Radon Concentration In Groundwater Research Articles

Dose assessment from exposure to uranium and radon in groundwater in Safi province, Morocco

ABSTRACT In this study we evaluate the uranium and radon concentrations in groundwater from the Province of Safi. The samples were collected from 58 wells across five communes and analyzed using the LR-115 type II detector. Results indicate that uranium concentrations ranged from the Limit of Detection (LLD) to 3.73 µg/l, with a mean of 0.72 µg/l, well below the World Health Organization’s safe limit of 30 µg/l. Radon levels varied from LLD to 2.39 Bq/l, with an average of 0.60 Bq/l, also below the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s limit of 11 Bq/l. The estimated total annual effective dose due to uranium and radon ranged from 3.47 to 18.84 µSv/y, with an average of 7.54 µSv/y, which is significantly lower than the European Commission’s recommended limit of 100 µSv/y. This investigation represents the first study of uranium and radon levels in groundwater in the Province of Safi, providing valuable data for future research and public health.

Assessment of contamination level of radon (222Rn) in drinking water around Tulsishyam geothermal area and Savarkundla fault in Saurashtra, India.

This study aimed to estimate radon concentrations in groundwater and surface water to evaluate radon (222Rn) contamination in drinking water within the Amreli region of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. Water samples from 84 sites, covering about 3000km2, were analyzed using the RAD7 device from Durridge Instruments. Samples were collected in 250ml radon-tight bottles. Radon concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 13.6Bq/L, averaging 4.52Bq/L. At three sites (P9, P29, P35), radon levels exceeded the USEPA limit of 11.1Bq/L. P9 and P29 are near the Tulsishyam geothermal area, while P35 is close to the Savarkundla fault. Geothermal fluids in Tulsishyam may facilitate radon migration, and swarm-type earthquakes near Savarkundla could also contribute to radon migration. Concurrently, physicochemical parameters like Potential of Hydrogen (pH) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) were measured, with no significant correlation found between radon levels and these parameters. Samples were taken from tube wells with depths ranging from 105 to 750 feet, averaging 359 feet. A strong and significant correlation (0.83) was observed between radon concentration and water depth. Health risks from radon exposure were assessed by estimating annual effective dose rates for different age groups through ingestion and inhalation. In some instances, the annual effective dose rate surpassed the WHO-recommended value of 100µSv/year. However, in most instances, the presence of radon in the water does not indicate a significant radiological risk.

Radiological assessment of radon in groundwater of the northernmost Kashmir Basin, northwestern Himalaya.

This study investigates the radon concentration in groundwater in Kupwara, the northernmost district of the Kashmir valley. It further assesses the annual effective dose experienced by the district's diverse population-infants, children, and adults-attributable to both inhalation of airborne radon released from drinking water and direct ingestion. In addition to this, the calculation of gamma dose rate is also carried out at each of the sampling site of radon. A portable radon-thoron monitor and a portable gamma radiation detector were respectively employed to estimate the activity concentration of radon in water samples and to measure the gamma dose rate. The radon concentration was found to exhibit variability from a minimum of 2.9BqL-1 to a maximum of 197.2BqL-1, with a mean of 26.3 BqL-1 and a standard deviation of 23.3BqL-1. From a total of 85 samples, 10.6% of the samples had radon activity concentrations exceeding the permissible limits of 40BqL-1 set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic Radiations as reported by UNSCEAR (Sources and effects of ionizing radiation, 2008) and only 1.2% of the samples have radon activity concentration exceeding the permissible limits of 100BqL-1 set by the World Health Organization as reported by WHO (WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2008). The mean of the annual effective dose due to inhalation for all age groups as well as the annual ingestion dose for infants and children, surpasses the World Health Organization's limit of 100μSvy-1 as reported by WHO (WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2008). The observed gamma radiation dose rate in the vicinity of groundwater radon sites ranged from a minimum of 138nSvh-1 to a maximum of 250nSvh-1. The data indicated no significant correlation between the dose rate of gamma radiation and the radon levels in the groundwater. Radon concentration of potable water in the study area presents a non-negligible exposure pathway for residents. Therefore, the judicious application of established radon mitigation techniques is pivotal to minimize public health vulnerabilities.

Estimation of radon concentration in groundwater in the mining zone of Haryana, India, for lungs and stomach annual effective dose.

