• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.215-222
• /
• 1998

The radon (Rn-222) potential of metropolitan subway stations and soils in Seoul city were delineated using alpha-track filter and EDA-200 radon detectors, respectively. The uranium (U) and thorium (Th) contents were also determined using a Multi Channel Analyzer to identify the sources of radon gas. The average U concentrations in Seoul varies according to basement rock types. For example, there is $9.40{\pm}10.11ppm$ in the Precambrian metasedimentary rock (PM), $9.08{\pm}2.85ppm$ in the Jurassic Kwanaksan granite (JK) and $4.94{\pm}1.43ppm$ in the Jurassic Seoul granite (JS). Uranium contents in soil samples are $10.30{\pm}4.74ppm$ in JK, $10.10{\pm}7.43ppm$ in PM and $6.69{\pm}3.95ppm$ in JS and these closely reflect the content of uraniferous minerals. The levels of soil radon are $604{\pm}273pCi/L$ in JK, $502{\pm}275$ in JS and $262{\pm}211pCi/L$ in PM. The soil radon concentrations are shown to reflect soil permeability and porosity rather than their U contents. The mean indoor radon contents in subway stations are $1.50{\pm}0.62pCi/L$ on the 4th line, $1.41{\pm}0.95pCi/L$ on the 3rd line, $0.84{\pm}0.13pCi/L$ on the 1st line and $0.80{\pm}0.25pCi/L$ on the 2nd line. The subway stations located in the JK have the highest average radon concentration with $2.04{\pm}0.65pCi/L$, where levels of $1.57{\pm}0.81pCi/L$ occur in the JS and $0.80{\pm}0.23pCi/L$ in the PM. The highest radon levels of 4.1 pCi/L occur mainly in Keongbokkung station on the 3rd line and these exceed 4 pCi/L of the US EPA action level.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.56 no.5
• /
• pp.1925-1931
• /
• 2024

The study conducted in the northwest region of Jordan aimed to assess the levels of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace (OMP) samples. The researchers used Nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry to measure the activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in the samples. The average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in the soil samples were found to be 18.624 ± 5.82, 12.276 ± 5.728, 518.33 ± 212.57, and 0.140 ± 0.09 (Bq, kg^-1), respectively. In the OMP samples, the average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were 7.272 ± 4.386, 3.454 ± 1.503, and 169.997 ± 81.873 (Bq kg^-1), respectively, and no ¹³⁷Cs was detected. The study also investigated fundamental parameters associated with radon, specifically the radon emanation coefficient (Rn_EC) and radon mass exhalation rate (E_x). The Rn_EC values ranged from 0.621 to 0.78 (Bq kg^-1), with an average value of 0.71 ± 0.06 (Bq kg^-1). The estimated E_x from the soil samples ranged from 65.83 to 124.86 (mBq kg^-1h^-1), with an average value of 99.74 ± 21.73 (mBq kg^-1h^-1). Regarding radiological hazards, the study examined various parameters, including radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, gamma and alpha indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk. All of these assessed values were found to be below the worldwide recommended limits for radiological safety. Additionally, the study analyzed the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities in soil and OMP samples. The soil samples had an average gross alpha activity of 4.642 ± 1.04 (Bq kg^-1) and an average gross beta activity of 48.13 ± 14.50 (Bq kg^-1). The OMP samples showed an average gross alpha activity of 0.32 ± 0.27 (Bq kg^-1) and an average gross beta activity of 59.19 ± 12.94 (Bq kg^-1). Overall, the obtained results are crucial for evaluating the radiological risks associated with natural radioactivity in the northwest region of Jordan. The findings establish baseline data for comparison and reference for radioactivity levels in the environment.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.114-121
• /
• 2017

