新疆蒙其古尔铀矿床镭氡平衡系数计算的新方法

镭氡平衡系数是砂岩型铀矿勘查工作中的一项重要参数,及时开展该参数的研究对指导铀矿勘查评价、资源量估算等具有重要的意义.目前,镭氡平衡系数主要由两种方法确定,即分析对比法和物探参数孔观测方法.引入非线性渐近回归方程对物探参数孔观测数据进行曲线拟合,对蒙其古尔铀矿床西山窑组下段镭氡平衡系数进行了计算及研究,并对计算结果进行...     

Seasonal variations in soil gas radon concentration

We have been studying seasonal variations in soil gas radon concentration in southern Finland since 1982.To detect the radon we employ liquid scintillation solution in an open glass vial placed in a plastic tube set in a hole drilled in the ground.The results from an esker area show that there may be an appreciable seasonal variation in soil gas radon concentration, similar to that in houses. Because of the varying permeability and radium concentration of the ground, small changes in the building may have a large impact.     

Combined stack effect in houses and eskers explaining transients in radon source

Concentrations of radon indoors and temperatures indoors and outdoors have been recorded every hour with some interruptions for one 12-week period in a dwelling situated on top of an esker outside Stockholm.The concentration of radon in the house shows variations, which can be explained as a combined stack effect in the esker and in the building.The stack effect is not only dependent on temperature differences, but also on the pressure effect that the wind creates. In this study no local wind observations have been made as this was not the main purpose on this occasion.The temperature in the esker is assumed to be at a constant level equivalent to groundwater temperature.From these data the pressure gradient has been calculated and then compared with the radon source.     

A prediction method for radon in groundwater using GIS and multivariate statistics

Radon (222Rn) in groundwater constitutes a source of natural radioactivity to indoor air. It is difficult to make predictions of radon levels in groundwater due to the heterogeneous distribution of uranium and radium, flow patterns and varying geochemical conditions. High radon concentrations in groundwater are not always associated with high uranium content in the bedrock, since groundwater with a high radon content has been found in regions with low to moderate uranium concentrations in the bedrock. This paper describes a methodology for predicting areas with high concentrations of 222Rn in groundwater on a general scale, within an area of approximately 185x145km2. The methodology is based on multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis and regression analysis, and investigates the factors of geology, land use, topography and uranium (U) content in the bedrock. A statistical variable based method (the RV method) was used to estimate risk values related to different radon concentrations. The method was calibrated and tested on more than 4400 drilled wells in Stockholm County. The results showed that radon concentration was clearly correlated to bedrock type, well altitude and distance from fracture zones. The weighted index (risk value) estimated by the RV method provided a fair prediction of radon potential in groundwater on a general scale. Risk values obtained using the RV method were compared to radon measurements in 12 test areas (on a local scale, each of area 25x25km2) in Stockholm County and a high correlation (r=-0.87) was observed. The study showed that the occurrence and spread of radon in groundwater are guided by multiple factors, which can be used in a radon prediction method on a general scale. However, it does not provide any direct information on the geochemical and flow processes involved.     

地下空间氡的产生机理及通风控制

本文建立了土壤和建材的氡析出模型,在充分考虑各个影响因素的前提下,推导出了土壤和建材的表面析氡率公式,并依据此公式,进而推导出了室内氡浓度与通风换气效率的关系式。应用以上公式,对一典型的地下空间模型进行了计算,结果表明:地下空间氡的主要来源是土壤氡气的逸出,约占总析氡量的70豫～90豫;在较高的氡浓度状态下,室内氡浓度对通风十分敏感,增大地下空间的通风换气率,会使空气氡浓度大幅度的降低。因此,若按照地下空间的标准新风量进行设计,控制室内氡水平在400Bq/m3以内是很容易的,但是若要控制室内氡水平在200Bq/m3以内,则至少需要25.2m3/h的人均新风量,考虑新风不能得到完全利用,所需引入的室外新风量至少为31.5m3/h(以地下商场为例)。     

Effect of various factors on the rate of radon entry into two different types of houses

Various factors that affect the rate of radon entry were investigated in two detached hill-side houses. In the slab-on-grade house (A), this rate reached its maximum value during a particular weather condition when the wind-induced internal transport of radon, whereas the rate of radon entry into the basement house (B) on the upper slope of a esker was highest when the wind was blowing towards the esker. In neither house did changes in barometric pressure measured at 3 h intervals influence the radon entry rate. Nor did rain influence the rate of radon entry into house A. In house A, the radon entry rate was observed to have a 2–3 h delay; and after it was adjusted by the analysis of covariance, the radon entry rate was higher in the morning and lower in the evening. In house B, however, diurnal variations in the radon entry rate were negligible.     

