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Kaur M, Kumar A, Mehra R, Mishra R. Assessment of radon, thoron, and their progeny concentrations in the dwellings of Shivalik hills of Jammu and Kashmir, India. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:5685-5701. [PMID: 33161512 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00767-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present work determines the contents of active and passive indoor 222Rn, 220Rn, and their daughter in the 32 houses of the Reasi district of J&K, India. The passive 222Rn and 220Rn concentration was measured by dosimeters, whereas the active content was measured by active radon monitor. Progeny sensors and integrated samplers were operated for the evaluation of passive and active daughter contents of 222Rn and 220Rn. The measured averaged values of indoor 220Rn and 222Rn were 73 ± 40 and 22 ± 8 Bqm-3, respectively. The radon and thoron equilibrium factor has varied from 0.3 to 1.7 and from 0.006 to 0.6. The fine fraction of the above-mentioned gases was also calculated. The results of Mann-Whitney test statistically demonstrated significant differences between the content of indoor 222Rn, 220Rn, and their daughter for different seasons. The values of 222Rn, 220Rn, and their daughter content were appeared to be elevated in set of mud houses among all sets of houses. The values of all daughter concentration and indoor 222Rn were appeared to lie within the limit proposed by various agencies. The total doses were detected less than range commended by ICRP that suggested the district is safe as a health hazard point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Physics, DAV College, Katra Sher Singh, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
- Department of Physics, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144011, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Physics, DAV College, Katra Sher Singh, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India.
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Department of Physics, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144011, India
| | - Rosaline Mishra
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400085, India
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Assessment of radiation doses from natural radioactivity measurements in the spa centres of Kütahya Province, Turkey. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08342-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ivanova K, Dzhunakova D, Stojanovska Z, Djounova J, Kunovska B, Chobanova N. Analysis of exposure to radon in Bulgarian rehabilitation hospitals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:19098-19108. [PMID: 34709547 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mineral springs are used in spa resorts throughout the world. Radon is a natural radioactive source, which can dissolve, accumulate, and be transported by water. This study investigates the radon concentration in air and water in 12 Bulgarian rehabilitation hospitals and presents the assessment of the exposure to radon in them. The measurements were performed at 401 premises within 21 buildings, using two types of passive detectors for a dry and wet environment that were exposed from February, 2019 to June, 2019. The radon concentration varied from 19 to 2550 Bq/m3 with an arithmetic mean and a standard deviation of 102 Bq/m3 and 191 Bq/m3, respectively. The hypothesis that in hospitals the source of radon, besides soil under the buildings, is also the mineral water that is used for treatment was tested. Thermal water samples were procured sequentially from a spring and baths to analyse the reduction of radon concentration in them till reaching the premises. The results show that the concentration of radon decreased by approximately 50%. Further, the correlation analysis applied to the data proved the relation of the levels of indoor radon in the treatment rooms with those in the water. Mineral water used in rehabilitation hospitals have radon transfer coefficients ranging from 4.5·10-4 to 8.4·10-3. In addition, an analysis of the exposure of patients and workers to radon in rehabilitation hospitals based on the indoor radon levels and period of exposure was performed. The doses of workers do not exceed the limit of the annual effective dose for the population from all sources (1 mSv/year).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kremena Ivanova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski St., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Desislava Dzhunakova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski St., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zdenka Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University of Stip, 10-A Krste Misirkov st., 2000, Stip, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Jana Djounova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski St., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Bistra Kunovska
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski St., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Chobanova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski St., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Indoor radon levels, dose and health risk assessments in spas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08098-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Radium interference during radon measurements in water: comparison of one- and two-phase liquid scintillation counting. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 72:205-215. [PMID: 34587671 PMCID: PMC8576753 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of radiation exposure to drinking, surface, and groundwater and of the associated health risks calls for accurate and precise 226Ra and 222Rn measurements. One method that fits the bill is liquid scintillation counting (LSC), which allows measurements in one-phase (homogenous) or two-phase samples. The aim of our study was to compare the measurement efficiency with both variations in Niška Banja spa water, known for its elevated 222Rn content to get a better insight into the stability and behaviour of the samples and 226Ra interference in samples spiked with 226Ra with 222Rn measurement. 226Ra interference was more evident in homogenous, one-phase and much lower in two-phase samples. However, one-phase samples offer more accurate indirect 226Ra measurements. Water-immiscible cocktails (in two-phase samples) have shown a limited capacity for receiving 222Rn generated by Ra decay from the aqueous to organic phase when 222Rn/226Ra equilibrium is reached. We have also learned that samples with naturally high 222Rn content should not be spiked with 226Ra activities higher than the ones found in native samples and that calibration of two-phase samples can be rather challenging if measurements span over longer time. Further research would require much lower 226Ra activities for spiking to provide more practical answers to questions arising from the demonstrated phenomena.