Real-time monitoring of hourly concentrations of atmospheric Radon-222 ($^{222}Rn$, radon) and some gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) was performed throughout 2013-2014 at Gosan station of Jeju Island, one of the cleanest regions in Korea, in order to characterize their background levels and temporal variation trend. The hourly mean concentrations of radon and three gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) over the study period were $2216{\pm}1100mBq/m^3$, $0.6{\pm}0.7ppb$, $211.6{\pm}102.0ppb$, and $43.0{\pm}17.0ppb$, respectively. The seasonal order of radon concentrations was as fall ($2644mBq/m^3$)$${\sim_\sim}$$winter ($2612mBq/m^3$)>spring ($2022mBq/m^3$)>summer ($1666mBq/m^3$). The concentrations of $SO_2$ and CO showed similar patterns with those of radon as high in winter and low in summer, whereas the $O_3$ concentrations had a bit different trend. Based on cluster analyses of air mass back trajectories, the air mass frequencies originating from Chinese continent, North Pacific Ocean, and the Korean Peninsula routes were 30, 18, and 52%, respectively. When the air masses were moved from Chinese continent to Jeju Island, the concentrations of radon and gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) were relatively high: $2584mBq/m^3$, 0.76 ppb, 225.8 ppb, and 46.4 ppb. On the other hand, when the air masses were moved from North Pacific Ocean, their concentrations were much low as $1282mBq/m^3$, 0.24 ppb, 166.1 ppb, and 32.5 ppb, respectively.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.36-45
• /
• 2013

We analyzed natural radionuclides in 80 wells in volcanic rock areas and investigated environmental characteristics. Uranium and radon concentrations ranged from ND to $9.70{\mu}g/L$ (median value: 0.21) ${\mu}g/L$, 38~29,222 pCi/L (median value: 579), respectively. In case of gross-${\alpha}$, 26 samples exceeded MDA (minimum detectable activity, < 0.9 pCi/L) value and the activity values ranged from 1.05 to 8.06 pCi/L. The radionuclides concentrations did not exceed USEPA MCL (maximum contaminant level) value of Uranium ($30{\mu}g/L$) and gross-${\alpha}$ (15 pCi/L). But Rn concentrations in 4 samples exceeded USEPA AMCL (Alternative maximum contaminant level, 4,000 pci/L) and one of them showed a significantly higher value (29,222 pCi/L) than the others. The levels of uranium concentrations in volcanic rock aquifer regions were detected in order of andesite, miscellaneous volcanic rocks, rhyolite, basalt aquifer regions. Radon, however, was detected in order of miscellaneous volcanic rocks, rhyolite, andesite, basalt aquifer regions. The correlation coefficient between uranium and radon was r = 0.45, but we found that correlations of radionuclides with in-situ data or major ions were weak or no significant. The correlation coefficient between the depth of wells and uranium concentrations was a slightly higher than that of depth of wells and radons. Radionuclide concentrations in volcanic rock aquifers showed lower levels than those of other rock aquifers such as granite, metamorphic rock aquifers, etc. This result may imply difference of host rock's bearing-radioactive-mineral contents among rock types of aquifers.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.11 no.5
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 2006

Optimal method of radon analysis in groundwater was studied using ultra low-level liquid scintillation counter (ULLLSC) which is well known as an analytical instrument for analyzing the alpha and beta radionuclides in environmental materials. Optimization of pulse shape analyzer (PSA) in operating the LSC was performed with $^{241}Am\;and\;^{90}Sr/^{90}Y$ as well as $^{226}Ra$ Also, the chemical quenching of scintillation generation and the color quenching of the generated photon to photomultiplier tubes (PMT) were determined their effects not only to decrease the analytical efficiency but also to change the optimal PSA level and background due to high ion contents of groundwaters. The optimal PSA level was shown in the range of 90 to 110 with less than 5% error. The effects of high ion contents in groundwater for the analytical efficiency show within 10% error from the different ion contents. The chloroform as a quenching agent was used to determine the analytical efficiency with the different amount, showing that the efficiency decreases 20% using the 2% of chloroform.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.178-185
• /
• 2013

We measured salinity and $^{222}Rn$ concentration to explore submarine spring along the coastal areas (Mundongri, Icheon-ri, Jukseong-ri, Daebyeon-ri, Yeonhwa-ri, and Dadae-po) including Ilkwang Bay of Busan Metropolitan City in 2009 and 2010. Before field observation, we selected the potential and possible locations of submarine spring based on the lineament distribution and rose diagram analysis. Salinity and radon concentration were measured within the 1~2 km from the coastal lines. Radon activity decreased gradually from onshore to offshore. Vertical profiles of salinity at some stations showed lateral transport of water mass characterized by low salinity. Vertical profiles of salinity in the Ilkwang Bay, which is a unique bay in the south-eastern coastal area of Busan Metropolitan City, also showed the occurrence of low salinity in the bottom seawater. Our results suggest the possible occurrence of submarine discharge of fresh groundwater in the coastal areas around Busan Metropolitan City. In the future, intensive research should be conducted for the exploration methods of submarine spring as well for the possible utility of submarine groundwater as alternative water resources.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.183-192
• /
• 2005

