Radon Concentration In Water Research Articles

Estimation of underground water radon danger in Bakreswar and Tantloi Geothermal Region, India

The main aim of the study is to present an evaluation of radon concentration in underground water of Bakreswar and Tantloi geothermal region which is mainly used for drinking purposes of the local people. Water samples were collected from tube-wells at 173 different locations. The radon (222Rn) concentration level was observed to fluctuate widely between 3.3 and 803.8 Bq/l with an average of 106.8 Bq/l. Nearly 42% of the samples had radon concentration above the safe limit of 100 Bq/l recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Union Commission (EU). Considering the WHO and International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended water consumption rate for adults (730 l/year) the corresponding total annual effective dose of the samples were estimated to assess the probable health risk. Total annual effective dose of the samples were varied between 16.72 and 4079.47 µSv/year with an average value of 541.92 µSv/year. About 95% samples exceed the WHO and EU Commission proposed safe limit of 100 µSv/year.

Hydrological Changes Induced by Distant Earthquakes at the Lujiang Well in Anhui, China

The Lujiang well, a 63 °C artesian well, recorded sustained hydrological changes following the 1999 Chi–Chi M w 7.6, the 2008 Wenchuan M w 7.9, and the 2011 Tohoku M w 9.0 earthquakes, including rises in the water radon concentration, water pressure, discharge and water level, and drops in the water temperature. These hydrological changes are synchronous and have similar amplitudes. The permeability inferred through the tidal response of water level showed insignificant change after the three earthquakes. We attribute the observed hydrological changes to the increase in the vertical recharge on the basis that the water radon concentration of the Lujiang well increased following the increase of recharge to the well; significant vertical flow exists in the well-aquifer system; the well has a lower water radon concentration and a higher water temperature than its adjacent wells with different aquifers.

Assessment of radon concentration and heavy metal contamination in groundwater of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Radon concentration was measured in water samples of 41 different locations from Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir, India, by using RAD7 and Smart RnDuo monitor. The variation of radon concentration in water ranged from 1.44±0.31 to 63.64±2.88 BqL-1, with a mean value of 28.73 BqL-1 using RAD7 and 0.64±0.28 to 52.65±2.50 BqL-1, with a mean value of 20.30 BqL-1 using Smart RnDuo monitor, respectively. About 17.07% of the studied water samples recorded to display elevated radon concentration above the reference range suggested by United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations (UNSCEAR). The mean annual effective dose of these samples was determined, and 78.95% samples were found to be within the safe limits set by World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Council (EU). The study revealed good agreement between the values obtained with two methods. Heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, As, Hg, Co, Pb and Cr) were determined in water samples by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer, and their correlation with radon content was also analysed.

Concentration of radon and physicochemical parameters in ground water around Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka State, India

Concentration of radon and physicochemical parameters present in ground water collected from 65 bore wells of 30 different locations around Kolar Gold Fields, Kolar District, India are estimated by emanometry technique and chemical analysis. Activity of radium present in rock samples of the study area using HPGe detector are presented and discussed in the manuscript. The average radon concentration in the collected water samples are ranged from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 122.9 ± 2.1 Bq l−1 with an average value of 46.9 ± 1.7 Bq l−1. Average value of activity concentration of radium is found to be 29.1 Bq kg−1.

RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED THERMAL WATERS IN SLOVAKIA

Radon concentration in thermal waters used in selected spas and aqua parks in Slovakia was investigated. In total, 23 thermal water sources were monitored. Measured radon levels varied in a large interval, from 4.1 to 488 Bq l-1. High radon activity (180 Bq l-1) was also found in thermal potable water in fountains used by the patients and the public.

