Determination of Radon Concentration in Drinking Water Resources of Villages Nearby Lalehzar Fault and Evaluation the Annual Effective Dose

Determination of radon concentration in drinking water resources of villages nearby Lalehzar fault and evaluation the annual effective dose

Mohammad Malakootian, Zahra Darabi Fard & Mojtaba Rahimi

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry An International Journal Dealing with All Aspects and Applications of Nuclear Chemistry

ISSN 0236-5731 Volume 304 Number 2

J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805-815 DOI 10.1007/s10967-014-3845-z

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1 23 Author's personal copy

J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805–815 DOI 10.1007/s10967-014-3845-z

Determination of radon concentration in drinking water resources of villages nearby Lalehzar fault and evaluation the annual effective dose

Mohammad Malakootian • Zahra Darabi Fard • Mojtaba Rahimi

Received: 7 October 2014 / Published online: 20 December 2014 Ó Akade´miai Kiado´, Budapest, Hungary 2014

Abstract The radon concentration has been measured in over 50 % of received effective dose from natural sources [1]. 44 drinking water resources, in villages nearby Lalehzar 222Rn is colorless, odorless, without taste and eight times fault in winter 2014. Some samples showed a higher con- heavier than the air that can be found in different concentra- centration of radon surpassing limit set by EPA. Further, a tions in soil, air and various kinds of water [2]. sample was taken from water distribution networks for Radon released from decay of uranium in all soil and these sources of water. Soluble radon concentration was rocks almost but its concentration in particular geological measured by RAD7 device. Range radon concentration was materials and locations is different [3]. Abnormal changes in 26.88 and 0.74 BqL-1 respectively. The maximum and radon levels in many areas have been identiﬁed by active minimum annual effective dose for adults was estimated at faults [4]. Shell cuts such as fractures and faults in various 52.7 and 2.29 lSvY-1, respectively. Reducing radon from aspects facilitate degassing ﬂux from earth into hydrosphere water before use is recommended to improve public health. and atmosphere [5]. Radon gas can easily transfer into the atmosphere, surface dwelling and groundwater through Keywords 222Rn Lalehzar fault RAD7 Effective fragmented rocks and faults [6]. Radon in drinking water dose Drinking water causes human exposure via drinking and inhalation due to release of radon into indoor air is dangerous. Use of water rich in radon for washing and cooking at home can increase Introduction concentration of this gas in indoor air [7]. With inhalation of radon gas, the daughter products with short half-life caused 222Rn is a natural radioactive noble gas and the most impor- by the degeneration of 218Po and 214Po deposits in lung tis- tant resource of natural ionizing radiation which has existed sue. They emit highly ionizing alpha particles that react with since earth formation. This gas with a half-life of 3.82 days is biological tissue of lung and cause DNA damage, which is an produced in the earth’s crust from decay of 226 Ra in 238U important step in carcinogenesis [8]. High levels of this gas decay chain. Inhaled radon and its products decay is allocated in water will lead to gastric cancer [9]. Absorbed radon by body through drinking will enter the blood circulatory system. It will destroy thereby releasing alpha particles and the M. Malakootian (&) Environmental Health Engineering Research Center and result of its radioactivity leaves in tissue [10]. Generally, Department of Environmental Health, Kerman University of bone marrow and kidney receive smaller dose [11]. Radon Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran gas is introduced as a carcinogenic gas by World Health e-mail: [email protected] Organization [12]. The radon concentration was -3 Z. Darabi Fard 0.42–10.52 Bqdm in a study by Bem and colleagues in Department of Environmental Health, Kerman University of 2014 in Poland on water samples of drinking water distri- Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran bution network. The average of annual effective dose from ingestion and inhalation was reported 1.15 and 11 lSvY-1, M. Rahimi Department of Physics, Vali-e-asr University of Rafsanjan, respectively [13]. A research was performed by Somashekar Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran and colleague in 2010 in India on 16 samples of drinking well 123 Author's personal copy

