Multivariate regression analysis to assess the 222Rn exhalation rates from uranium ores and their relative contributions to the 222Rn concentration in the underground uranium mine atmosphere. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beg, Imran Athar; Sahu, Patitapaban; Panigrahi, Durga Charan
• Is Part Of: Radiation physics and chemistry. Volume 184(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Uranium ore -- 222Rn exhalation rates -- Statistical analysis -- 226Ra -- Porosity; Radiation chemistry -- Periodicals; Radiometry -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Periodicals; Chimie sous rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109484
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-806X

Abstract

Abstract: Multivariate regression models involving radium ( 226 Ra) content and porosity to fit surface and mass radon ( 222 Rn) exhalation rates from uranium ores were established in this paper. This paper also presents the contributions of the orebody and broken ore piles to the 222 Rn concentration in an Indian underground uranium mine. Statistical regression models explained 94% of the variation of the radon exhalation rates. Based on a statistical analysis of data, the porosity was considered as one of the significant parameters influencing the 222 Rn exhalation rates from uranium ores. This study revealed that the surface 222 Rn exhalation varied from 0.0112 to 0.735 Bq/s per m 2 with the geometric mean of 0.0884 Bq/s per m 2 . The mass 222 Rn exhalation rate varied from 0.92 to 46.94 Bq/h per kg with the geometric mean of 6.58 Bq/h per kg. The total contributions of the orebody and broken ore piles to 222 Rn concentrations were about 6% of the lower workplace reference level stipulated by the regulatory body. It revealed that the orebody and broken ores were not prominent for the radon concentration level under the existing mine ventilation system. Highlights: Models involving 226 Ra and porosity to fit 222 Rn exhalations were established. Multivariate regression models explained 94% of variation of the 222 Rn exhalation. Porosity was the dominant factor influencing 222 Rn exhalation from uranium ore. Uranium ores were not prominent for 222 Rn concentration level in mine atmosphere.