Pilot study of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations in groundwaters of Roztocze region, Poland

Abstract

Authors selected 5 intakes of groundwaters outflowing from carbonate rocks in Roztocze region in Poland and measured activity concentrations of 222Rn and 222Ra. The average values of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations were: 5.3 (min. 2.0, max. 8.3 Bq/dm3) and 0.06 Bq/dm3 (from <0.06 to 0.07 Bq/dm3) respectively. To make a comparison authors made also investigations in groundwaters from other regions built of carbonate rocks in Poland (Sudetes, Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Lublin Upland, Tatra Mountains). In groundwaters from these regions, 222Rn activity concentration was from 2.2 to 47.8 Bq/dm3, while mean value was 16.0 Bq/dm3. All of 226Ra activity concentration values measured in these regions were below LLD (< 0.05 Bq/dm3). Results from Roztocze and other regions are comparable. All of investigated waters according to new polish regulations about limits of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations could be used as drinking waters (the limits of 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations are 100 Bq/dm3 and 0.5 Bq/dm3 respectively).