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Pedogeochemical models on prognosis and control of radon fluxes from humid tropical landscapes over granite

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The principal relationships between radon (222Rn and 220Rn) exhalation intensities and the morpho-dynamic elements of humid tropical landscapes have been established and analyzed with the objective of elaborating Rn exhalation models, which can be used on the scale of small habitational nuclei. The current radioactive processes of generation, emanation and migration of Rn, in relation to its exhalation rates on a landscape slope of granitic rock having normal U and Th contents, were correlated with the latosol-podzolic soil association developed as a product of supergene processes during geological and pedological times and also with the water regime of an overlying phreatic aquifer. This approach, encompassing pedogeochemical models of radionuclide dispersion linked to soil systems and surface geochemistry, was framed within a tridimensional, interdisciplinary and systemic focus, using concepts of nuclear physics, climate and hydrogeology. The characteristic signatures of elementary landscapes include (1) different landforms, namely eluvial, transeluvial and superaqual, (2) residual soils having varying types, thicknesses and perma-porosities and (3) radioanomalies corresponding to different U and Th concentrations, secondary hosting minerals and also to different pedological ages. Considering these factors and their spatial relationships and on the basis of moisture content of soils, it is postulated that the highest Rn exhalation rates, especially of 222Rn, are confined to superaqual and transeluvial landscapes. In an eluvial landscape, the Rn fluxes are found to be less important even though gamma anomalies exist mainly due to the presence of resistant minerals containing U and Th. In short, the products of supergene alteration organized in a sloping system can exhibit Rn exhaling intensities higher than that measured on unaltered subjacent rock.

Hence, the understanding of U, Th, Ra and Rn behavior on a surface environment is fundamental for the formulation of prognostic Rn exhalation models associated with the elementary humid tropical landscapes. Further, the pedogeochemical information provides important clues supplementing the lithostructural data for delineating preferential sites of Rn fluxes especially on scales compatible to small habitational nuclei or unitary dwellings.

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Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely acknowledge Dr. Ayrton Caubit da Silva, Director of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety and Dr. Paulo Roberto Cruz, Coordinator of Raw Materials and Minerals, National Nuclear Energy Commission-CNEN, for according permission and providing support to attend the post graduation course at the Geology Department, Earth Sciences Sector, Federal University of Parana-UFPR, without which the formulation of this paper would not have been possible. Thanks are also due to Dr. D.S. Suresh Babu, Department of Geology, UFPR, who revised an earlier version of the manuscript and provided valuable suggestions.

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  1. Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear-CNEN, Av. República Argentina 183/702, 80240-210, Curitiba, PR Brazil

    A. M. A. Rebelo

  2. Universidade Federal do Paraná-UFPR, P.O. 19001, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR Brazil

    A. V. L. Bittencourt, L. E. Mantovani & T. B. Rossi

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  1. A. M. A. Rebelo
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Correspondence to A. M. A. Rebelo.

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Rebelo, A.M.A., Bittencourt, A.V.L., Mantovani, L.E. et al. Pedogeochemical models on prognosis and control of radon fluxes from humid tropical landscapes over granite. Env Geol 44, 158–168 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0740-7

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