A General Survey of Radon Concentration in Water from Rivers in Gauteng, South Africa Using a Solid-State α-Detector

Masevhe, L; Rd, Mavunda; Connell, S

doi:10.4172/2161-0525.1000472

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The Rn 222 concentrations were then analysed in a controlled laboratory environment using a RAD-7 electronic radon detector and RAD-H2O accessory (Durridge Company, USA). This instrument is known to be very precise and capable of measuring concentrations as low as 1 mBq (Masevhe et al, 2017). Tests were conducted at normal room temperature with sufficient desiccant in the air sample path of the equipment (see Botha et al, 2019 for detailed protocol).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Our study is one of the first in South Africa using Rn 222 as an environmental tracer in hydrogeological studies between groundwater and rivers. Other studies, such as Eilers et al (2015), Masevhe et al (2017) and Botha et al (2019), quantified Rn 222 concentrations in either surface water or groundwater (not both) in different parts of South Africa. The objective of this study is to determine (i) Rn 222 concentrations within both surface water and groundwater, and (ii) the feasibility of using Rn 222 isotopes as a natural tracer in groundwater-surface water interaction studies in Table Mountain Group (TMG) aquifer systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The use of Radon (Rn222) isotopes to detect groundwater discharge in streams draining Table Mountain Group (TMG) aquifers

Strydom

Nel

et al. 2021

WSA

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Environmental isotopes have been used for decades as natural tracers in studies aimed at understanding complex hydrogeological processes such as groundwater and surface water interactions. Radon (Rn222) is a naturally occurring, radioactive isotope which is produced from radium (Ra226) during the radioactive decay series of uranium (U238). Since U238 is present in most geological substrates, Rn222 is produced in various lithological structures and subsequently transported with groundwater through fractures and pore spaces in an aquifer towards surface water discharge points in rivers and springs. This study aimed to determine (i) the concentration of Rn222 within both surface water and groundwater in Table Mountain Group (TMG) aquifer systems, and (ii) the feasibility of using Rn222 isotopes as a natural tracer in groundwater-surface water interaction studies. This study was conducted in a highly fractured TMG aquifer system near Rawsonville, South Africa. Surface water from two perennial rivers (i.e. Gevonden and Molenaars), together with groundwater from a nearby borehole, were sampled and their corresponding Rn222 concentrations measured. Our study found median Rn222 concentrations in the Gevonden River of 76.4 Bq∙L-1 and 67.2 Bq∙L-1 in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Nearly 12% of surface water samples exceeded 100 Bq∙L-1. These abnormally high Rn222 concentrations can only be attributed to the influx of groundwater with extremely high Rn222 concentrations. Under ambient (no pumping) conditions, Rn222 concentrations in groundwater range between 130–270 Bq∙L-1. However, when the borehole was pumped, and inflowing water from the surrounding aquifer was sampled, even higher Rn222 concentrations (391–593 Bq∙L-1) were measured. These extremely high Rn222 concentrations in groundwater are believed to be attributed to the underlying granitic geology and the prevalence of faults. The use of Rn222 isotopes as an environmental tracer in groundwater–surface water interaction studies is therefore regarded as a feasible option in similar highly fractured aquifer systems.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%