Using the gamma spectrometry method to determine the concentration of radon in samples of mineral radon water

Abstract

The results of a study on the choice of the optimal measurement geometry, measuring capacity and method of sealing the measuring capacity for determining the concentration of radon-222 in samples of mineral radon water are presented. Studies of radon water samples were carried out in laboratory conditions on a stationary gamma spectrometer based on a semiconductor Ge(Li) detector. The concentration measurements in the samples were carried out in accordance with MVI. MN 3421-2010 “Methodology for measuring the volumetric and concentration of gamma-emitting radionuclides on gamma spectrometers with semiconductor detectors” for standard plastic vessels “Denta, 0.1 l” and “Marinelli, 1 l”, and glass containers with a volume of 0.5 l with lids for twisting and seaming. The results of the research showed that the leakage of radon from a glass container with a metal lid for sealing is minimal. This method of sampling and sealing the measuring vessel makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the presented measurement results by reducing the corrections for sample preparation when calculating the expanded measurement uncertainty. A glass container with a volume of 0.5 l with a metal cap for seaming was used to measure the concentration of radon in samples of mineral radon water taken from wells and a drinking fountain of the Radon sanatorium of Belagrozdravnitsa JSC (Dyatlovo District, Grodno Region). The concentration range was 760–2100 Bq/kg. The selected measuring container, the method of its sealing and the measurement geometry can be used for future measurements of the radon concentration in samples of mineral radon water taken in the sanatoriums of the Republic of Belarus.