Radon emanation from concrete with pulverized fuel ash (PFA)

The enhancement of radon emanation rate from surfaces of concrete blocks with pulverized fuel ash (PFA) as a partial substitution material for ordinary portland cement (OPC) has been studied. The radon emanation rates from surfaces of concrete blocks made from OPC and those with 15% cement substitution by PFA are compared. Standardized activated charcoal canisters are employed to collect the radon emanated and are then measured using γ-spectroscopy. It is found that the radon emanation rates from concrete blocks with PFA are relatively higher but not significantly. Therefore, for the batch of PFA currently investigated, it is safe to use it as a partial cement substitution material in concrete in the sense that such substitution does not cause a significant increase in the radon risk.     

Uranium and thorium in weathering and pedogenetic profiles developed on granitic rocks from NW Spain

Uranium and thorium were analyzed in seven weathering and pedogenetic soil profiles developed on granitic rocks from NW Spain. Concentrations were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and the U- and Th-bearing minerals were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). Both elements were determined in rock, bulk soil and in different grain-size fractions (sand: 2000-50 microm, silt: 50-2 microm, and clay: <2 microm). U concentrations in the rock varied between 5.3 and 27.7 mg kg(-1) and Th concentrations from 5.5 to 50.7 mg kg(-1). The most alkalic rocks can be considered as U-rich granites. Bulk soil U and Th concentrations are similar to those of the rocks (4.8-29.2 and 7.4-56.7 mg kg(-1), respectively), but in the grain-size fractions both elements show the lowest concentrations in the sand and the highest in the clay. In the latter, concentrations are always higher than those of the rocks, particularly in the C horizons with enrichments up to 4 times for U and 5 times for Th. The concentration profiles and the ratios to the parent rock suggest that U and Th are leached from the surface soil and accumulate in the deeper horizons. Mass balance calculations, using Ti as a reference immobile element, also support U and Th leaching in the solum and supergene enrichment in bottom horizons. Leaching seems to be more intense on horizons with gravel content higher than 20%. The leaching of U and Th in the topmost horizons and the accumulation in the bottom soil horizons can be considered as a natural attenuation of the impact of these radiogenic elements in the environment. But their enrichment in the potentially airborne fraction poses some risk of redistribution in the ecosystems.     

Legislative aspects of radiation hazards from both gamma emitters and radon exhalation of concrete containing coal fly ash

Utilization of coal fly ash in concrete construction has clear environmental, technological and economical advantages. At the same time, fly ash is known to have enhanced concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Legislative issues related to the utilization of coal fly ash in concrete construction are analyzed. Different approaches implemented in standards regulating gamma radiation and radon emanation of concrete and other building materials are reviewed. Although radon exhalation rate of concrete containing coal fly ash can be sometimes slightly higher than that of the reference concrete, radon emanation coefficient is usually lower. In view of this, the standards regulating radioactivity of building materials, but not addressing radon emanation properly could be detrimental to the utilization of fly ash in concrete. At the same time, the evaluation of the excess dose caused by building materials for the radon pathway is complicated, and much more research work is required to justify the assumptions of the physical models in the future standards.     