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Manić V, Manić G, Stojanović M, Radojković B, Krstić D, Nikezić D. A preliminary survey of natural radionuclides in soil and indoor radon in the town of Niš, Serbia. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ćujić M, Janković Mandić L, Petrović J, Dragović R, Đorđević M, Đokić M, Dragović S. Radon-222: environmental behavior and impact to (human and non-human) biota. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:69-83. [PMID: 31955264 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As an inert radioactive gas, 222Rn could be easily transported to the atmosphere via emanation, migration, or exhalation. Research measurements pointed out that 222Rn activity concentration changes during the winter and summer months, as well as during wet and dry season periods. Changes in radon concentration can affect the atmospheric electric field. At the boundary layer near the ground, short-lived daughters of 222Rn can be used as natural tracers in the atmosphere. In this work, factors controlling 222Rn pathways in the environment and its levels in soil gas and outdoor air are summarized. 222Rn has a short half-life of 3.82 days, but the dose rate due to radon and its radioactive progeny could be significant to the living beings. Epidemiological studies on humans pointed out that up to 14% of lung cancers are induced by exposure to low and moderate concentrations of radon. Animals that breed in ground holes have been exposed to the higher doses due to radiation present in soil air. During the years, different dose-effect models are developed for risk assessment on human and non-human biota. In this work are reviewed research results of 222Rn exposure of human and non-human biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Ćujić
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, POB 522, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | | | - Jelena Petrović
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, POB 522, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ranko Dragović
- Department of Geography, University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, POB 224, Niš, Serbia
| | - Milan Đorđević
- Department of Geography, University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, POB 224, Niš, Serbia
| | - Mrđan Đokić
- Department of Geography, University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, POB 224, Niš, Serbia
| | - Snežana Dragović
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, POB 522, Belgrade, Serbia
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Martínez-Villegas N, Suárez Muñoz M, González-Hernández P, Melián Rodríguez C, Barrios Cossio J, Hernández Díaz R, Fagundo Castillo JR, Gelen Rudnikas A, Díaz López C, Pérez-Gramatges A, Díaz Rizo O. Inorganic and organic characterization of Santa Lucía salt mine peloid for quality evaluations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:15944-15958. [PMID: 30900124 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Santa Lucía peloid is a sediment used in pelotherapy in Cuban primary health care services. Therefore, in addition to physicochemical regulated parameters, other analyses are required to complement their physicochemical characterization and understand potential element mobility, radiological risk, and toxicity as well as likely bioactive compounds present in Santa Lucía peloid. For these purposes, inorganic and organic elements and compounds were considered to evaluate Santa Lucía peloid's quality. This was accomplished through an integral approach that included (1) determination of physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, temperature, dissolved oxygen, elemental C, H, and N analyses, organic matter, and hexane removable substances content); (2) determination of total concentration of elements with biological and toxicological importance (i.e., Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), as well as their distribution in operationally defined solid phases, mineralogy, particle size distribution, and total content of radionuclides and radiological dose calculations; and (3) its organic characterization. Results from this study showed that Santa Lucía peloid was non-contaminated and showed low metal mobility and acceptable radiological dose levels, being safe for therapeutic uses. Additionally, these results contribute to the understanding of the organic composition of peloides, provide strong evidences to scientifically explain the therapeutic action of peloids in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, and set a new frame to improve peloid guidelines in Cuba and other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Martínez-Villegas
- Applied Geoscience Department, Institute for Scientific and Technological Research of San Luis Potosi (IPICYT), San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
| | - Margaret Suárez Muñoz
- Higher Institute of Technology and Applied Sciences (InSTEC), Havana University, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Clara Melián Rodríguez
- Higher Institute of Technology and Applied Sciences (InSTEC), Havana University, Havana, Cuba
| | - Josiel Barrios Cossio
- Higher Institute of Technology and Applied Sciences (InSTEC), Havana University, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rebeca Hernández Díaz
- Technique Sciences Faculty, University of Pinar del Río "Hermanos Saíz", Pinar del Río, Cuba
| | | | - Alina Gelen Rudnikas
- Higher Institute of Technology and Applied Sciences (InSTEC), Havana University, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Aurora Pérez-Gramatges
- Department of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Oscar Díaz Rizo
- Higher Institute of Technology and Applied Sciences (InSTEC), Havana University, Havana, Cuba
