A simple and rapid method for analyzing radon in coastal and ground waters using a radon-in-air monitor.
We have developed a simple and portable technique for measuring moderately high levels of 222Rn (t1/2=3.8d) in natural waters such as coastal water, groundwater, and river water. The water sample is carefully collected in a glass bottle, and the sample bottle is connected to a radon-in-air monitor in a closed air-loop mode. By purging air through the sample, radon is emanated from the water until a chemical equilibration is obtained between the two phases. The radon in the air loop is determined using the radon-in-air monitor. Then, the radon in water is calculated by a radon-partitioning factor between water and air for a measured water temperature. This technique is especially convenient for determination of 222Rn in natural waters on field sites, since it eliminates the preparation of He gas, cold traps, and alpha-scintillation cells and counter, which are required for traditional radon emanation methods.
Lee
Jong-Mi
JM
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/RIO, Seoul National University, NS80 Shinrim-dong, Kwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Kim
Guebuem
G
D000388:Air; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012588:Scintillation Counting; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis*
D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive; D011886:Radon