Comprehensive study on the technical aspects of sampling, transporting and measuring radon-in-water

Abstract

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre organizes proficiency tests (PT) on radon-in-water measurements. In order to optimize sampling, transport and measurement methods many tests and small scale proficiency tests have been performed. The waters from natural springs, wells were sampled on-site in glass bottles then transported cooled to the JRC and collaborating laboratories. For the material characterization standard measurement methods based on gamma-ray spectrometry, emanometry and liquid scintillation counting were used. The influence of sampling, transport and sample handling on radon-loss was tested and quantified. It was observed that parameters like container material, filling height, storage temperature and handling can lead to substantial measurement bias due to radon-loss. This high risk for radon-loss from samples can potentially be a general radioprotection problem as doses to the public may be underestimated. Regular air and road transport can be considered adequate means of transport as they have little influence on radon-loss if a suitable glass sample container with flexible cap is used and that it is completely filled. On the basis of this work, modifications to the related standard as best practices are also proposed.

Alpha Spectrometry of Radon Short-Lived Progeny in Drinking Water and Assessment of the Public Effective Dose: Results from the Cilento Area, Province of Salerno, Southern Italy

“…As already confirmed by experience in the literature, measurements of radon activity concentrations in different natural water bodies like rivers, springs, groundwater, surface waters and drinking waters on samples are affected by some technical difficulties with respect to radon measurements in other matrices [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Radon concentration in self-bottled mineral spring waters as a possible public health issue

“…Water was collected in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. It was observed that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has generally lower radon loss during storage 12,13 than high density and low-density polyethylene 14 . The material and the sealing are compliant with ISO 13164–1:2013 15 and ISO 13164-3:2013 16 concerning principles to be adopted in water sampling, storage, and transportation.…”

Preparation of multi-purpose radon emanation sources

“…The emanation sources were already tested in radonin-water measurements where elevated radon activity concentration had to be produced in a low volume (0.2-1 L) container [6]. The emanation sources were placed in an LDPE foil and immersed in a 1-L heat shock resistant borosilicate glass bottle with a gas-tight but flexible screw cap designed for volatile organic material storage.…”

“…Along with the MetroRadon project objectives, JRC had to take the priorities within its own work program into account, which includes radon-in-water measurement [6][7][8]. On that basis, we set three main goals for the radon emanation source preparation at JRC-Geel.…”