Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.radmeas.2005.04.020
Title (Primary) Determination of radon distribution patterns in the upper soil as a tool for the localization of subsurface NAPL contamination
Author Schubert, M.; Peña, P.; Balcázar, M.; Meißner, R.; Lopez, A.; Flores, J.H.
Source Titel Radiation Measurements
Year 2005
Department ANA; BOPHY
Volume 40
Page From 633
Page To 637
Language englisch
Keywords soil gas radon; NAPL contamination; geo-statistics; radon detectors
Abstract

A radon survey was carried out at an abandoned military airfield, heavily contaminated with non-aqueous phase-liquids (NAPLs). Geo-statistical analysis of the data was used to confirm the validity of the chosen soil gas sampling pattern. The survey revealed a non-uniform distribution of the soil gas radon concentration in the upper soil in spite of a virtually homogenous geological situation. The radon distribution pattern showed minimum zones with radon concentrations decreased by up to 90% with regard to the local background level. The determined radon minimum anomalies could be explicitly associated with the NAPL subsurface contamination. The observed effect is due to the strong partitioning of radon into NAPLs from soil gas or groundwater. Corresponding partitioning coefficients were determined in the laboratory for some NAPL. As result of the study, it was shown that naturally occurring soil gas radon has the potential to be used as an indicator for the localization of subsurface NAPL contamination. As possible options for survey equipment, the AlphaGUARD radon monitor and passive solid-state nuclear track detectors were successfully evaluated.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3786
Schubert, M., Peña, P., Balcázar, M., Meißner, R., Lopez, A., Flores, J.H. (2005):
Determination of radon distribution patterns in the upper soil as a tool for the localization of subsurface NAPL contamination
Radiat. Meas. 40 , 633 - 637 10.1016/j.radmeas.2005.04.020