A new-designed system for continuous measurement of radon in water. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Chunyu; Zeng, Zhi; Zhang, Lei; Wang, Yunxiang; Guo, Qiuju
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 187(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Radon concentration in water -- Continuous measurement -- Simple degassing -- Si-PIN detector -- Sensitivity; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: On-line continuous monitoring of radon concentration in water is of great significance for its environmental application as a radioactive tracer, for example, as a potential precursor for earthquake forecast and volcanic eruption. To realize on-line continuous measurement on radon in complex water body, a compact measurement system mainly consisted of a simple degassing device and an electrostatic radon monitor is newly developed. The sensitivity of the measurement system is 73 ± 5 cph/(Bq/L), and the detection limit is 0.04 Bq/L with a 60-min cycle at 25 °C water temperature. Intercomparison measurements with RAD H2O were performed both in laboratory condition and in field, and consistent results within the error range were achieved. To test the developed measurement system, a continuous monitoring of radon concentration in water in the drainage tunnel of Mount Jinping was performed for 3 months. The arithmetic mean of radon concentration in water is 0.34 ± 0.09 Bq/L, varying in the range of 0.04–0.60 Bq/L during the period. Several rapid decreases of radon concentration in water were observed, which might be attributed to the increase of rainwater mixing in the drainage tunnel caused by heavy rainfall. The stability of long-term operation of the system enables it to be widely used in the field of radon in water as a tracer. Highlights: An integrated continuous measurement system consisted of a degassing module and an electrostatic radon monitor was developed for monitoring radon in water. Good environmental adaptability of the system makes it applicable to field measurements of radon in water. Good consistency of intercomparison of the RAD H2O and the developed system was achieved in both laboratory and real environment.