Radon flux estimates, from both gamma radiation and geochemical data, to determine sources, migration pathways, and related health risk: The Campania region (Italy) case study. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guarino, Annalise; Cicchella, Domenico; Lima, Annamaria; Albanese, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 287:Part 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Radionuclides -- Terrestrial gamma dose rate -- Multifractal IDW -- Regression analysis; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: An empirical method was applied to estimate the 222 Rn fluxes distribution across the Campania region (Italy) by using both gamma-rays and U, Th, K concentrations in soils. As a first step, K, Th and U soil concentrations and 4 K, 238 U and 232 Th activity have been converted into their own specific activity to calculate the Terrestrial Gamma Dose Rate (TGDR). This latter has been then used to determine the 222 Rn fluxes across the region. Regardless of the radiometric or geochemical origin, 222 Rn fluxes reached, as expected, their maximum values in correspondence with the volcanic centres of Campania (Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, Phlegrean Fields, Mt. Roccamonfina). However, comparing the results obtained from the two different datasets, it was also possible to infer the existence of contributions to surficial 222 Rn fluxes proceeding from both some underlying geological bodies and active seismogenic sources. In line with some national regulations, the 222 Rn flux esteemed from gamma radiations was also used to assess the possible regional distribution of risk deriving from the indoor environmental exposure to 222 Rn; results were compared with standardized incidence rates (SIRs) of lung cancer for an area on the south-western sector of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius showing a potential spatial relationship among flux data and SIRs. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Elemental concentrations and activity values of radionuclides were used to calculate the terrestrial gamma dose rate (TGDR). 222 Rn fluxes released from the ground were estimated using terrestrial gamma dose rate for Campania region (Italy). Spatial patterns of 222Rn fluxes show connections with regional geolithological variability and some seismogenic sources. 222 Rn fluxes from radiometric data were used to assess the risk.