P Arjun, Girish Gopinath, T R Resmi, A R Sabitha, N P Jesiya, N Anjali, U Surendran
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study evaluates the spatial and temporal variation of radon-222 (222Rn) in groundwater and assesses the associated health risks across the alluvial and lateritic zones of Kasaragod district, Kerala, India. 222Rn, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can dissolve in groundwater and may pose health hazards to humans. Groundwater samples (n = 70) were collected during pre- and post-monsoon seasons, and 222Rn concentrations were analyzed in relation to local lithology and associated physical parameters. The study observed significant seasonal variability, with higher 222Rn concentrations recorded during the pre-monsoon, reflecting the influence of recharge processes and reduced dilution. Spatial variability was more pronounced in isolated pockets and was closely linked to geological formations rich in uranium and radium bearing minerals. The study employed 222Rn as a natural tracer to estimate groundwater residence time in the alluvial aquifer, providing values ranging from 0.2 to 13.1 days. The results enhance understanding of surface water-groundwater interactions and the processes governing aquifer recharge in the area. Health risk assessments were carried out using age-specific dose conversion factors for both ingestion and inhalation pathways. The results indicated that infants receive the highest annual effective dose, followed by children and adults. Despite a few locations with elevated doses during the pre-monsoon season, the majority of the study area remains within WHO's safety guidelines. This research contributes to the understanding of 222Rn behavior in groundwater systems and highlights the need for ongoing monitoring to support safe drinking water management and protect public health.
期刊介绍：
Applied Radiation and Isotopes provides a high quality medium for the publication of substantial, original and scientific and technological papers on the development and peaceful application of nuclear, radiation and radionuclide techniques in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, medicine, security, engineering and in the earth, planetary and environmental sciences, all including dosimetry. Nuclear techniques are defined in the broadest sense and both experimental and theoretical papers are welcome. They include the development and use of α- and β-particles, X-rays and γ-rays, neutrons and other nuclear particles and radiations from all sources, including radionuclides, synchrotron sources, cyclotrons and reactors and from the natural environment.
The journal aims to publish papers with significance to an international audience, containing substantial novelty and scientific impact. The Editors reserve the rights to reject, with or without external review, papers that do not meet these criteria.
Papers dealing with radiation processing, i.e., where radiation is used to bring about a biological, chemical or physical change in a material, should be directed to our sister journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry.
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