Concentration of radon and physicochemical parameters in hot spring water, Jordan

Abstract

ABSTRACT Inhaling radon gas that is released from hot spring water into the air can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. This study investigated the relationship between radon activity concentration and physicochemical parameters in hot springs across various regions in Jordan. The hot springs included Shounah Al-Shamalyah, Abu Dhablah, Hammamat Ma’in, Hammamat Zara, and Jordanian Hamma. The concentration of dissolved radon (222-Rn) in the water samples was determined using CR-39 detectors. Additionally, the physicochemical parameters of the hot springs, such as pH, temperature, conductivity, and salinity, were measured using a Portable Multi-Parameter Metre. The study utilised the multiple regression method to explore the influence of physicochemical parameters and geographical location on radon gas in hot spring water. The average radon concentration was found to be 4.53 ± 0.75 Bq/l, with the highest concentration observed in Ma’in (average of 4.89 ± 0.33 Bq/l) and the lowest concentration in Jordanian Hamma well no.9 (average of 4.29 ± 1.49 Bq/l). The results of the regression analysis conducted at a 95% confidence level revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between radon activity concentration and the physicochemical parameters: pH, temperature, conductivity, and salinity. The annual effective doses from radon in water due to its inhalation were also estimated. The annual effective doses range from 10 to 12 µSv y − 1 for inhalation of radon released from the water.