射气测量在煤矿采空区勘查中的应用

分析了射气测量的原理,阐述了射气测量的前提条件,就如何提高氡气的数据采集质量进行了研究,提出了射气测量的质量保证措施,得出了在一定的地质条件下射气测量在煤矿采空区中的应用效果较好的结论。     

Mapping the geogenic radon potential in Germany

Mapping the geogenic radon potential in Germany is a research project initiated by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Conservation and Reactor Safety. The project was aimed to develop a standard methodology for the estimation of a geogenic radon potential and to apply this method to map the region of Germany as an overview for planning purposes. The regionalisation results from a distance-weighted interpolation of the site-specific values of radon concentration in soil gas and in situ gas permeability of soils on a regular grid considering the corresponding geological units. The map of Germany in a scale of 1:2 million is based on the radon concentration in soil gas as an estimator of the geogenic radon potential assuming the 'worst case' of uniform highest permeability. The distribution is subdivided into categories of low (< 10 kBq/m3), medium (10-100 kBq/m3), increased (100-500 kBq/m3) and high (> 500 kBq/m3) radon concentration. High values occur especially in regions with granites and basement rocks of Paleozoic age, and are proven by measurements in 0.03% of the total area. Many of these regions are also known for their enhanced indoor values. The class with increased values takes a portion of 7.86% and likewise occurs mainly in regions with outcrops of folded and metamorphic basement, but also of some Meso- and Cenozoic sediments with increased uranium contents and/or higher emanation coefficients. For 67.3% of the country, the radon concentration is classified as 'medium', and an assignment to specific geological units cannot be made at the map scale considered. Low radon contents, where protective measures against radon are usually not considered, are found in the geologically rather homogeneous part of northern Germany with unconsolidated Cenozoic sediments, covering approximately 25% of the total country. It is of course not possible to predict the indoor radon concentration of single houses from these maps, because construction type and structural fabric of houses are essentially governing the extent to which subsoil radon potential affects the indoor concentration. Besides this, in places with site-specific geochemical, structural and soil-physical properties, local radon anomalies may occur which were not recorded in the course of the wide-meshed screening study.     

Distribution of organic pollutants and natural organic matter in urban storm water sediments as a function of grain size

The sealing of surfaces in urban areas makes storm water management compulsory. Contaminated particles carried from urban surfaces are deposited in infiltration ponds. This gives rise to a highly organic (11% DW) contaminated sedimentary layer (Zn:1.2 mg/g, Cd:15 mg/kg) that could threaten groundwater quality. During infiltration, particle arrangement impacts infiltrating water and sediment exchanges. In this context, understanding particle arrangement and leachable components is essential. This study investigates Organic Matter (OM) not only as a pollutant but also as a substrate and a structuring element. The leachable fraction was collected and grain size fractionation was performed. OM of sediments and isolated fractions were characterized by measuring organic carbon content, isolating aromatic hydrocarbons, saturated hydrocarbons and polar compounds after dichloromethane extraction, and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) molecular analyses. The organic compounds observed were petroleum byproducts (steranes and terpanes, unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)), but plant and bacteria biomarkers were also found (phytol and derivatives, sterols). Leachable OM consisted of 6% of sediment OM (associated with particles >0.45 microm). This leachable OM is easily extractable by dichloromethane (96%) and contains fewer macromolecules than other fractions. Isolated grain size fractions showed dissimilarities (total organic carbon from 3.5 mg/g to 88.6 mg/g, extraction rate from 24 to 96%, aromatic hydrocarbon distribution) and similarities (proportions of aromatic and saturated hydrocarbons and polar compounds, molecular distribution of saturated hydrocarbons and polar compounds). The results suggest that organic macromolecules take part in the aggregation of sediments and prevent fine particles (<10 microm) from being leached. On the other hand, leachable particles (20 microm grain size mode) could carry low molecular weight organic molecules. The physical structure of the sediments and the leaching of particles containing contaminants are considerably affected by the presence of OM.     

Radon emanation from radium specific adsorbents

Pilot studies were undertaken to quantify the total activity of radon that is eluted following no-flow periods from several Ra-226 adsorbents loaded to near exhaustion. The adsorbents studied included two types of barium sulphate impregnated alumina (ABA-8000 and F-1) and Dowex MSC-1 resin treated by either barium hydroxide or barium chloride. In parallel, radium loaded plain activated aluminas and Dowex MSC-1 resin were similarly investigated. The results revealed that radon was quantitatively eluted during the first few bed volumes of column operation after no-flow periods. Although similar radon elution profiles were obtained, the position of the radon peak was found to vary and depended on the adsorbent type. Radon levels up to 24 and 14 kBq dm⁻³ were measured after a rest period of 72 h from radium exhausted Dowex MSC-1 treated with barium chloride and F-1 impregnated alumina with barium sulphate, respectively. The eluted radon values measured experimentally were compared to those calculated theoretically from accumulated radium quantities for the different media. For plain adsorbents, an agreement better than 10% was obtained. For treated resin-types a consistency within 30% but for impregnated alumina-types high discrepancy between respective values were obtained.     

