Abstract
In view of the dispersible nature of the radiologically significant gaseous radon (222Rn) and its dependence on metrological variables, an investigation was carried out in the uranium mineralized region of Jaduguda. Two distinct locations, comprising of prototype dwellings and outdoor environment outside the dwellings were chosen for the comparative study. The investigation was carried out during monsoon, autumn and winter seasons so that a profile ranging from minima to maxima can be accounted. Along with the 222Rn concentration profile and gamma level, the metrological variables such as ambient temperature, pressure, relative humidity has also been investigated. Results of sixty six (66) outdoor and thirty nine (39) dwellings monitoring was found to have 222Rn concentration ranged from 9 to 68 Bq m−3 and 35 to 130 Bq m−3, respectively, in outdoor and indoor with corresponding average value of 222Rn concentration were found 34 ± 13 and 79 ± 24 Bq m−3, respectively. These values are well within the expected range of a uranium mineralized area. Also, the outdoor 222Rn activity concentration is about 43% of the indoor 222Rn activity concentration, which can be attributed to greater atmospheric dilution and related metrological variables like higher temperature.
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Acknowledgements
Authors are thankful to Dr. D. K. Aswal, Director, Health, Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, for his encouragement during this study. Authors are also thankful to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited for providing necessary support for the study. Suggestions from colleagues of Health Physics Unit, Jaduguda, are highly appreciated.
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Singh, M.K., Jha, V.N., Patnaik, R.L. et al. Comparison of the Radon (222Rn) Profile at Two Stationary Locations of Uranium Mineralized Area of Jaduguda, India. MAPAN 39, 457–462 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-023-00718-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-023-00718-x