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A Study of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radon/Thoron Release Potential of Bedrock and Soil in Southeastern Ireland

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  • Mirsina Mousavi Aghdam

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
    Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Quentin Crowley

    (Department of Geology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Carlos Rocha

    (Biogeochemistry Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Valentina Dentoni

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Stefania Da Pelo

    (Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Stephanie Long

    (Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland, D14YR62 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Maxime Savatier

    (Biogeochemistry Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

Radon ( 222 Rn) and thoron ( 220 Rn) account for almost two-thirds of the annual average radiation dose received by the Irish population. A detailed study of natural radioactivity levels and radon and thoron exhalation rates was carried out in a legislatively designated “high radon” area, as based on existing indoor radon measurements. Indoor radon concentrations, airborne radiometric data and stream sediment geochemistry were collated, and a set of soil samples were taken from the study area. The exhalation rates of radon (E 222 Rn ) and thoron (E 220 Rn ) for collected samples were determined in the laboratory. The resultant data were classified based on geological and soil type parameters. Geological boundaries were found to be robust classifiers for radon exhalation rates and radon-related variables, whilst soil type classification better differentiates thoron exhalation rates and correlated variables. Linear models were developed to predict the radon and thoron exhalation rates of the study area. Distribution maps of radon and thoron exhalation rates (range: E 222 Rn [0.15–1.84] and E 220 Rn [475–3029] Bq m −2 h −1 ) and annual effective dose (with a mean value of 0.84 mSv y −1 ) are presented. For some parts of the study area, the calculated annual effective dose exceeds the recommended level of 1 mSv y −1 , illustrating a significant radiation risk. Airborne radiometric data were found to be a powerful and fast tool for the prediction of geogenic radon and thoron risk. This robust method can be used for other areas where airborne radiometric data are available.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirsina Mousavi Aghdam & Quentin Crowley & Carlos Rocha & Valentina Dentoni & Stefania Da Pelo & Stephanie Long & Maxime Savatier, 2021. "A Study of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radon/Thoron Release Potential of Bedrock and Soil in Southeastern Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2709-:d:512614
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Bossew & Giorgia Cinelli & Giancarlo Ciotoli & Quentin G. Crowley & Marc De Cort & Javier Elío Medina & Valeria Gruber & Eric Petermann & Tore Tollefsen, 2020. "Development of a Geogenic Radon Hazard Index—Concept, History, Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-23, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesco Caridi & Giuseppe Paladini & Antonio Francesco Mottese & Filippo Giammaria Praticò & Giuliana Faggio & Giacomo Messina & Alberto Belvedere & Santina Marguccio & Maurizio D’Agostino & Domenic, 2024. "Natural Radioactivity in Raw Building Materials for Underground Parking Lots and Assessment of Radiological Health Risk for the Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Mirsina Mousavi Aghdam & Valentina Dentoni & Stefania Da Pelo & Quentin Crowley, 2022. "Detailed Geogenic Radon Potential Mapping Using Geospatial Analysis of Multiple Geo-Variables—A Case Study from a High-Risk Area in SE Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Miroslaw Janik, 2022. "Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring and Measurements: Radon and Thoron," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-5, July.

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