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Manić V, Manić G, Radojković B, Vučić D, Nikezić D, Krstić D. RADIOACTIVITY OF SOIL IN THE REGION OF THE TOWN OF NIŠ, SERBIA. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 185:456-463. [PMID: 30916765 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of radionuclides in samples of soil collected in the region of the town of Niš, was measured and presented in this paper. The naturally occurring radionuclides, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, were found in all samples. In many of them, 137Cs was also measured, while the other artificial radionuclides were not detected. The measurements were carried out using the standard gamma spectroscopy system with high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The results show that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs are: 21, 26, 414 and 4.7, in Bq/kg, respectively. The sediment in the municipality spa Niška Banja exhibits a high content of 226Ra, 573 Bq/kg. The outdoor dose rates, due to the gamma radiation of the ground, were also determined for all soils. The average absorbed dose rate in air was estimated to be 39 nGy/h, while the corresponding annual effective dose is 0.048 mSv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Manić
- Department of Physics, University of Niš, PO Box 224, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Goran Manić
- Institute of Occupational Health, Department for radiological protection, Vojislava Ilića bb, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Branko Radojković
- Institute of Occupational Health, Department for radiological protection, Vojislava Ilića bb, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Dušica Vučić
- Institute of Occupational Health, Department for radiological protection, Vojislava Ilića bb, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Nikezić
- Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Kragujevac, 12 R. Domanovića Str., 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragana Krstić
- Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, University of Kragujevac, 12 R. Domanovića Str., 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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11
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Kropat G, Bochud F, Jaboyedoff M, Laedermann JP, Murith C, Palacios Gruson M, Baechler S. Improved predictive mapping of indoor radon concentrations using ensemble regression trees based on automatic clustering of geological units. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 147:51-62. [PMID: 26042833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE According to estimations around 230 people die as a result of radon exposure in Switzerland. This public health concern makes reliable indoor radon prediction and mapping methods necessary in order to improve risk communication to the public. The aim of this study was to develop an automated method to classify lithological units according to their radon characteristics and to develop mapping and predictive tools in order to improve local radon prediction. METHOD About 240 000 indoor radon concentration (IRC) measurements in about 150 000 buildings were available for our analysis. The automated classification of lithological units was based on k-medoids clustering via pair-wise Kolmogorov distances between IRC distributions of lithological units. For IRC mapping and prediction we used random forests and Bayesian additive regression trees (BART). RESULTS The automated classification groups lithological units well in terms of their IRC characteristics. Especially the IRC differences in metamorphic rocks like gneiss are well revealed by this method. The maps produced by random forests soundly represent the regional difference of IRCs in Switzerland and improve the spatial detail compared to existing approaches. We could explain 33% of the variations in IRC data with random forests. Additionally, the influence of a variable evaluated by random forests shows that building characteristics are less important predictors for IRCs than spatial/geological influences. BART could explain 29% of IRC variability and produced maps that indicate the prediction uncertainty. CONCLUSION Ensemble regression trees are a powerful tool to model and understand the multidimensional influences on IRCs. Automatic clustering of lithological units complements this method by facilitating the interpretation of radon properties of rock types. This study provides an important element for radon risk communication. Future approaches should consider taking into account further variables like soil gas radon measurements as well as more detailed geological information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Kropat
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Grand-Pré 1, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Francois Bochud
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Grand-Pré 1, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Jaboyedoff
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne, GEOPOLIS - 3793, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pascal Laedermann
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Grand-Pré 1, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Murith
- Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, 3003 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Martha Palacios Gruson
- Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, 3003 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Baechler
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Grand-Pré 1, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, 3003 Berne, Switzerland
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Nikolov J, Todorović N, Bikit I, Pantić TP, Forkapić S, Mrđa D, Bikit K. Radon in thermal waters in south-east part of Serbia. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2014; 160:239-243. [PMID: 24707000 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncu094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
