Abstract
Radon (
222Rn) accumulation in water in relation to stable elements was studied for the purpose of determining factors influencing the transfer of
222Rn to and from water. In 72 groundwater samples,
222Rn and about 70 analytical parameters were analysed using radiometric and ICP-MS techniques. Using multivariate statistics (partial least squares), it was observed that
222Rn has a positive correlation with fluoride and uranium. The correlation with fluoride was further investigated by a laboratory time-scale experiment to measure the emanation of
222Rn from water as a function of fluoride, pH and carbonate. The transfer of
222Rn from water was measured by continuous monitoring in air in a closed loop set-up. It was observed that fluoride in water adhere or trap
222Rn preferably in acidic water (pH 3). It is suspected that natural physical processes (such as diffusion and microbubble phenomenon) are less effective to transport
222Rn in the presence of fluoride.