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Radon hazard in shallow groundwaters: amplification and long term variability induced by rainfall
S De Francesco1, F Pascale Tommasone, E Cuoco
1Department of Environmental Sciences, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi, 81100 Caserta, Italy. stefano.defrancesco@unina2.it
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 3, 2009
Summary
Radon (222Rn) levels in shallow groundwater show significant annual variations linked to rainfall and water table changes. This Radon Hydrological Amplification Cycle (RHAC) can increase radon concentrations significantly, impacting public health risk assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Radiological Protection
Background:
- Shallow groundwater (222)Rn concentrations are crucial for assessing radon hazards but are understudied.
- The Pietramelara Plain features pyroclastic deposits interacting with Mesozoic carbonate reservoirs, influencing groundwater chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the annual variation of (222)Rn concentration in shallow groundwaters.
- To understand the hydrological mechanisms driving these variations and their relevance for radon hazard evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a RAD7 radon detector for measuring (222)Rn concentrations in shallow groundwaters.
- Collected experimental field data to analyze hydrological influences on radon levels.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a clear annual periodicity in (222)Rn levels, strongly correlated with rainfall and water table fluctuations.
- Observed up to two orders of magnitude increase in (222)Rn during the wet season, exceeding public water thresholds.
- Identified hydrological mechanisms like rinse out and discharge as key drivers of radon leaching efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Introduced the Radon Hydrological Amplification Cycle (RHAC), a generalized phenomenon for Mediterranean climates.
- Highlighted the potential for shallow groundwater (222)Rn variations to significantly influence indoor radon levels.
- Emphasized the need to evaluate the epidemiological risks associated with this seasonally amplified radon mechanism.
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