Radon concentration in spring water as an indicator of seismic activity: a case study of the Muzaffarabad Fault in Pakistan.

Abstract

Radon and its progenies found in water indicate the existence of seismically active faults in the region. However, exposure to high levels of radon can also result in radiation-related health risks. This study focuses on radon-based active tectonic studies along the Muzaffarabad Fault in the core of the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS), NW Himalayas, Pakistan. In this study, spring water samples were collected along roadside of Jhelum Valley and in close proximity to the Muzaffarabad Fault in Pakistan using Radon Thoron Monitor (RTM1688-2). The results of the study showed that the radon concentrations in the water samples ranged from 1.895 to 17.097 Bq/l. The study found that the highest radon concentration was observed in the samples collected closest to the fault, while the lowest concentration was observed in the samples collected further away. The statistical analysis between the radon concentration and the distance from the fault showed a strong inverse relationship (R2=0.73). The study also found that 68% of the sampling sites had radon concentrations that exceeded the maximum contamination level (MCL) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The higher radon concentrations in the springs water suggest the probability of earthquake, which in turn poses potential health risks for the local population. The findings suggest that the measurement of radon concentration in water can be used as a tool for identifying seismically active faults in the region.