There are several occurrences of thermal waters in the south-eastern part of Serbia, which are originating from igneous and metamorphic rocks. These waters are mainly used in balneology, but some of them are used for drinking purposes and in water supply to heat buildings, for greenhouses and to irrigate land. In this region, there is the well-known Niška banja spa, which has elevated levels of radon. Water samples were examined from other spas in the south-eastern part of Serbia in order to determine radon activity concentration. A detailed discussion of a possible correlation between determined radon activity concentration and the geology of this area is also given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Nikolov
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nataša Todorović
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ištvan Bikit
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tanja Petrović Pantić
- Geological Institute of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Rovinjska 12, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sofija Forkapić
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dušan Mrđa
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Kristina Bikit
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Pantelić G, Savković ME, Zivanović M, Nikolić J, Rajačić M, Todorović D. Uncertainty evaluation in radon concentration measurement using charcoal canister. Appl Radiat Isot 2014; 87:452-5. [PMID: 24444699 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Active charcoal detectors are used for testing the concentration of radon in dwellings. The method of measurement is based on radon adsorption on coal and measurement of gamma radiation of radon daughters. The contributions to the final measurement uncertainty are identified, based on the equation for radon activity concentration calculation. Different methods for setting the region of interest for gamma spectrometry of canisters were discussed and evaluated. The obtained radon activity concentration and uncertainties do not depend on peak area determination method.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pantelić
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - M Eremić Savković
- Serbian Institute of Occupational Health "Dr Dragomir Karajović", Deligradska 29, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Zivanović
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - J Nikolić
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Rajačić
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - D Todorović
- University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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Vaupotič J, Streil T, Tokonami S, Žunic ZS. Diurnal variations of radon and thoron activity concentrations and effective doses in dwellings in Niška Banja, Serbia. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2013; 157:375-382. [PMID: 23801789 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In Niška Banja, a spa town in a radon-prone area in southern Serbia, radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) activity concentrations were measured continuously for one day in indoor air of 10 dwellings with a SARAD RTM 2010-2 Radon/Thoron Monitor, and equilibrium factor between radon and its decay products and the fraction of unattached radon decay products with a SARAD EQF 3020-2 Equilibrium Factor Monitor. Radon concentration in winter time ranged from 26 to 73 100 Bq m(-3) and that of thoron, from 10 to 8650 Bq m(-3). In the same period, equilibrium factor and the unattached fraction varied in the range of 0.08 to 0.90 and 0.01 to 0.27, respectively. One-day effective doses were calculated and were in winter conditions from 4 to 2599 μSv d(-1) for radon and from 0.2 to 73 μSv d(-1) for thoron.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Vaupotič
- Radon Center, Department of Environmental Sciences, JoŽef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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Nikolopoulos D, Vogiannis E, Petraki E, Kottou S, Yannakopoulos P, Leontaridou M, Louizi A. Dosimetry modelling of transient radon and progeny concentration peaks: results from in situ measurements in Ikaria spas, Greece. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2013; 15:1216-1227. [PMID: 23644745 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00030c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Radon and progeny ((218)Po, (214)Pb, (214)Bi and (214)Po) are radioactive indoor pollutants recognised for the human radiation burden that they induce. Bathing in thermal spas causes transient concentration peaks of radon and progeny and additional short-term impact in patients and personnel. This paper reports a semi-empirical non-linear first order model for describing radon and progeny variations in treatment rooms of the Ikaria spas. Non-measured physical parameters were estimated from in situ measurements in Ikaria through non-linear numerical solving. Exposure and dose variations were additionally modelled. Attachment rate constants were found to be between 0.44 and 55 h(-1). Deposition rate constants were between 0.28 and 7.3 h(-1) for attached nuclei and 0.42 and 64 h(-1) for unattached nuclei. Unattached progeny peaks were right-shifted compared to those of radon. Modelled effective doses ranged between 0.001 mSv per year and 0.589 mSv per year for patients and between 0.001 mSv per year and 18.9 mSv per year for workers. Apollon spas presented quite high doses. These were the highest reported in Greece and are significant worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Nikolopoulos
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Material Science, Technological Education Institute TEI of Piraeus, Petrou Ralli & Thivon 250, 12244 Aigaleo, Athens, Greece.