Studies on radon concentration in drinking water around Hemavathi river basin, Karnataka State, India

Concentrations of radon in drinking water collected from 32 locations of Hemavathi river basin, Karnataka, India have been measured by emanometry method. The radon concentration in water ranged from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 138.5 ± 1.5 Bq l−1 with a geometrical mean of 25.3 ± 1.1 Bq l−1. The study revealed that about 82.35% of drinking water samples contained radon concentration more than 11.1 Bq l−1, the limit is fixed by Environmental Protection Agency. Among the different parameters measured, concentration of radon showed weak correlation with chloride and no correlation with alkalinity, pH, nitrate, sulphate, fluoride and total dissolved substance.

RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN UNDERGROUND DRINKING WATER IN PARTS OF CITIES, CHINA.

222Rn concentrations in underground drinking water samples in 12 cities from seven provinces (municipalities), China were determined by using a continuous radon monitor with air-water exchanger. A total of 73 underground water samples were collected. The observed radon levels were in a range of 1.0-63.8 Bq l-1, with a mean of 11.8 Bq l-1. The annual effective dose from inhalation of water-borne radon for average radon content in underground water was 72.6 μSv and for maximal observed radon concentration in underground water the corresponding dose was 393.8 μSv. The dose contribution of inhalation dose from water-borne radon should be paid attention in some granitic area.

Radon Content in Bottled Water of Kurdistan Region using Active and Passive Methods

In this research, radon activity concentrations in the available types of bottled drinking water samples were available in Iraqi Kurdistan region markets were measured by using passive (CR-39 SSNTDs) and active (Durridge RAD-7-H 2 O with a closed loop) methods. Radon concentration in bottled water ranged from (0.050 to 0.585) Bq/l for CR-39 with a mean value (0.143) Bq/l and ranged from (0.030 to 0.213) Bq/l for RAD7 with a mean value (0.074) Bq/l. The values of activity concentration were below the Maximum contamination level (MCL) suggested by USA-EPA which is (11.1) Bq/l. The rate of total annual effective dose for human drinking this water is also determined. The results indicate that the total annual effective doses were lower than the MCL of 0.1mSv/y proposed by (WHO, 2004) for intake of radionuclide in drinking water. The Cancer risk and lifetime heredity levels were also calculated and the mean value was very low compared to the acceptable limit of 1.0x10 -3

Investigation of radon level in air and tap water of workplaces at Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Thailand

Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT) has continuously monitored radiation exposure and radionuclide in workplaces specifically radon gas to estimate effective dose for workers. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the world. In this study, radon in air and tap water at building no. 3, 7, 8, 9 and 18 on Ongkharak site of TINT have been measured for 5 years from 2012 to 2016. Radon level in air and tap water were investigated on 83 stations (workplaces) and 54 samples, respectively. Radon concentrations in air and tap water were measured by using the pulsed ionization chamber (ATMOS 12 DPX). Indoor radon concentrations in air were in the range of 12-138 Bq.m-3 with an average value of 30.13±17.05 Bq.m-3. Radon concentrations in tap water were in the range of 0.10 to 2.89 Bq.l-1 with an average value of 0.51±0.55 Bq.l-1. The results of radon concentrations at TINT were below the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) safety limit of 148 Bq.m-3 and 150 Bq.l-1, for, air and tap water, respectively. The average effective dose for TINT’s workers due to indoor radon exposure was approximately 0.20±0.11 mSv.y-1. The value is 100 times less than the annual dose limit for limit occupational radiation worker defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). As a result, the TINT’s workplaces are radiologically safe from radon content in air and tap water.

Measurement of uranium and radon concentration in drinking water samples and assessment of ingestion dose to local population in Jalandhar district of Punjab, India

A study was conducted to assess the concentration of uranium and dissolved radon in drinking water samples collected from Jalandhar district of Punjab, India. The samples were analysed for dissolved radon using scintillation cell method. Laser fluorimetry was used for measurement of uranium concentration. Correlation analysis of radon and uranium concentrations and salinity and total dissolved solids with uranium was carried out. The uranium concentration in water samples varied from a minimum value of 1.53 ± 0.06 mg m−3 to 50.2 ± 0.08 mg m−3 with a geometric mean value of 14.85 mg m−3. The radon concentration in water varied from a minimum value of 0.34 ± 0.07 kBq m−3 to a maximum value of 3.84 ± 0.48 kBq m−3 with a geometric mean value of 1.46 kBq m−3. Ingestion dose to local population, due to radon and uranium in drinking water, for different age categories, was computed and results are being reported in this paper.

