In situ determination of radon concentration and total gamma radiation in Kastel Gomilica, Croatia

To determine current radiation background of the environment at the “Giricic” location in Kastel Gomilica, Croatia, in situ measurement of radon concentration (²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn) in an open atmosphere on a ground level and at the height of 1.5 m has been made as well as total gamma radiation at the height of 1 m in an energy range of 15 keV to 2 MeV. The researched location was divided in three specific parts: (i) regulated area with the bottom ash and flying ash in the basis (“old” depot), (ii) unregulated area with waste materials, including bottom ash and flying ash, in the basis (“new” depot), (iii) uncontaminated area with no waste materials deposited on. Average radon concentration on a ground level was 213 Bq/m³ for the “old” depot, 214 Bq/m³ for the “new” depot and 59 Bq/m³ for the uncontaminated area and at the height of 1.5 m 20 Bq/m³ for the “old” depot, 34 Bq/m³ for the “new” depot and 26 Bq/m³ for the uncontaminated area. Average total gamma radiation values in selected energy range were 109.92 cps (counts per second) for the “old” depot, 357.76 cps for the “new” depot and 65.97 cps for the uncontaminated area. For selected radionuclides (²¹⁴Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, ²²⁸Ac, ^234mPa, ⁴⁰K and ²¹⁴Bi) average gamma radiation values at characteristic energies have been determined as well.