Mapping the geogenic radon potential: methodology and spatial analysis for central Hungary.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Public Health

Background:

• Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors.
• Geogenic radon potential (GRP) mapping is crucial for assessing and mitigating indoor radon exposure risks.
• Understanding the relationship between geology and radon levels is key to effective risk management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct detailed geogenic radon potential (GRP) mapping in a selected area of Hungary.
• To assess the applicability of a continuous variable approach for GRP determination.
• To analyze the spatial patterns of soil gas radon, soil permeability, and GRP in relation to geological formations.

Main Methods:

• Field measurements of soil gas radon concentration and soil gas permeability.
• Application of a conventional continuous variable approach for GRP determination.
• Detailed spatial analysis to study the relationship between geological formations and radon parameters.

Main Results:

• Higher soil gas radon and GRP were observed in mountainous and hilly regions compared to plains.
• Proluvial-deluvial sediments and downhill rock debris exhibited the highest radon values.
• Fluvial sediments in hilly areas showed higher GRP, while drift sand, fluvioeolic sand, fluvial sand, and loess in plains had lower GRP.

Conclusions:

• Radon occurrence is closely related to the sediment cycle in the study area.
• A geogenic radon risk map was developed to aid in human health risk assessment and reduction.
• The study area in central Hungary is characterized by low to medium GRP, with high risk occurring only locally, highlighting the inhomogeneous nature of Quaternary sediments regarding radon.