806 J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805–815 water in varahi area and 14 samples of well water in Mark- Test method andeya area. Radon concentration in the two studied regions was 0.2–10.1 and 2.21–27.3 BqL-1, respectively. The radon The study is cross sectional and was conducted during concentrations of 21.4 % of water samples in Markandeya winter 2014 at the Environmental Health Engineering area are more than permissible limit by EPA (11.1 BqL-1). Research Center of Kerman University of Medical Sci- The annual effective doses of all samples were less than the ences. Drinking water samples were collected from villages WHO limits [14]. A study was conducted in 2014 in Iran by nearby ‘‘Lalehzar fault’’. Lalehzar fault is located at 56 to Malakootian and colleague on the sources of drinking water 57 degrees east length and 29 to 30 degrees north latitude and also drinking water network of Mehriz villages of Yazd and also about 16 km far from south of Bardsir. The length province. Radon concentrations of samples ranged from of Lalehzar fault is approximately 84 km and its trend is 0.187 to 14.8 BqL-1. The lowest annual effective absorbed northwest–southeast. The slope of this fault is towards the dose was 0.0005 mSvY-1 and the maximum amount was south-west. The mechanism of the fault is strike-slip 0.04 mSvY-1 [15]. The radon concentrations of ground- compressional. It is located at boundary of young Quater- water were reported as 1.58–345.10 BqL-1 by Idriss et al. in nary deposits with Eocene volcanic rocks in Cheheltan Khartoum state in 2011. The 14 reported cases for annual Mountains and from the other side is at Oligocene sedi- effective dose due to ingestion were more than WHO stan- mentary rocks with Quaternary travertine border in the dard [16]. A study in 2014 by Moldovan et al. was conducted north of the volcano Bidkhan and also the boundary of on drinking water in Bita-Stei in Romania. The average Quaternary with Neogene sediments and Eocene volcanic radon concentration in the wells, springs and tap water was rocks in Lalehzar Mountains. Geomorphic evidence such obtained 35.5, 18.5 and 6–9 kBqm-3, respectively. Effective as diversion canals, blocking the path of streams, cliffs, the dose was ranged from 4.78 to 338.43 lSvY-1, respectively spring that formed Travertine, smashing and disorganiza- [17]. So protect people from the adverse consequences of tion in sediments are the key indicators that represent successive radiation of radiation is necessary and important. activity of Lalehzar faults [18]. The position of Lalehzar So evaluation of radon concentration in drinking water fault is shown in (Fig. 1). resources of villages nearby Lalehzar fault and estimation Forty four samples were collected from drinking water annual exposure of individuals as a basic step to improve sources in villages around Lalehzar fault (15 wells, 21 public health is as the aim of this study. springs and 9 subterranean) within a 15 km radius of the

Fig. 1 The position of Lalehzar Fault 123 Author's personal copy

J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805–815 807 fault. In some samples, the radon concentration was more recording sampling time and reading time. Radon con- than EPA standard so another sample was taken and ana- centrations were determined at the moment of sampling by lyzed from that source for insurances. Further, a sample using Eq. (1). was taken from water distribution networks for these C ¼ C eð0:693=TÞt ð1Þ sources (20 samples of tap water). 250 mm brown vials 0 222 222 with Teflon caps were used for sampling. Sampling was C Rn concentration at reading time, C0 Rn concen- conducted slowly so as not to create turbulence in water tration at the moment of sampling (actual concentration), resources. The vial was filled with water below the water T half-life of 222Rn equal to 3.8 days or 91.2 h, t time of surface and the cap was placed on it under the water. To sample storage, geological map of Bardsir with scale of 1: avoid formation of bubbles, the sample vial was held 1,000,000 was used to more accurate geological study [19]. upside down. In the sampling of well water, after opening Figure 2 shows the location of sampling points relative to the faucet water for 10 mins, a bucket was placed under- water resources in the study area. water and a tube placed in it. Water poured into the bucket with no elevation. The sample container was then inserted Measurement of radon concentration gently into the bucket and the cap was placed on it under the water after filling. Samples were stored in composite RAD7 device works according to alpha particles energy containers with ice at temperatures below 4 °C until emitted by radon and Thoron. The RAD method employs a transferred to laboratory of Vali-e Asr university of Raf- closed loop aeration design in which the air volume and sanjan. In less than 24 h, solution radon concentration in water volume are constant and independent of the flow water was analyzed by using RAD 7 electronic detector rate. The air recirculates through the water and continu- (product by Durridge co., USA). In cases where it was not ously extracts the radon until a state of equilibrium possible to measure the radon concentration in the desired develops. The RAD system reaches this state of equilib- location, storage time for each sample was calculated by rium within about 5 min, after which no more radon can be