Radon Concentrations in Tap and Ground Water in Kirkuk Governorate Using Active Detecting Method RAD7

Radon gas represents, one of the significant natural sources of public radioactive exposure. Monitoring it's concentrations in air, water and soil is of great importance. In the present work, radon concentrations and Annual Effective Dose in tap and ground water have been investigated at Kirkuk governorate. Fifteen tap water samples along with (fifteen) ground water samples have been taken from (fifteen) different areas at Kirkuk governorate. The electronic radon detector RAD7, has been used thought the research. For tap water, the highest, lowest and average concentration was (2.740 Bq.l-1), (0.0359 Bq.l-1) and (0.33104 Bq.l-1) respectively. The annual effective dose to an individual consumer was (1.501 mSv.y-1). For ground water, the highest, lowest and average concentration was (5.630 Bq.l-1), (0.108 Bq.l-1) and (2.316 Bq.l-1) respectively. The annual effective dose for individual consumer was (10.136 mSv.y-1). This result is expected since, underground is directly in contact with the soil and rock layer which are the source of radon parents. After storing the samples for one month radon concentration are measured again. The average concentration is lowered to 9.84% of the original one before storage.

Radon concentration in water, soil and sediment of Hemavathi River environments

The present paper discusses the systematic study on gamma dose rate, radon exhalation, radium content in soil and sediment and radon concentration in water of Hemavathi River environments. The Gamma dose rate in the air in the study area varied from 98 to 202 nGy h−1 with mean value 145 nGy h−1. The measured dose rate was above the world and Indian average. The mean value of radium activity in soil and sediment was found to be 366.61 and 328.36 mBq kg−1, respectively. The mean value of radon in soil and sediment was found to be 373.90 and 334.90 Bq m−3, respectively. The radon concentration of water ranges from 0.20 to 1.60 kBq m−3 with an average value of 0.67 kBq m−3. The radon in water contributes to dosage in stomach and lungs. The effective doses of radon were calculated and compared with international recommended values. The results show that sediment and water are safe to use for construction and drinking purpose.

Comparison of radon (Rn-222) concentration in Portugal and Finland underground waters

Intercomparison results of Radon (Rn-222) measurements using two phase liquid scintillation counting (LSC) technique was performed. The results obtained are in good agreement with the assigned levels. Several water samples from different Portuguese underground catchments were also analyzed. In general, the waters showed acceptable Rn-222 levels, however, 20% presented concentrations between 500 and 1000 Bq L−1 and 5% higher than 1000 Bq L−1. In Finland, the mean Rn-222 concentration obtained in drilled wells was 460 Bq L−1 and in wells dug in soil 50 Bq L−1. Approximately 10% of drilled wells exceeded a radon concentration of 1000 Bq L−1.

A General Survey of Radon Concentration in Water from Rivers in Gauteng, South Africa Using a Solid-State α-Detector

