Using ²²²Rn as a naturally occurring tracer to estimate NAPL contamination in an aquifer

Appl Radiat Isot. 2013 Nov:81:233-7. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.03.061. Epub 2013 Apr 4.

Abstract

The naturally occurring radioisotope (222)Rn was used as a partitioning tracer to evaluate the presence and amount of a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) in an aquifer. The batch experiment results of a diesel contaminated soil showed that the emanation rate of (222)Rn decreased to 31%, relative to a background rate. Batch experiment results of water contaminated by gasoline, diesel, PCE and TCE were similar. A field study to examine TCE contamination was conducted using 54 groundwater samples in Wonju city, Republic of Korea. Estimates of TCE contamination ranged from <0.001 mg/L to 14.3mg/L, and (222)Rn concentrations ranged from 1.89 Bq/L to 444. Results of (222)Rn analysis showed that TCE contamination was mainly restricted to an asphalt laboratory area and that the (222)Rn values of a NAPL-contaminated aquifer were correlated with TCE analytical results.

Keywords: (222)Rn; NAPL contamination; Partitioning tracer; Wonju groundwater.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Background Radiation
  • Groundwater / analysis*
  • Groundwater / standards*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods
  • Radiation Monitoring / standards*
  • Radon / analysis*
  • Radon / standards*
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Republic of Korea
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / standards*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Radon