Linearity assumption in soil-to-plant transfer factors of natural uranium and radium in Helianthus annuus L

The linearity assumption of the validation of soil-to-plant transfer factors of natural uranium and (226)Ra was tested using Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) grown in a hydroponic medium. Transfer of natural uranium and (226)Ra was tested in both the aerial fraction of plants and in the overall seedlings (roots and shoots). The results show that the linearity assumption can be considered valid in the hydroponic growth of sunflowers for the radionuclides studied. The ability of sunflowers to translocate uranium and (226)Ra was also investigated, as well as the feasibility of using sunflower plants to remove uranium and radium from contaminated water, and by extension, their potential for phytoextraction. In this sense, the removal percentages obtained for natural uranium and (226)Ra were 24% and 42%, respectively. Practically all the uranium is accumulated in the roots. However, 86% of the (226)Ra activity concentration in roots was translocated to the aerial part.     

Precursory signatures in the radon and geohydrological borehole data for M4.9 Kharsali earthquake of Garhwal Himalaya

Continuous recording of different geophysical parameters incorporated at a single location as a unified effort for earthquake precursory through geodynamical changes initiated for the first time in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. A 68 m deep borehole, penetrating into the water table is operated for continuous radon monitoring along with meteorological/geohydrological observations at two points, one at 10 m (in the air column) and the second one at 50 m (within water column) depths from surface. Preliminary studies reveal diagnostic short duration anomalies in radon concentration recorded few days before the occurrence of a nearby moderate M4.9 earthquake at Kharsali on the 23rd of July, 2007.For nearly half of the year, radon emanation at 10 m depth in the closed air column showed definite pattern of daily variations that may be due to the influence of tidal forces, meteorological and other geodynamical phenomena. This pattern is totally missing during June and July, 2007 when few anomalies for small durations were observed out of which two are unique. These two anomalies exceed 2σ (standard deviation) from average radon concentration in both positive and negative sides. However, its emanation at 50 m depth (water radon) is almost constant throughout the year 2007 except some disturbances observed to the ending of June and during July. These abnormalities in radon emanation and other parameters in the borehole may be considered precursory to the M4.9 Kharsali earthquake of July 23, 2007 having an epicenter distance of 60 km. The empirical relation used for amount of radon anomaly with the epicenter distance predicts an earthquake of M4.6 and M4.7 with the observed anomaly at 10 m and 50 m observation points respectively after taking a 60 km epicenter distance.     

The effect of exposure to employees from mining and milling operations in a uranium mine on lead isotopes--a pilot study

Potential exposure during mining and milling of uranium ore has resulted in the industry being highly regulated. Exposure can arise from inhalation of the daughter product radioactive gas radon (222Rn), inhalation of radioactive dust particles from mining and milling, direct irradiation from outside the body, and ingestion of radionuclides (e.g. uranium or radium) in food or water. Making use of the highly unusual lead isotopic signature for uranium ores (high 206Pb/204Pb from the high uranium content, low 208Pb/204Pb from the low Th/U ratio), we undertook a pilot study of nine male mine employees and three controls from the Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory Australia to determine if it was feasible to use lead isotopes in blood to identify exposure to uranium-derived materials. The lead isotopic data for the mine employees and controls plot in two distinct fields which are consistent with predicted isotopic patterns. Assuming retention of 10% of the ingested lead, then the increases seen in 206Pb represent intakes of between 0.9 and 15 mg, integrated over the years of exposure. The small amount of lead does not affect blood lead concentrations, but appears to be sufficient to be detectable with sensitive isotopic methods. Further studies, including those on urine, should be undertaken to confirm the veracity of the lead isotope method in monitoring exposure of uranium industry employees.     