Natural ventilation in radioactive waste repositories is considered to be less efficient than mechanically forced ventilation for the repository working environment and hygiene & safety of the public at large, for example, controlling the exposure of airborne radioactive particulate matter. It is, however, considered to play an important role and may be fairly efficient for maintaining environmental conditions of the repository over the duration of its lifetime, for example, moisture content and radon (Rn) gas elimination in repository. This paper describes the feasibility of using natural ventilation which can be generated in the repository itself, depending on the conditions of the natural environment during the periods of repository construction and operation. Evidences from natural cave analogues, actual measurements of natural ventilation pressures in mountain traffic tunnels with vertical shafts, and calculations of airflow rates with given natural ventilation pressures indicate possible benefits from passive ventilation for the prospective Korean radioactive waste repository. Natural ventilation may provide engineers with a cost-efficient method for heat and moisture transfer, and radon (Rn) gas elimination in a radioactive waste repository. The overall thermal performance of the repository may be improved. The dry-out period may be extended, and the seepage flux likely would be decreased.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.173-181
• /
• 2008

To ensure the performance of radon detectors, three passive radon detectors ($RadTrak^{(R)}$, $Radopot^{(R)}$, and $E-PERM^{(R)}$)have been reviewed. The difference ratios of RadTrak and Radopot tested in the radon standard chamber were -13.2% and -6.0%, respectively, which were in good accordance within 20% of the value measured by $AlphaGUARD^{(R)}$. To ensure the performance of the long term measurement, the 3 detectors were installed at the same position of approximately one hundred of dwellings for one year. The correlation curve between RadTrak and Radopot shows good agreement with a correlation coefficient ($R^2$) of 0.91. However, The correlation curve between E-PERM and Radopot shows bad agreement ($R^2$ = 0.021). In addition, the distribution map of annual mean indoor gamma dose rate measured with E-PERM was not in accordance with the distribution map of outdoor gamma dose rate measured by Portable Ion Chamber. According to the results, some requisites for the selection of the radon passive detectors in the large-scale indoor radon survey were discussed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.5 no.5
• /
• pp.231-235
• /
• 2011

Radium is rock or soil of crust or uranium of building materials and thorium after radioactivity collapse process are created colorless and odorless inert gas that accrue well in sealed space like mine or basement. It inflow to lung circulate respiratory organ and caused lung cancer because of deposition of lung or bronchial tubes. Radium sheath of medical institution treat person's life is possible big danger to professional regarding radioactivity who has much amount exposed radioactivity and weaker immune patient. so we do this test. Using measuring instrument at test is real time radium measuring instrument, Professional Continuous Radon monitor, and measuring places are basement first floor and second floor of two hospitals and measure from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Measurement result of Professional Continuous Radon monitor is minimum 14.8 Bq/$m^3$ to maximum 70.3 Bq/$m^3$ and show domestic baseline below 148 Bq/$m^3$, effective dose-rate is minimum 0.296 mSv to maximum 1.406 mSv that show 2.4 mSv, 10~58.3% level, exposed radiation amount from nature radiation one year.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.20 no.9
• /
• pp.1165-1182
• /
• 2011

The evaluation of potential submarine groundwater is an important research topic for exploring an alternative water resource. Two different approaches, water budget analysis and Rn mass balance method, were employed to investigate the annual variation of submarine groundwater discharge in 2010 at a marine watershed located at the south-eastern part of Korean Peninsula. In order to obtain reliable hydrological data during study period, temporal and spatial variations of rainfall and soil moisture had been collected and hydro-meterological data such as temperature, humidity and wind speed were collected The runoff response was simulated using SCS-CN method with spatial distributions of landuse and soil texture from GIS analysis. Six different methods were used to estimate the monthly variation of evapotranspiration and field measurements of soil moisture were used to account for the infiltration. Comparisons of infiltration and surface runoff between simulation and water balance with measurements showed coincidence. The water budget analysis and Rn mass balance method provide mean daily submarine groundwater as 5.35 and 4.07 $m^3/m/day$ in 2010, respectively.