A Study of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radon/Thoron Release Potential of Bedrock and Soil in Southeastern Ireland

Mirsina Mousavi Aghdam, Quentin Crowley, Carlos Rocha, Valentina Dentoni, Stefania Da Pelo, Stephanie Long and Maxime Savatier
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Mirsina Mousavi Aghdam: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Quentin Crowley: Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland
Carlos Rocha: Biogeochemistry Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland
Valentina Dentoni: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Stefania Da Pelo: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
Stephanie Long: Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland, D14YR62 Dublin, Ireland
Maxime Savatier: Biogeochemistry Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: Radon ( 222 Rn) and thoron ( 220 Rn) account for almost two-thirds of the annual average radiation dose received by the Irish population. A detailed study of natural radioactivity levels and radon and thoron exhalation rates was carried out in a legislatively designated “high radon” area, as based on existing indoor radon measurements. Indoor radon concentrations, airborne radiometric data and stream sediment geochemistry were collated, and a set of soil samples were taken from the study area. The exhalation rates of radon (E 222 Rn ) and thoron (E 220 Rn ) for collected samples were determined in the laboratory. The resultant data were classified based on geological and soil type parameters. Geological boundaries were found to be robust classifiers for radon exhalation rates and radon-related variables, whilst soil type classification better differentiates thoron exhalation rates and correlated variables. Linear models were developed to predict the radon and thoron exhalation rates of the study area. Distribution maps of radon and thoron exhalation rates (range: E 222 Rn [0.15–1.84] and E 220 Rn [475–3029] Bq m ?2 h ?1 ) and annual effective dose (with a mean value of 0.84 mSv y ?1 ) are presented. For some parts of the study area, the calculated annual effective dose exceeds the recommended level of 1 mSv y ?1 , illustrating a significant radiation risk. Airborne radiometric data were found to be a powerful and fast tool for the prediction of geogenic radon and thoron risk. This robust method can be used for other areas where airborne radiometric data are available.

Keywords: radon and thoron exhalation rates; airborne radiometric; radiation risk; geological combination and soil type (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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