Results of a simple intercomparison of natural radioactivity measurements using a 'blue concrete' sample

A simple intercomparison of natural radioactivity and radon emanation factor measurements co-ordinated by the Medical Physics Department of the University of Cantabria UC, Spain, has been carried out during 1998 in the framework of the EU Concerted Action ERRICCA (European Research into Radon in Construction Concerted Action). All the measurements have been made on a 'blue concrete' sample kindly donated by Dr G. Akerblom from the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute. In addition to UC, two other participant laboratories, STUK from Finland and ZVD from the Republic of Slovenia, have contributed to the development of the intercomparison exercise. Considering the uncertainties of the measurements, a good agreement between the results obtained by the three participating laboratories has been ascertained. However, in accordance with experimental results obtained by other authors, data reported by UC show a significant decrease of the radon emanation factor as moisture content of the sample decreases below 5% (per weight).     

Investigations in Special “High Radon Areas” In Germany

The main source of high radon concentration indoors is the exhalation of radon from the soil. In the western part of Germany, two interesting regions, “Eifel” and “Hunsrück”, are selected for these radon investigations. The first region is an area with silt and sandstone of low uranium content but with tectonic fractures caused by postvolcanic activity, whereas in the part of the “Hunsrück” under consideration, the uranium concentration in the ground formerly allowed the extraction of uranium ores. An electrostatic deposit of the first radon daughter (Polonium-218-ion) onto a surface barrier detector and the subsequent analysis of the measured alpha spectra enables the determination of the concentration of radon in dwellings, its diffusion through and its exhalation rate from the soil. A maximum indoor concentration of radon of 8 kBq★m^?3 in a bedroom and approximately 35 kBq★m^?3 in a cellar room were determined in a house built in 1976. The daily variation between the minimum and the maximum concentration indoors amounts to a factor of ten. In these regions the radon concentration outdoors varies between 20 and 150 Bq★m^?3. The exhalation rates of radon from the soil are found to range from 0.002 to 1 Bq★m^?2★S^?1 The effects of sealing the ground slab with polyurethane and removing the air under the ground slab by suction will be presented.     

The effects of human activities on natural radiation exposure: Health and regulatory implications

A decade ago, interest in “enhanced” natural radiation was focused primarily on localized industrial activities, e.g., uranium, radium, thorium and phosphate production. Recognition that all human activities influence natural radiation exposure, and that indoor radon exposure is particularly sensitive to such activities (building construction practice, occupant life-styles) has added a new dimension to the problem. Public health assessments must address the problem of high individual risks of lung cancer as well as substantial population risks that are only minimally ameliorated by reduction of high exposures. In the United States, Federal, State, and local government agencies are collaborating with the private sector in developing the information needed for public guidance. Voluntary standards relating to building construction practices are likely to be developed.     

A model to predict radon exhalation from walls to indoor air based on the exhalation from building material samples

In recognition of the fact that building materials are an important source of indoor radon, second only to soil, surface radon exhalation fluxes have been extensively measured from the samples of these materials. Based on this flux data, several researchers have attempted to predict the inhalation dose attributable to radon emitted from walls and ceilings made up of these materials. However, an important aspect not considered in this methodology is the enhancement of the radon flux from the wall or the ceiling constructed using the same building material. This enhancement occurs mainly because of the change in the radon diffusion process from the former to the latter configuration. To predict the true radon flux from the wall based on the flux data of building material samples, we now propose a semi-empirical model involving radon diffusion length and the physical dimensions of the samples as well as wall thickness as other input parameters. This model has been established by statistically fitting the ratio of the solution to radon diffusion equations for the cases of three-dimensional cuboidal shaped building materials (such as brick, concrete block) and one dimensional wall system to a simple mathematical function. The model predictions have been validated against the measurements made at a new construction site. This model provides an alternative tool (substitute to conventional 1-D model) to estimate radon flux from a wall without relying on ²²⁶Ra content, radon emanation factor and bulk density of the samples. Moreover, it may be very useful in the context of developing building codes for radon regulation in new buildings.