The groundwater is being used for drinking and irrigation purposes in vast swathes of the Aravalli Mountain range. Since the radioisotope presence in groundwater is affected by the local mining processes, the radiation monitoring in groundwater of mining regions is of paramount importance. In the present work, we have estimated the 222Rn presence in the mining region of Aravalli in the southern part of Haryana. We measured the Radon concentration in 51 water samples from the intended area using the RAD7 alpha detector. The measured radon concentration in some of the water samples collected from the vicinity of the mining zone is higher than that of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation recommended value. Furthermore, we have estimated the annual effective doses for the lungs and stomach contributed by ingestion and inhalation. Though the calculated dose values in collected samples are not in the critical range, further monitoring of background radiation in the Aravalli region is required.

Assessment of Radon Concentration in Groundwater with Associated Human-Health Implications around Bagwai and Shanono Artisan Gold Mining Site Kano State, Northwestern Nigeria

Assessment of Radon Concentration in Groundwater with Associated Human-Health Implications around Bagwai and Shanono Artisan Gold Mining Site Kano State, Northwestern Nigeria

Investigation of the relationship between the decline in well waters radon anomalies and the earthquake magnitude (Mw)

Afyonkarahisar and its surroundings are in the middle of the Akşehir-Simav Fault System. Before the earthquakes in the region, radon anomalies were observed in some well waters. Linear equations between radon minima and earthquake magnitudes (Mw) were obtained, and correlation coefficients (R2) were calculated. The correlation coefficient (R2) values of the wells from 1 to 6 were obtained as 0.93, 0.83, 0.82, 0.97, 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. Good correlations (high R2 values) were obtained between the radon minimum and the earthquake magnitude (Mw) in 6 wells. The precursory minimum observed at the radon concentration in groundwater decreased as the earthquake's magnitude increased.

Evaluation of the groundwater radon concentration in the Al Jahra Governorate, Kuwait

The importance of groundwater as a necessary and vital water supply has been increasing worldwide. With the overpopulation and improving living standards in the Al Jahra Governorate, Kuwait, the demand for these products has risen quickly in recent years. Significant activity has recently emerged in relation to the inherent radon concentration in water. Fifteen groundwater samples from various locations in the Al Jahra Governorate region of Kuwait were tested for radon (Rn-222) concentrations using a RAD 7 device, which is an electronic radon detector linked to a RAD 7- H2O accessory. The obtained concentrations of Rn-222 in the ground water samples examined in our investigation ranged from 3.51 Bq.l−1 to 19.35 Bq.l−1, with a mean of 9.01 Bq.l−1. The dose of Rn-222 to the stomach caused by drinking water varied from 6.76 to 37.24 μSv/y (average: 17.35 μSv/y), and the Rn-222 dose to the lungs varied from 8.85 to 48.75 μSv/y. (average: 22.71 μSv/y). The range of the total yearly effective dosage, with a mean of 40.06 μSv/y, was 15.62–85.99 μSv/y. The annual effective dose (AED) due to intake corresponded to the concentration of one Bq. l−1 was 4.445 μSv/y. The results of the present study showed that the AED concentrations of Rn-222 in many of the groundwater samples collected from around the Al Jahra Governorate were less than the actionable thresholds advised by the USEPA, UNSCEAR, the EU Council, and the WHO (0.1 mSv/y).

Investigating Radon Concentration in Groundwater and Seawater in the Eastern Coast of India

Investigating Radon Concentration in Groundwater and Seawater in the Eastern Coast of India

Advance application of liquid scintillation counter to estimate radon concentration in groundwater

Advance application of liquid scintillation counter to estimate radon concentration in groundwater

Determination of the radiation dose from radon ingestion and inhalation in different types of drinking water samples collected from Bethlehem province –Palestine

The objective of this study is to investigate the levels of radon gas and increase public awareness of its hazards to health in Bethlehem governorate- Palestine. The concentrations of radon-222 and radium- 226 in 79 different types of water samples were measured. The average values of radon and radium concentrations in tap water, rainwater, groundwater, and mineral water samples were 0.93 Bq/ℓ and 45.5 Bq/kg, 1.01 Bq/ℓ and 49.3 Bq/kg, 1.21 Bq/ℓ and 59.3 Bq/kg, and 0.60 Bq/ℓ and 29.2 Bq/kg, respectively. All the measured radon concentrations in the collected samples were within the limit of 11 Bq/ℓ established by UNSCEAR in 1982. The annual effective doses for ingestion and inhalation due to radon in water were calculated for adults, children, and infants using parameters introduced by UNSCEAR in 2000. The results show that there is no significant risk to public health from radon inhalation or ingestion through drinking water in the study region.

