title: Explicit finite difference solution of the diffusion equation describing the flow of radon through soil.
abstract: Radon diffusion through soil and into air is investigated. The solution of the relevant diffusion equation is given using the explicit finite difference method. Results from a two-medium model (soil-air) are compared to those from a simplified single-medium model (soil alone). The latter are an underestimate in early stages of the diffusion process. Later on, the two models match closely and either one can be used at equilibrium conditions to calculate radon diffusion, estimate indoor radon concentration and assess health hazards.
authors.affiliation: City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. savovic@kg.ac.rs
authors.forename: Svetislav
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Savović
authors.forename: Alexandar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Djordjevich
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.forename: Dragoslav
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nikezić
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D004058:Diffusion; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D011886:Radon