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Nikolov J, Todorovic N, Pantic TP, Forkapic S, Mrdja D, Bikit I, Krmar M, Veskovic M. Exposure to radon in the radon spa Niška Banja, Serbia. RADIAT MEAS 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Qin S, Wu B. Effect of self-glazing on reducing the radioactivity levels of red mud based ceramic materials. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 198:269-274. [PMID: 22050932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Self-glazing red mud based ceramic materials (RMCM) were produced by normal pressure sintering process using the main raw materials of red mud. The properties of the RMCM samples were investigated by the measurements of mechanical properties, radiation measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the self-glazing RMCM have good mechanical properties (water absorption and apparent porosity approached zero; bulk density, 2.94 g/cm(3); compressive strength, 78.12 MPa). The radiation level has clear change regularity that the radioactivity levels of red mud (6360 Bq) is obvious declined, and can be reduced to that of the natural radioactive background of Guilin Karst landform, China (3600 Bq). It will not only consume large quantities of red mud, but also decrease the production cost of self-glazing RMCM. And the statement of this paper will offer effective ways to reduce the radioactivity level of red mud.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Qin
- College of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
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Milić G, Yarmoshenko IV, Jakupi B, Kovacević M, Žunić ZS. Indoor radon measurements in Kosovo and Metohija over the period 1995–2007. RADIAT MEAS 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2010.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Nikolopoulos D, Vogiannis E, Petraki E, Zisos A, Louizi A. Investigation of the exposure to radon and progeny in the thermal spas of Loutraki (Attica-Greece): results from measurements and modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:495-504. [PMID: 19879633 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Radon and progeny ((218)Po, (214)Pb, (214)Bi and (214)Po) in thermal spas are well known radioactive pollutants identified for additional radiation burden of patients due to the activity concentration peaks which appear during bath treatment or due to drinking of waters of high radon content. This burden affects additionally the working personnel of the spas. The present paper has focused on the thermal spas of Loutraki (Attica-Greece). The aim was the investigation of the health impact for patients and working personnel due to radon and progeny. Attention has been paid to radon and progeny transient concentration peaks (for bath treatment) and to radon of thermal waters (both for bath treatment and drinking therapy). Designed experiments have been carried out, which included radon and progeny activity concentration measurements in thermal waters and ambient air. Additionally, published models for description of radon and progeny transient concentration peaks were employed. The models were based on physicochemical processes involved and employed non linear first order derivative mass balance differential equations which were solved numerically with the aid of specially developed computer codes. The collected measurements were analysed incorporating these models. Results were checked via non linear statistical tests. Predictions and measurements were found in close agreement. Non linear parameters were estimated. The models were employed for dosimetric estimations of patients and working personnel. The effective doses of patients receiving bath treatment were found low but not negligible. The corresponding doses to patients receiving potable treatment were found high but below the proposed international limits. It was found that the working personnel are exposed to considerable effective doses, however well below the acceptable limits for workers. It was concluded that treatment and working in the Loutraki spas leads to intense variations of radon and progeny and consequently additional health impact both to patients and working personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Nikolopoulos
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Material Science, Technological Educational Institution of Piraeus, Petrou Ralli, and Thivon 250, 122 44, Aigaleo, Athens, Greece.