In view of the geological setup and the long-standing mining history of the Gauteng Province, South Africa, it is expected that the mine dumps around the gold mines could contribute to a significant radium (226Ra) concentration in water in Gauteng Province. Radium decays to its daughter radioisotope radon (222Rn) which is a potential source of radiation exposure to the general public. Radon-222 easily escapes from surface of mineral grains and it becomes dissolved in ground water, rivers and dams which are ultimately used by the public. The research study was carried out to determine the effective dose (mSv) to the general public from radioactive (222Rn) in the water from 25 rivers and tributaries in the surrounding areas of Krugersdorp, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Vaal regions. Water samples were collected from the rivers and analysed in the laboratory at Necsa in Pretoria. An α - spectrometry analysis using a solid-state alpha detector (RAD-7) was optimized to measure (222Rn) in the water by counting α - particles emitted by 218Po and 214Po in secular equilibrium with their parent, (222Rn). The measured (222Rn) concentrations ranged from 1.4 × 10-1 to 3.56 Bq.l-1 with an average of 1.43 ± 4.3 × 10-1 Bq.l- 1. The average annual effective dose was found to be 4 × 10-3 μSv. The study showed that 222Ra concentration in river water from Gauteng is lower than international acceptable limits cited in the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organisation of 1.11 × 10-1 Bq.l-1 and 1.0 × 10-2 Bq.l-1 respectively. The average effective dose is negligible (about 0.32%) as compared to the worldwide average annual effective dose from inhaled 222Rn of 1.26 mSv. Hence, the effective dose of 4 × 10-3 μSv does not pose any health threat to the general public that use water from Gauteng Rivers.

Radon and carbon dioxide around remote Himalayan thermal springs

Abstract Radon-222 and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions were studied around four remote Nepalese thermal springs near the Main Central Thrust: Timure and Chilime in the upper Trisuli Valley, central Nepal; and Sulighad and Tarakot in Lower Dolpo, western Nepal. A total of 279 radon fluxes and 670 CO 2 fluxes were measured on the ground, complemented by radon concentration measurements in soil and water, and assisted by thermal infrared imaging. In Lower Dolpo, mean radon fluxes ranging from 270×10 −3 to 450×10 −3 Bq m −2 s −1 , radon concentration in water greater than 100 Bq l −1 , low mean CO 2 fluxes (18–32 g m −2 day −1 ), and integrated radon and CO 2 discharges of 70–180 Bq s −1 and (2.3–3.8)×10 −3 mol s −1 , respectively, suggest shallow-water-dominated transport with simultaneous radon and CO 2 degassing from the hydrothermal water. In the upper Trisuli Valley, mean radon fluxes ranging from 140×10 −3 to 570×10 −3 Bq m −2 s −1 , larger mean CO 2 fluxes that range from 430 to 2930 g m −2 day −1 , radon concentration in water of less than 6 Bq l −1 , and integrated radon and CO 2 discharges of 290–840 Bq s −1 and (390–830)×10 −3 mol s −1 , respectively, indicate fast gas-dominated transport of deep metamorphic-origin CO 2 charged in radon along a fault network. Radon can thus give precious information on the gas transport properties of the shallow continental crust.

Residential, soil and water radon surveys in north-western part of Romania

The exposure to radon and radon decay products in homes and at workplaces represents the greatest risk from natural ionizing radiation. The present study brings forward the residential, soil and water radon surveys in 5 counties of Romania. Indoor radon measurements were performed by using CR-39 track detectors exposed for 3 months on ground-floor level of dwellings, according to the NRPB Measurements Protocol. Radon concentrations in soil and water were measured using the LUK3C device. The indoor radon concentrations ranged from 5 to 2592 Bq⋅m−3 with an updated preliminary arithmetic mean of 133 Bq⋅m−3, and a geometric mean of 90 Bq⋅m−3. In about 6% of the investigated grid cells the indoor radon concentrations exceed the threshold of 300 Bq⋅m−3. The soil gas radon concentration varies from 0.8 to 169 kBq⋅m−3, with a geometric mean of 28.4 kBq⋅m−3. For water samples, the results show radon concentrations within the range of 0.3–352 kBq⋅m−3 with a geometric mean of 7.7 Bq⋅L−1. The indoor radon map was plotted on a reference grid developed by JRC with the resolution 10 × 10 km2.

