RESEARCH ON RADON (222Rn) CONTENT IN DRINKING-WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM SIBIU COUNTY

The isotope radon (222Rn), an inert water-soluble gas that may contaminate water, represents a potential risk for human health, including cancer. The present study reports the evaluation of the 222Rn concentration in drinking-water samples collected in 2020 from 10 sources located in Sibiu County, as measured using the pulse ionization chamber. Values of 222Rn varied from 0.0549 to 37.4770 Bq/l, with an average of 4.586 Bq/l. These values were below the maximum level of 100 Bq/l recommended by WHO and EU Directive/Euratom. With the exception of the sample from groundwater, the others showed 222Rn values below the maximum level of 11.1 Bq/l, as recommended by US EPA. In the case of impermeable soils, this radionuclide floats inside the cracks until it reaches the atmospheric air, so it is harmful to human health both in water and in the air. Evaluation of radon in water, in particular from groundwater sources becomes essential for the management of remedial solutions.

Preparation of multi-purpose radon emanation sources

The aim of this work was to prepare reference radon emanation sources traceable to primary standards to be used for radon-in-air as well as radon-in-water experiments. The feasibility of making stable radon emanation sources by drop deposition and chemisorption was studied. Experimental emanation coefficients for sources made by drop deposition and chemisorption ranged from 0.10 to 0.74 and from 0.18 to 0.25, respectively. These relatively low emanation coefficient values suggest that further method developments would be desirable. Proposals are made to improve chemisorption yield during source preparation and to obtain more accurate measurements on radon emanation coefficient.

EVALUATION OF COMMITTED EFFECTIVE DOSE OF RADON GAS IN DRINKING WATER IN AL-QADISIYAH PROVINCE, IRAQ

Scientific research is giving interest in determining the concentrations of Radon in drinking water and sediments due to the occurrence of serious diseases related to this chemical element. The solubility of Radon in water (potable and underground) allows percolation in soils and rocks. The concentrations of Radon natural radioactivity were measured in drinking water and sediment at a wastewater treatment plant (Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq) using trace detector RAD7 and CR-39 (diffusion chamber, Landauer). Sampling was carried out at 20 samples (10 of drinking water and 10 of sediment). The results of radioactivity showed that the concentration of 222Rn in drinking water varies from 0.05 to 0.47 Bq/L, with an average of 0.24 Bq/L. However, the 222Rn concentrations in the sediment vary from 29.16 to 60.52 Bq/m3, with an average of 42.43 Bq/m3. From the results, it was possible to calculate the contribution of Radon to drinking water associated with age. The effective annual doses were found below the recommended limit. Radon concentrations in drinking water and sediment showed high levels of radioactivity compared to the natural limit. However, the same results indicated low radioactivity levels compared to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and the World Health Organization. In this way, all drinking water at these stations is safe to use.