Investigating the relationships between radon and the geology of the Sterkfontein cave

IF 2.2 3区地球科学 Q2 GEOSCIENCES, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Journal of Applied Geophysics Pub Date : 2024-09-14 DOI:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2024.105522

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Abstract

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, has become a subject of increasing interest and concern, particularly in the context of subterranean environments such as caves. This research investigates these dynamics in the Sterkfontein Cave in South Africa, which has formed in the karst geology of the Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng. Additionally, it set out to compile a radon map for the cave, identifying potential radon hotspots. Twenty-four electret ion chambers were placed in the tourist section of the cave and left for a period of 24 h. The radon concentrations were found to be between 53 Bq/m³ and 2770 Bq/m³. Three regions within the cave exhibited elevated radon concentrations, with these occurrences being linked to phosphatic deposits. A subterranean lake also concentrates radon gas in the lower areas of the cave. While the cave's average radon concentration of 427 Bq/m³ exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) hazardous level of 300 Bq/m³, occupational exposure remains minimal during a typical cave tour. Consequently, there is no discernible risk during an average tour through the cave.

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调查氡与斯特克方丹洞穴地质之间的关系

氡是一种天然产生的放射性气体，已成为人们越来越感兴趣和关注的话题，尤其是在洞穴等地下环境中。这项研究调查了南非 Sterkfontein 洞穴的这些动态，该洞穴形成于豪滕省人类摇篮的岩溶地质中。此外，研究还着手绘制洞穴氡地图，确定潜在的氡热点。在洞穴的旅游区放置了 24 个驻极体离子室，并放置了 24 小时。洞内有三个区域的氡浓度升高，这些现象与磷酸盐沉积有关。一个地下湖泊也将氡气集中在洞穴的较低区域。虽然该洞穴的平均氡浓度为 427 Bq/m3，超过了世界卫生组织（WHO）规定的 300 Bq/m3 的危险水平，但在典型的洞穴游览过程中，职业暴露仍然微乎其微。因此，在一般的洞穴游览中不会有明显的风险。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Applied Geophysics 地学-地球科学综合

CiteScore

3.60

自引率

10.00%

发文量

274

审稿时长

4 months

期刊介绍： The Journal of Applied Geophysics with its key objective of responding to pertinent and timely needs, places particular emphasis on methodological developments and innovative applications of geophysical techniques for addressing environmental, engineering, and hydrological problems. Related topical research in exploration geophysics and in soil and rock physics is also covered by the Journal of Applied Geophysics.