Preliminary results of radon survey in thermal spas in V4 countries

Abstract Radon concentration was measured in 11 thermal spas in Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). The results showed that in 84% of spas radon activity concentration is less than 400 Bq·m−3. However, areas with radon activity concentration exceeding 1000 Bq·m−3 were found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well. Preliminary analyses indicated that the highest radon activities in spas were found in places with thermal pools. Radon concentration in waters used in spas ranged from 0.5 Bq/l to 384 Bq/l. The influence of radon activity concentration in water on radon activity in the air inside the spa was observed. It was found to increase indoor radon with increasing radon in the waters. Correlation with indoor radon and radon in water was more significant for baths and less significant for pool waters. In the cases filling of the bath from water taps, significantly contribute to the increased radon was observed in the pool and bath areas of the spa.

Evaluation of the intake of radon through skin from thermal water.

The biokinetics of radon in the body has previously been studied with the assumption that its absorption through the skin is negligibly small. This assumption would be acceptable except in specific situations, such as bathing in a radon hot spring where the radon concentration in thermal water is far higher than that in air. The present study focused on such a situation in order to better understand the biokinetics of radon. To mathematically express the entry of radon through the skin into the body, we first modified the latest sophisticated biokinetic model for noble gases. Values of an important parameter for the model—the skin permeability coefficient K (m s−1)—were derived using data from previous human studies. The analysis of such empirical data, which corresponded to radon concentrations in the air exhaled by subjects during and following bathing in radon-rich thermal water, revealed that the estimated K values had a log-normal distribution. The validity of the K values and the characteristics of the present model are then discussed. Furthermore, the impact of the intake of radon or its progeny via inhalation or skin absorption on radiation dose was also assessed for possible exposure scenarios in a radon hot spring. It was concluded that, depending on the radon concentration in thermal water, there might be situations in which the dose contribution resulting from skin absorption of radon is comparable to that resulting from inhalation of radon and its progeny. This conclusion can also apply to other therapeutic situations (e.g. staying in the pool for a longer period).

Variation in the radon concentrations and outdoor gamma radiation levels in relation to different geological formations in the thermal regions of Bursa, Turkey

Spring waters used as spas and their region may contain significant amounts of natural radionuclides. The main sources of exposure are the inhalation of radon and its decay products released from the water and soil and terrestrial gamma-radiation. In order to evaluate the potential risk of thermal regions in Bursa, located in the impact area of the NAF (North Anatolian Fault), radon and thoron concentrations in soil gas, radon concentrations in thermal waters and outdoor gamma radiation levels were measured in thermal regions that have different geological formations. The radon and thoron concentrations in soil–gas were found to vary from 2272 ± 121 to 245196 ± 3455 Bq m−3 and from 999 ± 218 to 178 848 ± 17 742 Bq m−3, respectively. The radon concentrations in thermal waters ranged from 0.99 ± 0.21 to 226.74 ± 2.51 Bq l−1 in the rainy season and from 0.26 ± 0.10 to 178.03 ± 12.86 Bq l−1 in the dry season. The measured outdoor gamma radiation levels varied from 38 to 180 nGy h−1. The gamma dose rates were found to be strong positively correlating with the radon and thoron concentrations in soil–gas. The radon and outdoor gamma radiation levels were observed to be a function of the geological formations of the area.

Radon Concentration in the Drinking Water of Aliabad Katoul, Iran.

BackgroundAccording to the world health organization, radon is a leading cause of cancer in various internal organs and should be regarded with concern.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the concentration of soluble radon in the drinking water of the city of Aliabad Katoul, Iran.Materials and MethodsThe radon concentration was measured by using a radon meter, SARADTM model RTM 1688-2, according to accepted standards of evaluation.ResultsThe mean radon concentration in the drinking water of Aliabad Katoul is 2.90 ± 0.57 Bq/L.ConclusionsThe radon concentration in Aliabad Katoul is below the limit for hazardous levels, but some precautions will make conditions even safer for the local populace.