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A comparison of retrospective radon gas measurement techniques carried out in the Serbian spa of Niska Banja. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY AND RADIATION PROTECTION 2009. [DOI: 10.2298/ntrp0902094z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor radon retrospective concentrations were obtained and compared using two radon measurement methods. Both methods rely on the measurement of the long-lived radon progeny 210Pb, collected either on the surfaces (surface trap technique), most frequently glass, or in a volume trap, usually sponge from furniture (volume trap technique). These techniques have been used to retrospectively estimate radon gas concentrations that have existed in dwellings in the past. The work presented here compares the results provided by the surface trap technique devised at the University College of Dublin, Ireland, and the volume trap technique devised at the Scientific Research Center, Mol, Belgium. The field campaign was carried out by the research team of the ECE Laboratory of the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences at the spa of Niska Banja, identified as a region of Serbia with a high indoor radon and ground water radium and radon content.
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Vogiannis E, Nikolopoulos D. Modelling of radon concentration peaks in thermal spas: application to Polichnitos and Eftalou spas (Lesvos Island--Greece). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 405:36-44. [PMID: 18715628 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2008] [Revised: 06/09/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A mathematical model was developed for the description of radon concentration peaks observed in thermal spas. Modelling was based on a pragmatic mix of estimation and measurement of involved physical parameters. The model utilised non-linear first order derivative mass balance differential equations. The equations were described and solved numerically by the use of specially developed computer codes. To apply and check the model, measurements were performed in two thermal spas in Greece (Polichnitos and Eftalou-Lesvos Island). Forty different measurement sets were collected to estimate the concentration variations of indoor-outdoor radon, radon in the entering thermal water, the ventilation rate, the bathtub surface and the bath volume. Turbulence and diffusive phenomena involved in radon concentration variations were attributed to a time varying contact interfacial area (equivalent area). This area was approximated with the use of a mathematical function. Other model parameters were estimated from the literature. Through numerical solving and use of non-linear statistics, the time variations of the equivalent area were estimated for every measurement set. Computationally applied non-linear uncertainty analysis showed less sensitive variations of the coefficients of the equivalent area compared to parameters of the model. Modelled and measured radon concentration peaks were compared by the use of three statistical criteria for the goodness-of-fit. All the investigated peaks exhibited low error probability (***p<0.001) for all criteria. It was concluded that the present modelling achieved to predict the measured radon concentration peaks. Through adequate selection of model parameters the model may be applied to other thermal spas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Vogiannis
- Waste Management Laboratory, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece.
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Popovic D, Todorovic D, Frontasyeva M, Ajtic J, Tasic M, Rajsic S. Radionuclides and heavy metals in Borovac, Southern Serbia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2008; 15:509-520. [PMID: 18461378 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-008-0003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE The paper presents the complex approach to the assessment of the state of the environment in Southern Serbia, surroundings of Bujanovac, the region which is of great concern as being exposed to contamination by depleted uranium (DU) ammunition during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) attacks in 1999. It includes studies on concentrations of radionuclides and heavy metals in different environmental samples 5 years after the military actions. MATERIALS AND METHODS In October 2004, samples of soil, grass, lichen, moss, honey, and water were collected at two sites, in the immediate vicinity of the targeted area and 5 km away from it. Radionuclide ((7)Be, (40)K, (137)Cs, (210)Pb, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (235)U, (238)U) activities in solid samples were determined by standard gamma spectrometry and total alpha and beta activity in water was determined by proportional alpha-beta counting. Concentrations of 35 elements were determined in the samples of soil, moss, grass, and lichen by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). RESULTS The results are discussed in the context of a possible contamination by DU that reached the environment during the attacks as well as in the context of an environmental pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals in Southern Serbia. The results are compared to the state of environment in the region and other parts of the country both prior to and following the attacks. DISCUSSION This is the first comprehensive study of the contents of radionuclides and heavy metals in Southern Serbia and consequently highly important for the assessment of the state of environment in this part of the country concerning possible effects of DU ammunition on the environment, as well as anthropogenic source of pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals and other elements. Also, the highly sensitive method of INAA was used for the first time to analyze the environmental samples from this area. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study of radionuclides in the samples of soils, leaves, grass, moss, lichen, honey, and water in Southern Serbia (Bujanovac) gave no evidence of the DU contamination of the environment 5 years after the military actions in 1999. Activities of radionuclides in soils were within the range of the values obtained in the other parts of the country and within the global average. The ratio of uranium isotopes confirmed the natural origin of uranium. In general, concentrations of heavy metals in the samples of soils, plant leaves, mosses, and lichen are found to be less or in the lower range of values found in other parts of the country, in spite of the differences in plant and moss species or soil characteristics. Possible sources of heavy metal contamination were identified as a power coal plant in the vicinity of the sampling sites and wood and waste burning processes. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES The collected data should provide a base for the health risk assessments on animals and humans in the near future. It should be emphasized that the sampling was carried out 5 years after the military action and that the number of samples was limited; therefore, the conclusions should be accepted only as observed tendencies and a detailed study should be recommended in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Popovic
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Žunić Z, Kozak K, Ciotoli G, Ramola R, Kochowska E, Ujić P, Čeliković I, Mazur J, Janik M, Demajo A, Birovljev A, Bochicchio F, Yarmoshenko I, Kryeziu D, Olko P. A campaign of discrete radon concentration measurements in soil of Niška Banja town, Serbia. RADIAT MEAS 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2007.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zunic ZS, Yarmoshenko IV, Birovljev A, Bochicchio F, Quarto M, Obryk B, Paszkowski M, Celiković I, Demajo A, Ujić P, Budzanowski M, Olko P, McLaughlin JP, Waligorski MPR. Radon survey in the high natural radiation region of Niska Banja, Serbia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2007; 92:165-74. [PMID: 17196309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2006] [Revised: 10/27/2006] [Accepted: 11/09/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A radon survey has been carried out around the town of Niska Banja (Serbia) in a region partly located over travertine formations, showing an enhanced level of natural radioactivity. Outdoor and indoor radon concentrations were measured seasonally over the whole year, using CR-39 diffusion type radon detectors. Outdoor measurements were performed at 56 points distributed over both travertine and alluvium sediment formations. Indoor radon concentrations were measured in 102 living rooms and bedrooms of 65 family houses. In about 50% of all measurement sites, radon concentration was measured over each season separately, making it possible to estimate seasonal variations, which were then used to correct values measured over different periods, and to estimate annual values. The average annual indoor radon concentration was estimated at over 1500 Bq/m3 and at about 650 Bq/m3 in parts of Niska Banja located over travertine and alluvium sediment formations, respectively, with maximum values exceeding 6000 Bq/m3. The average value of outdoor annual radon concentration was 57 Bq/m3, with a maximum value of 168 Bq/m3. The high values of indoor and outdoor radon concentrations found at Niska Banja make this region a high natural background radiation area. Statistical analysis of our data confirms that the level of indoor radon concentration depends primarily on the underlying soil and building characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z S Zunic
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
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Zunić ZS, Kobal I, Vaupotic J, Kozak K, Mazur J, Birovljev A, Janik M, Celiković I, Ujić P, Demajo A, Krstić G, Jakupi B, Quarto M, Bochicchio F. High natural radiation exposure in radon spa areas: a detailed field investigation in Niska Banja (Balkan region). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2006; 89:249-60. [PMID: 16828942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2006] [Revised: 05/09/2006] [Accepted: 05/23/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The measurement campaigns have been done in the rural community of Niska Banja, a spa town located in southern Serbia, to evaluate population exposure to natural radioactivity. After a screening survey in 200 houses, annual radon and thoron concentrations were measured in 34 houses, and in 2004 a detailed investigation was carried out at six houses with elevated indoor radon concentrations. The paper presents the results of these detailed measurements. The complementary techniques were applied to determine radon and thoron concentrations in indoor air, in soil gas, radon exhalation from soil, soil permeability, and indoor and outdoor gamma doses. Soil and water samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory. Indoor radon and thoron concentrations were found to be more than 1kBqm(-3) and 200Bqm(-3), respectively. Extremely high concentrations of soil-gas radon (>2000kBqm(-3)) and radon exhalation rates (1.5mBqm(-2)s(-1)) were observed. These results will be utilised to set up the methodology for a more systematic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z S Zunić
- Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Beograd, Serbia and Montenegro
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