Radon behavior in springs and wells around Cuitzeo lake, Lerma river basin, Mexico

Abstract

Radon was determined in springs and wells from urban and agricultural zones around Cuitzeo lake, in the Lerma river basin, Mexico. Major and trace elements were also studied in the water samples. The measurement techniques included the liquid scintillation method for 222Rn, conventional chemical analysis for major components and ICP-MS for metallic trace elements. The average radon concentration values were relatively low, ranging from 0.88 to 3.66 Bq L-1 indicating a rapid transit from recharge to the output of the springs. The major and trace elements are discussed considering the geological characteristics of the studied sites.

Keywords

• Volcanic zone
• groundwater
• radon
• chemical composition
• dissolved trace elements.