Radon measurements in drinking water: a comparison between different techniques

Abstract

Radon-222 concentrations in drinking water samples, collected from four sites, with known concentrations, located in Troine, Hoffelt and Hachiville (Luxembourg) and Sainte Adèle source (Belgium) have been found about 111.2, 90.4, 86.0, and 83.7 Bq l⁻¹ respectively. The samples have been analysed by six laboratories using gamma-ray spectrometry, emanometry and liquid scintillation counting. The performance of the participating laboratories and their measurements were evaluated with respect to the consensus value using statistical tests. The obtained results indicate that all measurement system used as well as methods to measure radon-222 in water are good and comply to the European directive.