Toxicity of Radon-222 in Groundwater across Keana in Nasarawa, Nigeria

The most common supply of freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and other domestic uses is groundwater; however, because of increased radon concentrations brought on by mining activities, its quality is still a severe concern. Using a liquid scintillation detector, this study investigated the radon content, its related toxicity, and its risk to human health in the groundwater of the Keana in Nasarawa, Nigeria. Ten (10) borehole samples and five (5) well samples totaling fifteen (15) groundwater samples were taken. The results showed that the average radon concentration in water samples from Keana was 2.25 Bq/L. The mean annual effective dosage (ingestion) for adults and children in Keana was 0.016 mSv/y and 0.027 mSv/y, respectively. In Keana, the additional lifetime cancer risk per adult was 5.65 × 10–5, and per child, it was 8.79 × 10–5. The study’s radon concentration was lower than the benchmark of 11.1 Bq/L established in 1991 by the Nigerian Standard Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The results of this study indicate that the level of radon is safe; as a result, people can continue farming and other activities. To reduce the risk of cancer, however, more research could be done in the area. Further research should be done by looking at additional sources in the study area in order to cover the entire zone. Further investigation should be carried out both during the dry and wet seasons because radon concentrations in groundwater alter over time due to dilution by recharge from rainfall.

Determination of Radon Concentration in Groundwater of Areekode Region, Kerala, India - A Case Study

Abstract The primary factors in the radiation exposure received by the human population from soil and water are natural radioactivity, uranium isotopes, and thorium isotopes. High levels of nuclear radiation exposure are now one of the leading causes of cancer. Radon and its offspring in the biosphere have long been the topic of research. Various experts from all over the world have undertaken several investigations on the quantity of radon in surface and groundwater supplies. An attempt was made to measure the levels of radon in groundwater in and around Areekode using a smart radon monitor (SRM) developed by the Baba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai. Groundwater/Bore well water in this region had 222Rn in concentrations ranging from 0.37±0.03Bq/L to 3.53±0.10Bq/L. The environmental protection agency’s allowable limit of 11.1 kBq/m3 was met by all of the samples.

Analysis of radon concentration in ground water and estimation of associated health risks in Purulia Municipality, West Bengal, India

Analysis of radon concentration in ground water and estimation of associated health risks in Purulia Municipality, West Bengal, India

Hydrogeological environments and radon activities of saline geothermal hot spring sites located along eastern and western coastlines of southern Thailand

Hydrogeological settings and natural radionuclides of saline geothermal fields along the coastlines of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand are currently not fully understood. Six saline geothermal springs have been discovered in Surat Thani Province (Southern Thailand's east coast); SR2, SR3, and SR7 sites; Krabi Province (Southern Thailand's west coast); KB2, KB3, and KB4 sites. Based on total dissolved solid contents, we divided the saline geothermal springs into three categories: a) slightly saline geothermal spring had only SR7 (1828 mg/L), b) moderately saline geothermal spring consisted of SR2 (10,196 mg/L) and KB3 (3448 mg/L), and c) very saline geothermal spring comprised SR3 (11,856 mg/L), KB2 (17,014 mg/L) and KB4 (18,070 mg/L). The major ions in the saline geothermal groundwater represent decreasing trends with the distance from the coastline. Stable isotope signatures (δ18O and δ2H) relative to the VSMOW plotted in comparison with the global meteoric water line and local meteoric water line are presumably of meteoric origin and influenced by seawater/brackish water. However, the SR7 and KB3 sites indicated that the isotopic signatures were mainly recharged by rainwater. Significantly, the Na-K-Ca-Mg geothermometer can reasonably estimate the reservoir temperatures for the five saline geothermal springs to be in the range of 120 °C (KB3) to 169 °C (SR2). While the SR7, the silica-quartz geothermometer is proposed of approximately 115 °C. However, the silica-chalcedony and other cation geothermometers fail to estimate suitable reservoir temperatures. On the other hand, the radon concentrations in the saline geothermal groundwater along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea were assessed by RAD7-H2O, which varied from 18.64 ± 0.96 kBq/m3 (KB2; Andaman Sea side) to 8507.48 ± 1.06 kBq/m3 (SR7; Gulf of Thailand side). A comparison of radon activity with the saltwater intrusion showed that the saline geothermal groundwater on the Gulf of Thailand side had higher levels than that at the Andaman Sea side. The deposition of Quaternary sediments combined with significant saltwater inflow enriched with radon resulted from the decay of uranium from both non-marine and coastal deposits related to granitic mountain weathering along the Gulf of Thailand. Radon concentrations in the geothermal groundwater were highly influenced by the local geological environment and coastal sediments.

