Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
12:22
Speciation and Bioavailability Measurements of Environmental Plutonium Using Diffusion in Thin Films
Published on: November 9, 2015
RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED THERMAL WATERS IN SLOVAKIA
P Blahušiak1, K Holý1, M Mullerová1
1Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|October 17, 2017
Summary
Radon levels in Slovak thermal waters vary significantly, with some sources exceeding safe limits. High radon activity was detected even in potable thermal water fountains, posing a potential risk to public health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiological Protection
- Hydrogeology
Background:
- Thermal waters in spas and aqua parks are utilized for recreation and therapy.
- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in water.
- Assessing radon levels in public thermal water sources is crucial for health and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate radon concentration in thermal waters across selected Slovakian spas and aqua parks.
- To determine the range of radon activity in these water sources.
- To identify potential risks associated with radon exposure from thermal water use.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of 23 distinct thermal water sources.
- Measurement of radon concentration using standardized radiological techniques.
- Analysis of data to establish the variability and range of radon levels.
Main Results:
- Radon concentrations in the monitored thermal waters ranged widely from 4.1 to 488 Bq l-1.
- Elevated radon activity, up to 180 Bq l-1, was found in thermal potable water fountains.
- Significant variations in radon levels indicate diverse geological and hydrological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Several Slovakian thermal water sources exhibit high radon concentrations.
- Potable thermal water fountains may pose a significant radon exposure risk to the public.
- Further research and potential regulatory measures are warranted to ensure public safety.
Related Concept Videos
02:48Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating
Radioactivity is a spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nuclide and is a random process, as all the nuclei in the sample do not decay simultaneously. The number of disintegrations per unit time is called the activity (A), which is directly proportional to the number of nuclei in the sample. The decay constant (λ) is an average probability of decay per nucleus in unit time.
01:19Quality of Water
In concrete preparation, the quality of water is paramount as it affects the strength and durability of the concrete. Potable water is usually preferred; however, it must not have excessive sodium or potassium to prevent compromising the concrete's integrity. Water quality is typically evaluated based on impurities such as dissolved solids, chlorides, and sulfates, and its pH value is ideally between 6 and 8. Even slightly acidic natural water may be acceptable unless it contains harmful...