Radon in Groundwater Drinking Water of Sverdlovsk Oblast: Determination of Activities and Methods of Disposal

Results of analysis of 222Rn in 18 springs and 23 wells (sources of drinking water) of Ekaterinburg and Sverdlovsk Oblast are presented. According to the outcomes of the samples analysis, in seven springs (39 %) and seven wells (30 %) excess of the radon interference level was found, at this radon maximal activity in water reached 1350 Bk/l. The radon disposal methods for groundwater with the excess of radon interference level have been proposed. It has been shown that out of physical radon disposal methods air barbotage through water is the most effective (more that 99% ), while settling is the least effective. Good results were produced by the radon absorption on active carbon: with the use of Carbotech (Germany) active carbon it is possible to dispose more that 90 % of radon. This method advantage is the absence of internal irradiation due to the radon transition to the air surface layer. As for the scientific aspect, the regularities of the radon extraction degree depending on such factors as water settling time, temperature, air barbotage time, active carbon type, water filtering through active carbon velocity have been obtained. These outcomes are of practical interest in terms of radiation security provision for population when using groundwater sources for drinking water supply.