Radon concentration in hot springs of the touristic city of Sarein and methods to reduce radon in water

Jalili-Majareshin A., Behtash A., Rezaei-Ochbelagh D.

RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY, vol.81, no.7, pp.749-757, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 81 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2012.03.015
  • Journal Name: RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.749-757
  • Keywords: Radon, Hot spring, Sarein, RAD7, Exhalation, Mitigation methods, IN-GROUND WATER, EXHALATION, URANIUM, WELL, RADIUM
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this research was to measure the efficiency of various simple methods to decrease the concentration of radon in hot springs of the touristic city of Sarein (a touristic city in northwest Iran). With the aid of "RAD7" radon detector, concentrations in water varied from 212 Bq m(-3) to 3890 Bq m(-3). Using 250 mL. vials half-filled with water samples, our research showed that when the temperature of the water increased from 17 degrees C to 27 degrees C, the radon concentration decreased from 3230 Bq m(-3) to 745 Bq m(-3). The mixing of the sample at a speed of 500 rpm for 12 min led to a radon reduction of about 70%. Aerating the water sample with 0.2 L min(-1) of ambient air resulted in a 90% decrease in radon concentration in 6 min. Strong exponential correlations (> 95%) were reported, which verified that the effectiveness of these methods in reducing dissolved gas in the waters used would be high. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.