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Radon emanation coefficients for phosphogypsum

P M Rutherford1, M J Dudas, J M Arocena

  • 1Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

Health Physics
|October 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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Fine phosphogypsum particles significantly increase radon-222 (222Rn) emanation, a radioactive gas. Moisture content also affects 222Rn release, with saturation increasing emanation, though diffusion may limit overall exhalation from phosphogypsum repositories.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Geochemistry
  • Radiological Science

Background:

  • Phosphogypsum, a fertilizer industry by-product, contains elevated radium-226 (226Ra).
  • Radon-222 (222Rn), a decay product of 226Ra, poses environmental concerns due to its radioactivity.
  • Understanding 222Rn emanation from phosphogypsum is crucial for managing stockpiled waste.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of particle size, weathering, and moisture content on 222Rn emanation from phosphogypsum.
  • To quantify the 222Rn emanation coefficient (epsilon) under varying conditions.
  • To assess the implications for radon exhalation from phosphogypsum repositories.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of phosphogypsum samples from Togo, Florida, and Idaho rock sources.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Fractionation of phosphogypsum by particle size (< 20 microns).
  • Artificial weathering procedures and controlled moisture content experiments.

    • Main Results:

    • Fine phosphogypsum fractions (< 20 microns) exhibited significantly higher 222Rn emanation coefficients (epsilon) compared to unfractionated samples.
    • Artificial weathering reduced phosphogypsum mass by 40% without altering epsilon.
    • Increasing moisture content initially decreased, then increased epsilon, with 100% saturation showing a 1.9-fold increase over air-dry samples.

    Conclusions:

    • Particle size is a key factor influencing 222Rn exhalation variability from phosphogypsum.
    • Elevated moisture content can enhance 222Rn emanation, but diffusion limitations in saturated material may reduce overall exhalation rates.
    • Management strategies for phosphogypsum should consider particle size distribution and moisture conditions to mitigate radon release.