Fig. 2 Location of water resources and sampling points

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40 % of it is resulted by inhalation and ingestion of natural radioactive gas Radon and its decay products [20]. Radon gas enters into human body through ingestion and Inhala- tion of it induced releasing radon from water into indoor air. Therefore, present radon in water is a source of radiation dose into the stomach and lungs [9]. The annual effective dose for ingestion and inhalation will calculate based on introduced parameters by the report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on Atomic Radiation in 2000 [21]. The annual effective dose from ingestion can be accounted by Eq. 2: E ¼ K C KM t ð2Þ E The annual effective dose from drinking water contain- Fig. 3 Schematic diagram of RAD7 ing radon (SvY-1), K conversion factor ingestion dose of 222Rn (to 10-8 SvBq-1 for adults and 2 9 10-8 SvBq-1 for children), C radon concentration (BqL-1), KM the -1 extracted from the water. The Schematic diagram of RAD7 amount of water consumption (On average 2 Ld for -1 is presented in Fig. 3. This device has two glass bottles of adults 1.5 Ld for children), t time of consumption during 40 and 250 cc that two protocols (wat 40 and wat 250) are a year (365 days). defined based on it. In this study wat 250 protocol was There is controversies discussion about the amount of used. According to this protocol, the first 5 min of bubble annual water intake in a year. The total annual water intake blowing was carried out automatically. During the bubble for so called ‘‘ICRP Standard Man’’ equals to 2 or -1 blowing phase, 94 % of radon gas dissolved in water was 730 Ly but this cannot be considered in calculations removed and the pump stopped automatically after 5 min. because radon release quickly by boiling or heating. More -1 The system waited for 5 min for gas to reach equilibrium. realistic value of 60 Ly for the weighted direct annual Alpha particles were then counted and the first reading consumption of tape water has been proposed by UN- done after 5 min. Actually, 15 min after the start of work, SCEAR [13]. Consequently, this amount has been applied first reading was done. It meant radon concentration was for calculations of ingestion dose in this paper. It is notable -1 measured during the four stages of the 5 min. Nuclei of that in some references considered 3.5 nSvBq as 222Rn decay in the compartment of RAD7 and produces received dose factor (K) for calculating the absorbed dose positive charged ions of 218Po. Electrical field in the resulting from drinking water (in Eq. (2) and Commission compartment cause drifting the ions toward the detector. on Life Sciences, National Research Council of America -1 Nuclear of 218Po with a short half-life decays on the active (NRC) has approved 3.5 nSvBq as K value. But recently, -8 -1 surface of detector and emits alpha particle. This particle a conservative value 1 9 10 SvBq is recommended will enter to the detector and the machine generates signal [13]. proportional to the intensity of alpha particles. Then the The annual effective dose due to inhalation of released device records the alpha particle according to its relevant radon from water can be achieved by considering: energy and determined radon concentration according to A. The present time that people spend at house, about number of recorded particles (214Pb and 210Po emits alpha 7,000 hy-1 particles in addition to 218Po). To remove radon from the B. The ratio of radon gas in air than dissolved gas in device, it was in purge phase for 10 min after each sample -4 household water (10 ) reading. In fact, the time required for each sample, C. Equilibrium factor of radon and its daughters (0.4) including the time needed to purge was 40 min. The D. Conversion factor of exposure to radon 9 nSv/ information stored in device memory and displayed on its -3 Bqhm [22] screen. The minimum detectable concentration of RAD7 is 0.2 BqL-1. SPSS software (version 16) was used to data World Health Organization proposed 100 lSvY-1 as analysis. annual effective dose from ingestion of drinking water Calculation of annual effective dose: Under natural [23]. The results of estimated annual effective dose from conditions, more than 70 % of total annual received radi- drinking (stomach) and inhalation (lung) for study samples ation dose by the people is from natural radiation sources. are given in Table 1.

