222Rn and its relation with meteorological conditions and gaseous pollutants in the outdoor environment of Qena City South of Egypt

Abstract

In the outdoor environment of Qena city, located in southern Egypt, 222Rn concentrations were continuously measured from January 2015 to December 2015 using Alpha-Guard radon monitor, PQ 2000 PRO. Meteorological parameters (air temperature AT, relative humidity RH, and evaporation rate EV) and gaseous pollutants [ozone O3, nitrogen oxide NOx, and particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10)] data for the same period were collected from the meteorological station. This work aims to study the potential relationships between 222Rn and each of the meteorological parameters and gaseous pollutants. According to observational data, the yearly average concentrations of 222Rn were 19.35 ± 1.58 Bq/m3, 31.68 ± 1.97 µg/m3 for O3, 9.97 ± 2.27 µg/m3 for NOx, and 109.95 ± 6.48 µg/m3 for PM10. The concentration of 222Rn is positively correlated with relative humidity, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, whereas it is negatively correlated with air temperature, evaporation rate, and ozone. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed various distribution patterns for 222Rn, meteorological parameters, and gaseous pollutants.