Radon concentration in groundwater of north-eastern Sicily (Italy)

This paper presents analyses of 222Rn activity concentration performed on groundwater samples collected from wells and natural springs in 70 different sites of the crystalline area of north-eastern Sicily (southern Italy), up to now poorly studied. Alpha spectroscopy of the short-lived radon progeny was used to measure the 222Rn activity concentration by means of the Durridge RAD7 + H2O setup. Radon concentrations were derived to be in the range of 1.6–57.5 Bq L-1. The higher values were detected along fluvial valleys and in the crystalline reliefs, whereas aquifers hosted in the alluvial plains show lower radon concentrations. The annual effective dose due to intake of radon by ingestion ranges from 4 to 146.8 μSv y-1. The average value (56.5 μSv y-1) is below the recommended limit of 100 μSv y-1 proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, all the measured radon values are lower than the reference level of 100 Bq L-1 set by the Italian legislative decree 28/2016 and by the European Directive 2013/51/Euratom. Therefore, all sampling sites are fully compliant with the legislative requirements in terms of radon levels. Moreover, results show that the radon levels measured in groundwater from north-eastern Sicily are similar to those determined for the adjacent area of southern Calabria, promoting the assumption of a uniform radon signature in the crystalline domain of southern Italy. However, further studies are needed to define better the role of tectonic activity on the content of dissolved radon in groundwater.

Application of the extreme gradient boosting method to quantitatively analyze the mechanism of radon anomalous change in Banglazhang hot spring before the Lijiang Mw 7.0 earthquake

Radon concentration in groundwater is affected by meteorological and seismo-tectonic factors and is sensitive indicators of crustal stress. While previous studies have focused on the mechanisms of periodic and precursory radon anomalies, few have quantitatively assessed their influences, and compared their rates of change under normal and earthquake conditions. This study constructs four models to analyze the mechanisms of radon variation under natural and seismic conditions using the Extreme Gradient Boosting method: 1) the multi-year dynamic variation model, 2) the maximal radon concentration model, 3) the minimum radon concentration model, and 4) the precursory anomaly model. The feature relative importance of external factors influencing radon concentration in groundwater are estimated. The optimized extreme gradient boosting model estimated the feature importance of spring discharge (SD), water temperature (WT), precipitation (P), barometric pressure (BP), and antecedent radon (AR) to be 23.79%, 22.16%, 9.81%, 18.8% and 25.44%, respectively. Thus, SD is the most important influence on radon variation under normal conditions. For radon variation during the earthquake preparation period, the feature relative importance indicates significant changes in WT (increasing from 22.16% to 27.70%) and SD (decreasing from 23.79% to 17.99%). Although WT was the most important predictor in the precursory anomaly model, its effect on radon solubility is insufficient to explain the radon anomalies prior to the Lijiang Mw 7.0 earthquake. Analysis of the precursory mechanisms of these radon anomalies in terms of SD, WT, P, BP, and radon emanation found that radon anomalies are most likely caused by increases in radon emanation due to the earthquake-induced formation of microfractures in rock.

Radon concentration in groundwater, its relation with geological structure and some physicochemical parameters of Zarand in Iran

In the present investigation, the groundwater in Zarand region was analyzed to determine radon gas concentration and its relationship with geological structure and physicochemical parameters of the groundwater. Based on the results of experimental measurements for 48 groundwater samples taken from agricultural deep wells using the RAD7 electronic detector, it was shown that 48% of the samples had radon concentrations above 11BqL−1 level. In fact, the measured values for radon gas concentrations ranged between 4.667 ± 2.077 and 31.550 ± 4.912 BqL−1. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the radon gas concentrations in the groundwater with the distance of wells from the fault, electrical conductivity and PH of water (p < 0.05). However, no relationship between the radon gas concentration and water temperature of the selected samples was observed (p > 0.05).