123 aiaa ulCe 21)304:805–815 (2015) Chem Nucl Radioanal J Table 1 List of villages, type of water sources, geographical coordinates, 222 Rn concentration (BqL-1 ), the total absorbed dose (lung and stomach), population and rock formations in the region Samples Sampling point Source Geographical 222 Rn concentration The total effective dose Population Type of rock formation type coordinates (BqL-1 ) (Lung and stomach) (lSvY-1 )

1 Bagh-e sorkh Spring N29˚47043700 18.3 56.73 20 Andesite, dacite andesite E56˚29000600 2 Bidshahabi Spring N29˚45098300 8.8 27.28 4 Rhyoliticdacite lava, Lahar and breccia E56˚30014100 3 Keriguiye Aqueduct N29˚45065300 6 18.6 21 Andesite, dacite-andesite, Lahar E56˚29040000 4 Bagh-e Bazm Spring N29˚44090100 1.04 0.62 45 Travertine, volcanic rocks E56˚28025400 ˚ 0 00 5 Dehgabr Aqueduct N2943 932 5.74 17.79 6 Pyroclastic rocks Author's E56˚30000100 6 Dehbala-e Bidkhan Spring N29˚38005600 26.88 83.32 444 Travertine deposits, volcanic rocks E56˚30081500 7 Babzaiton Spring N29˚38005600 17.88 55.42 344 Travertine and volcanic rocks

E56˚30007900 personal 8 Dyshgan Spring N29˚41044200 17.37 53.84 29 Sandstone, conglomerate and volcanic rocks E56˚29064500 9 Madoon Spring N29˚33003700 14.4 44.64 84 Rhyolite, dacite, Lahar and breccia E56˚36011600 0 00 10 Kantoiye Spring N29˚31 305 12.9 39.99 110 Travertine deposits, volcanic rocks copy E56˚38022100 11 Madimolya Spring N29˚34014900 17.5 54.25 88 Pyroclastic rocks E56˚35054500 12 Esforin Spring N29˚34008600 12.12 37.57 18 Andesite, dacite andesite E56˚38031400 13 Keykhosravi,Jafarabad Aqueduct N29˚37083500 7.5 23.25 196 Travertine and volcanic rocks E56˚36070800 14 Farkan Aqueduct N29˚3005200 4.7 14.57 46 Lahar, Tuff, acidic breccia E56˚39050900 15 Qalehaskar, Joojang, Baghhaji, Spring N29˚28095900 9.2 28.52 1,089 Conglomerate, basalt E56˚38031900 16 Gazuiye Aqueduct N29˚35016100 0.91 2.82 7 Andesite, basaltic andesite

123 E56˚40039000 17 Ahruiye Spring N29˚33002000 8.75 27.12 38 Tuff, breccia and travertine

E56˚40027500 809 810 123 Table 1 continued Samples Sampling point Source Geographical 222 Rn concentration The total effective dose Population Type of rock formation type coordinates (BqL-1 ) (Lung and stomach) (lSvY-1 )

18 Chamanrang Aqueduct N29˚35039500 7.4 22.94 79 Basaltic andesite, conglomerate E56˚39096900 19 Farhadi Aqueduct N29˚38087500 8.41 26.07 2 Sandstone, conglomerate with volcanic rubble E56˚37065100 20 Kharmandeh Well N29˚33085900 8 24.8 679 Conglomerate and sandstone E56˚41069700 21 Jaghdari Spring N29˚30076200 8.5 26.35 576 Conglomerate E56˚47045400 22 Baghabar Spring N29˚31078100 6.7 20.77 2,118 Conglomerate

