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Assessment of Radon (222Rn) and Thoron (220Rn) in Environmental Resources of a High-Background-Radiation Area, India

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Abstract

The cornerstone of the study is to quantify the 222Rn/220Rn levels and the associated health risk in the environment of a heavy mineral-rich area in India. 222Rn and 220Rn activity was measured in environmental resources like soil, water, and indoor air. The analysis was performed using a well-calibrated online 222Rn/220Rn monitor (RAD 7) which is having a solid-state semiconductor detector system. The 222Rn depth profile in soil gas and exhalation rates of 222Rn and 220Rn from soil were monitored. The measured 222Rn activity in the indoor air of the study area concluded an effective radiation dose of 0.44–1.81 mSv.y−1 and an ELCR of 0.17–0.7%. Groundwater and surface waters from the high-background-radiation area were also analysed for dissolved 222Rn activity which contributes to a total radiation dose from 2.7 to 21.4 µSv.y−1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India

    Prusty Parthasarathi, Abinash Sahu & S. K. Jha

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India

    S. K. Jha

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Prusty, P., Sahu, A. & Jha, S.K. Assessment of Radon (222Rn) and Thoron (220Rn) in Environmental Resources of a High-Background-Radiation Area, India. MAPAN 39, 139–148 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-023-00691-5

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