Radon measurements in water samples from the thermal springs of Yalova basin, Turkey

Abstract

The radon concentration has been measured in thermal waters used for medical therapy and drinking purposes in Yalova basin, Turkey. Radon activity measurements in water samples were performed using RAD 7 radon detector equipped with RAD H2O (radon in water) accessory and following a protocol proposed by the manufacturer. The results show that the concentration of Rn-222 in thermal waters ranges from 0.21 to 5.82 Bql(-1) with an average value of 2.4 Bql(-1). In addition to radon concentration, physicochemical parameters of water such as temperature (T), electrical conductivity, pH and redox potential (E-h) were also measured. The annual effective doses from radon in water due to its ingestion and inhalation were also estimated. The annual effective doses range from 0.2 to 0.75 mu Svy(-1) for ingestion of radon in water and from 2.44 to 9 mu Svy(-1) for inhalation of radon released from the water.