Simulation of alpha particle emitted by 222Rn from natural spring water in Puebla, México

Abstract

A computational simulation of alpha-particle expansion, emitted by 222Rn naturally diluted in the water of a spring located in the state of Puebla Mexico, is presented. This simulation provided information on the volume of expansion of the alpha particles in the vicinity of the spring and thus awareness if there was a radiological risk for the users or the population that lived near to it. Before performing the simulation, several measurements were made to water samples with a dynamic measurement system. This in order to know the level of radon concentration and compare the results obtained with the levels recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, to know if there was a radiological risk due to the presence of gamma emitting radionuclides, complementary water analyses were carried out using gamma-ray spectrometry techniques. The simulation was developed using the scientific software of particle interaction with matter, Geant4. The different variables declared for the software parameters are presented in this document. The results of the radon measurements in the water and the computational simulation, determined that there was no radiological risk due to alpha radiation. Furthermore, the results from the gamma-ray spectrometer showed that there was no presence of other hazardous radionuclides in the water.