i Química Orgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unitat de, Radioquímica Ambiental i Sanitaria (URAIS), Consorci d'Aigües de Tarragona (CAT), Carretera Nacional, 340. Km 1094, 43895 L'Ampolla, Tarragona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Moreno V, Bach J, Font L, Baixeras C, Zarroca M, Linares R, Roqué C. Soil radon dynamics in the Amer fault zone: An example of very high seasonal variations. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 151 Pt 1:293-303. [PMID: 26551588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Soil radon levels of the Amer fault zone have been measured for a 4 year-period with the aim of checking seasonal fluctuations obtained in previous studies and to understand radon origin and dynamics. In this manuscript additional results are presented: updated continuous and integrated soil radon measurements, radionuclide content of soil materials and a detailed analysis of an urban profile by means of the electrical resistivity imaging technique and punctual soil radon, thoron and CO2 measurements. Integrated and continuous measurements present a wide range of values, [0.2-151.6] kBq m(-3) for radon, [4.5-39.6] kBq m(-3) for thoron and [4.0-71.2] g m(-2) day(-1) for CO2. The highest soil radon levels in the vicinity of the Amer fault (>40 kBq m(-3)) are found close to the fractured areas and present very important fluctuations repeated every year, with values in summer much higher than in winter, confirming previous studies. The highest radon values, up to 150 kBq m(-3), do not have a local origin because the mean value of radium concentration in this soil (19 ± 5 Bq kg(-1)) could not explain these values. Then soil radon migration through the fractures, influenced by atmospheric parameters, is assumed to account for such a high seasonal fluctuation. As main conclusion, in fractured areas, seasonal variations of soil radon concentration can be very important even in places where average soil radon concentration and radium content are not especially high. In these cases the migration capability of the soil is given not by intrinsic permeability but by the fracture structure. Potential risk estimation based on soil radon concentration and intrinsic permeability must be complemented with geological information in fractured systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Moreno
- Unitat de Física de les Radiacions, Departament de Física, Edifici Cc, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J Bach
- Unitat de Geodinàmica Externa i d'Hidrogeologia, Departament de Geologia, Edifici Cs, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ll Font
- Unitat de Física de les Radiacions, Departament de Física, Edifici Cc, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Baixeras
- Unitat de Física de les Radiacions, Departament de Física, Edifici Cc, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Zarroca
- Unitat de Geodinàmica Externa i d'Hidrogeologia, Departament de Geologia, Edifici Cs, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Linares
- Unitat de Geodinàmica Externa i d'Hidrogeologia, Departament de Geologia, Edifici Cs, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Roqué
- Geodinàmica Externa, Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, 17071 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Martín Sánchez A, Ruano Sánchez AB, de la Torre Pérez J, Jurado Vargas M. Radon in underground waters as a natural analogue to study the escape of CO2 in geological repositories. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2015; 167:143-146. [PMID: 25920780 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Activity concentrations of dissolved (222)Rn and (226)Ra were measured in several underground aquifers, which are candidates for repositories or for the study of analogue natural escapes of CO2. The concentration of both radionuclides in water was determined using liquid scintillation counting. The values obtained for the (222)Rn concentrations varied from 0 to 150 Bq l(-1), while the levels of (226)Ra were in general very low. This indicates that (222)Rn is coming from the decay of the undissolved (226)Ra existing in the rocks and deep layers of the aquifers, being later transported by diffusion in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Martín Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
| | - A B Ruano Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
| | | | - M Jurado Vargas
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|