Detail Abstract

Concentration of Radon of spring waters near radioactive mine regions from the Middle to North of Vietnam

Abstract

In North and Midle of Vietnam, there are many radioactive mines including Uranium-type and Rare-Earth-Element-type that are being explored and mined. The mine of radioactive ores is result into exposure radioactivity to environment, especially natural waters. To access an impact of exposure radioactive mine to natural waters, we conducted monitoring radioactive levels of surround mine areas by determination of concentration of Radon in spring water. The concentration of Radon was determined by RAD-7 radon detector.<br> Spring waters near locality of 15 radioactive mines from the Middle to North of Vietnam are analyzed for the concentration of Radon to examine the effect of high radioactive regions which released to water environment during 2018. Our preliminary result showed that concentration of Radon in spring waters varies from 70 Bq/m³ to 35000 Bq/m³ for 14 monitored stations, except for that of Muong Hum monitored station, which is reached to 89900 Bq/m³. The highest concentration of Rn measured in Muong Hum monitored station is probably due to enrichment of Uranium during weathering. We also found that variation of the concentration of Radon in spring waters is depend on amount of rainfall of season. The concentration of Radon is higher in dry season and lower in rainy season. This result is explained because of Radon in spring waters leaching from near radioactive mines. The low concentration of Radon in rainy season is due to dilution of Radon by meoteric water. Further investigation is the need to understand a rule of disintergration of radioactive elements and scatter of Radon in natural waters. Based on the results, the natural radiological hazard  was assessed also.