Measurements of radon concentrations in waters and soil gas of Zonguldak, Turkey

Abstract

The radon concentrations in soil-gas and water samples (in the form of springs, catchment, tap, thermal) used as drinking water or thermal were measured using a professional radon monitor AlphaGUARD PQ 2000PRO. The measured radon concentrations in water samples ranged from 0.32 to 88.22 Bq l-1. Most of radon levels in potable water samples are below the maximum contaminant level of 11 Bq l-1 recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The calculated annual effective doses due to radon intake through water consumption varied from 0.07 to 18.53 μSv y-1. The radon concentrations in soil gas varied from 295.67 to 70 852.92 Bq m-3. The radon level in soil gas was found to be higher in the area close to the formation boundary thrust and faults. No correlation was observed between radon concentrations in groundwater and soil gas. Also, no significant correlation was observed between soil-gas radon and temperature, pressure and humidity. The emanation of radon from groundwater and soil gas is controlled by the geological formation and by the tectonic structure of the area. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.