Spatial distribution of ²²²Rn concentrations and dose estimations in various waters

ABSTRACT

In this article, the levels of ²²²Rn concentrations, annual effective doses, and excess lifetime cancer risk estimations were investigated for water samples in the city of Osmaniye, located in the southern part of Turkey. The measurements were conducted using a radon gas analyzer (AlphaGUARD PQ 2000 PRO). The arithmetic average of ²²²Rn concentrations was 0.44 Bq.L⁻¹ with a geometric standard deviation of 0.19 and geometric average 0.41 Bq.L⁻¹. The results obtained were compared with the findings of other studies. All measured radon concentrations were below the values recommended by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The associated radiological parameters such as annual effective doses (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) from consumption of these waters were calculated. The computed average annual effective doses for ingestion and inhalation as well as excess lifetime cancer risk were estimated to be 1.13 μSv.y⁻¹, 1.10 μSv.y⁻¹, and 3.95 × 10⁻⁶, respectively. ²²²Rn concentration, AED, and ELCR interpolated values of the region were determined and mapped using the Kriging method. The results of radon concentrations in this study provide a data baseline for future studies on subsequent evaluations of possible future environmental contamination of Osmaniye Province.

KEYWORDS:

• radon
• annual effective dose
• excess lifetime cancer risk
• water

Acknowledgments

The authors kindly thank the experienced English lecturer of Batman University, Ihsan Pilatin, for his thorough editing of the article.

Funding

This work is supported by Turkish Prime Ministry State Planning Organization (DPT) (Project number: 2010K120610, Project title: Batman University Central Research Laboratory).