Environmental Radon: A Tracer for Hydrological Studies

✍ Scribed by Sukanya S., Sabu Joseph

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 2023
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 193
• Series: Environmental Science and Engineering
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This book presents state-of-the-art techniques on radon (222Rn) in the environment, including measurement techniques in air, soil and water and its potential applications to various hydrological investigations, especially for water resources development and management. The future directions of its use are also discussed.
As a radon tracer can be used to solve hydrological issues, the highlights of this book are useful for stakeholders to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which addresses the sustainability of water resources. The most relevant target audiences are hydrologists, hydrogeologists, geologists, environmental scientists, nuclear physicists, hydraulic engineers and academicians, among others. This book also covers health implications of radon and mitigation strategies, thus creating a valuable resource for health physicists working on environmental radiation safety as well.

✦ Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Tracer Hydrology
1.1.1 A Brief History of Tracer Research
1.1.2 Classification of Tracers
1.2 Radon in Environment
1.2.1 Characteristics of Radon
1.3 Source, Migration, and Fate in Environment
1.3.1 Radon Entry into Buildings
1.3.2 Radon Migration in Atmosphere
1.4 A Synopsis of Applications of Radon Tracer
1.4.1 Atmospheric and Climate Investigations
1.4.2 Geological Studies
1.4.3 Hydrological Studies
References
2 Radon Measurement Techniques
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Radon Analytical Methods
2.3 Radon Measurement Methods
2.3.1 Scintillation or Lucas Cell
2.3.2 Semiconductor Detector
2.3.3 Ionization Chamber
2.3.4 Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC)
2.3.5 Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
2.3.6 Solid-State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD)
2.4 Radon Measurement in Air
2.5 Radon Measurement in Soil
2.6 Radon Measurement in Water
2.6.1 Measurement of Radon in Groundwater
2.6.2 Measurement of Radon in Surface Water
2.7 Detector Suitability for Radon Measurement
2.8 Comparing Radon-In-Water Measurement Techniques
2.9 RAD7 Instrument—Radon in Water
2.9.1 RAD-H2O Modus Operandi
2.9.2 The Closed-Loop Concept
2.10 Quality Assurance of Measurement
2.10.1 Calibration Measurements
2.10.2 Background Measurements
2.10.3 Duplicate/Collocated Measurements
2.10.4 Routine Instrument Performance Checks
2.10.5 Proficiency Tests and Inter-Laboratory Comparisons
2.11 Conclusion and Future Research
References
3 Radon Distribution in Groundwater and River Water
3.1 Radon Distribution in Groundwater
3.2 Case Study: Radon in Groundwater of Karamana River Basin, Southern Western Ghats, India
3.2.1 Water Sampling and Analytical Methods
3.2.2 Radon Distribution
3.2.3 Frequency Distribution of 222Rn in Groundwater
3.2.4 Spatio-Temporal Variability of 222Rn in Groundwater
3.2.5 Relationship of 222Rn in Groundwater with Physical Parameters
3.2.6 Variation of 222Rn in Groundwater with Various Rock Types
3.2.7 Relationship of 222Rn in Groundwater with the Emanation Coefficient
3.2.8 Influence of Structural Features on 222Rn Variability in Groundwater
3.2.9 Minor Factors Controlling Groundwater 222Rn
3.3 Radon Distribution in Hydrothermal Systems
3.4 Radon Distribution in River Water
3.4.1 Case Study—Killiyar River Basin, India
3.5 Conclusion and Outlook
Appendix
References
4 Radon in Surface Water–Groundwater Interaction Studies
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Physical Interaction
4.3 SGI and Hydrochemical Dynamics
4.4 Factors Controlling River–Groundwater Interaction
4.5 Scales of Interactions
4.6 Significance of Surface Water–Groundwater Interaction (SGI) Studies
4.7 SGI Estimation Methods
4.8 Radon (222Rn) as SGI Tracer
4.9 Case Study—Karamana River Basin, India
4.9.1 Radon Activities in River Water and Profile (River Zone) Groundwater
4.10 Limitations of 222Rn in SGI Studies
4.11 Conclusion and Recommendations
References
5 Radon in Hydrograph Separation and Water Balance Studies
5.1 Hydrograph Separation
5.2 Empirical and Numerical Methods
5.3 Conceptual Methods
5.4 Physico-chemical Methods
5.5 Radon Tracer for Hydrograph Separation
5.6 Radon Loss by Degassing
5.7 Radon Tracer in Glacial Hydrological Systems
5.8 Reducing Uncertainties During Sampling and Measurement
5.9 Radon in Water Balance Studies
5.9.1 Understanding the Hydrodynamics and Water Balance of Lakes
5.9.2 Understanding the Hydrodynamics and Water Balance in Floodplains
5.10 Conclusion and Outlook
References
6 Radon in Submarine Groundwater Discharge Studies
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Significance of SGD Studies
6.3 Factors Controlling SGD and Associated Pathways
6.4 Measurement Techniques
6.4.1 Conventional (Non-isotope) Techniques
6.4.2 Isotope Techniques
6.5 Radon as SGD Tracer
6.6 Limitations and Uncertainties Associated with Radon Tracer
6.7 Conclusion and Outlooks
References
7 Radon and Human Health
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Health Impacts of Radon
7.3 Measurement Units of Radioactivity
7.4 Radon in Atmosphere
7.4.1 Factors Affecting 222Rn in Air
7.5 Radon in Drinking Water
7.6 Radon Entry into Dwellings
7.7 Routes of Exposure
7.8 Radon in Working Environments
7.8.1 Mining Occupational Exposure
7.8.2 Non-mining Occupational Exposure
7.9 Radon in Residential Dwellings
7.9.1 Measurement Duration
7.9.2 Measurement Location
7.10 Radiation Dose Due to Radon in Water
7.10.1 Case Study—Karamana River Basin, India
7.11 Conclusion and Future Research
References
8 Radon—Mitigatory and Control Measures
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Mitigation Strategies
8.3 Design Criteria for Radon Control Systems
8.4 Guidelines, Standards and Regulatory Bodies
8.5 Radon Prevention Strategies for New Constructions
8.6 Determinants of Efficiency in Soil Depressurization Systems
8.7 Radon Mitigation Strategies in Existing Buildings
8.8 Factors Affecting Radon Mitigation
8.9 Energy Efficiency and Indoor Radon
8.10 Radon Removal Strategies in Groundwater
8.10.1 Heating Techniques
8.10.2 Membrane/Filtration Techniques
8.10.3 Aeration Techniques
8.10.4 Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
8.10.5 Biological Techniques
8.11 Conclusion and Recommendations
References