Study of Water Relative Permeability in Fractures Using Well Tests and Radon: Gas Bubbles Effect.

Few published data are available for two-phase flow in fractures from field studies. All measurements of relative permeability reported in the literature were done in laboratory-scale. The in situ water saturations are normally not known for multiphase flow in natural fractures; therefore, the direct measurements of relative permeability are difficult in field-scale. With the help of a case study before and after the 2008 Mw 5.4 Antung earthquake, groundwater radon was used as a tracer to determine the gas and water saturations in a small naturally fractured aquifer. Well tests were also conducted to estimate aquifer transmissivity before and after the 2008 Antung earthquake. Anomalous declines in both groundwater radon concentration and transmissivity were observed precursory to the 2008 Antung earthquake. Both declines are two precursory phenomena having a common effect of gas bubbles. Using the data from well tests and radon tracer, one data point of water relative permeability can be obtained for in situ fractures. This data point reveals strong phase interference between water and gas bubbles for multiphase flow in natural fractures. Both the data of well tests and radon tracer are essential to gain an improved understanding of mass transfer behavior of groundwater-dissolved gases between water and gas phases.

Spatial distribution of radon concentrations in groundwater and annual exposure doses in Mirpur District Pakistan

Radon (222Rn) is a readily water-soluble naturally occurring carcinogenic gas and poses serious threats to a humans’ health. This study aimed to investigate 222Rn concentration in groundwater and associated health risks. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n = 36) were collected from the Mirpur District (3 towns: Jatlan, Mirpur, and Dadyal), Pakistan. The concentration of 222Rn in groundwater samples was measured by the RAD7 (Durridge Company, USA). Results showed that the average 222Rn concentrations in groundwater were 5.99 ± 1.41, 5.39 ± 0.89, and 13.6 ± 3.33 Bq/l of Jatlan, Dadyal, and Mirpur, respectively. These results revealed that mean concentrations of 222Rn were found within the maximum threshold limits (MCL, 11.1 Bq/l) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), however, that of Mirpur surpassed these limits. The concentrations of 222Rn in Mirpur District were evaluated for the annual effective doses (EwTotal). Results revealed that mean EwTotal values of the three studied sites in Mirpur District were found lower than the threshold limit (100 μSv/a), except 6% of sampling sites in the Mirpur. Higher EwTotal values than the WHO threshold limit in the Mirpur could pose threat to human health. The estimated lifetime cancer risk showed higher values along with the Mirpur of the study area. Therefore, this study recommends that water in the Mirpur area should be aerated or heated before consumption to avoid 222Rn impact on human health.

Pilot groundwater radon mapping and the assessment of health risk from heavy metals in drinking water of southwest, Nigeria

Radon and heavy metals are sources of groundwater pollution and are identified as potential carcinogens. Southwest Nigeria's populace mostly relies on groundwater source for drinking. This study aims to map radon distribution in groundwater of southwest Nigeria and to determine the health risk of radon and heavy metal in drinking water. Radon concentrations of 145 groundwater samples were measured using RAD7 electronic radon detector and heavy metal concentrations of 52 groundwater samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Radon concentration distributions were delineated using geographical information system. Radon concentration of water samples ranges between 1.6 Bq l−1 and 271 Bq l−1 with an average value of 35.9 ± 38.4 Bq l−1. The average groundwater radon concentration is higher than US-EPA recommended level of 11.1 Bq l−1 but lower than the WHO recommended limit of 100 Bq l−1. The estimated average annual effective radiation doses to infants, children, and adults are 29 μSvy−1, 41 μSvy−1 and 92 μSvy−1 respectively. The radon distribution map of the study area reveals regions of high, medium, and low groundwater radon concentrations. The average concentration values of heavy metals in groundwater samples are of the order Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd. 84% of groundwater exhibits good to excellent quality in terms of heavy metal pollution. However, about 16% of the samples which lie in the sedimentary regions of Ogun and Lagos States exhibit poor to very poor quality. Overall, ingestion of groundwater in the study area may not pose a serious health hazards from radon ingestion and heavy metal toxicity.