E56˚45035800 Author's 23 Lalezar Aqueduct N29˚30061600 1.3 4.03 2,933 Conglomerate E56˚49038300 24 Khormoj Aqueduct N29˚30064400 0.74 2.29 4 Conglomerate E56˚53057600 25 Shirinak Well N29˚31057500 7.42 23 500 Basalt, breccia personal E57˚00072100 26 Sarzeh Spring N29˚32031500 1.42 4.40 131 Lime stone and silica E56˚57038400 27 Chenaroo Spring N29˚37097500 15.15 46.96 4 Pyroclastic rocks E56˚42065000 copy 28 Sang-e sayad Aqueduct N29˚39091200 6.42 19.90 11 Pyroclastic rocks E56˚49022800 29 Abkhorak Spring N29˚36031700 10 31 34 Pyroclastic rocks aiaa ulCe 21)304:805–815 (2015) Chem Nucl Radioanal J E56˚44095400 30 Narp,Qanatsir,sorkhkan Well N29˚450844 13.74 42.59 2,360 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚40056900 31 Afghans camp Well N29˚48092800 13.64 42.28 7,679 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚36012400 32 Tolombeh-e ghazanfar Well N29˚48077400 10.44 35.24 10 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚37087700 33 Torshuiye Aqueduct N29˚49023000 2.22 6.88 7 Zones of clay E56˚ 33001000 34 Dehaboozar Well N29˚49038700 9.45 29.29 44 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚33096000 aiaa ulCe 21)304:805–815 (2015) Chem Nucl Radioanal J Table 1 continued Samples Sampling point Source Geographical 222 Rn concentration The total effective dose Population Type of rock formation type coordinates (BqL-1 ) (Lung and stomach) (lSvY-1 )

35 Tolombeh-e sheikh rabbani Well N29˚49015000 11.47 35.55 34 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚39076500 36 Dehbabak Well N29˚49091000 11.44 35.46 10 Travertine, E56˚39001700 37 Eslamabad Well N29˚49042100 10.75 33.32 77 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚35097000 38 Dehnazri Well N29˚50041700 9.8 30.38 93 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚36076800 39 Aliabad-e khosravi Well N29˚51079700 11.37 32.36 55 Zones of clay

E56˚33050900 Author's 40 Tolombeh-e aghol Well N29˚50033100 11.75 36.42 21 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚35098200 41 Mazraeh-e Besat Well N29˚54018900 9.23 28.61 30 Zones of clay and quartz E56˚34039000 42 Havij Spring N29˚28082500 5.3 16.43 67 Conglomerate personal E56˚41029000 43 Hararan Spring N29˚28084900 5.28 16.36 499 Conglomerate E56˚42045800 44 Yaschman Spring N29˚28035800 10.88 33.72 114 Andesite, basaltic andesite E56˚37052800 copy 123 811 Author's personal copy

812 J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805–815 )

Results 1 - SvY

A list of villages studied, the type and location of drinking l water resources, the analyzed results of radon presence in and the annual

-1 1

water (BqL ), the annual effective dose from inhalation - -1 and ingestion of radon (lSvY ), the type of rock forma- dose (Lung and stomach) ( tion [19] and also the related date to water consumption ) The total effective 1 population according to census of 2014 that is received - from medical science university of Kerman are presented han 11.1 BqL in Table 1. The radon concentration of tap water from distribution network was measured in 10 villages where concentration of this gas in water supply was more than 11.1 BqL-1. These values are listed in Table 2. The annual effective Rn concentration (BqL

absorption dose from inhalation and ingestion of radon is 222 also listed in this table (lSvY-1). Radon concentration in drinking water sources: Maxi- mum and minimum radon concentrations of drinking water sources in the study area was measured at 26.88 and 0.74 BqL-1 respectively. Radon concentration in 15 samples of drinking water (34.04 %) was more than permitted points level set by EPA (11.1 BqL-1). Nine samples were related to springs (20.45 %) and 6 of them were related to wells

(13.63 %). From 15 mentioned drinking water resources, Number Sampling people take their drinking water from the water resources ) 1 ) directly in ﬁve villages including Chenaro, Tolombeh-es- - 1 heikhrabani, Dehbabak, Tolombeh-eAghol and Aliabad-e- - SvY l khosraviwith a population equal to 62 persons. People use SvY l water through distribution network in 10 other villages including Dehbala-e-bidkhan, Bab zaiton, Narp, Afghans camps, Esforin, Bagh-e sorkh, Dishghan, Madoon, Kan- toiye and Madimolya. The maximum radon concentration of water source is related to a spring at Dehbalay-e-Bidk- han village (26.88 BqL-1). (Lung and stomach) ( The radon concentration of household tap water of dis- ) The total effective dose 1 tribution network: Radon concentration of drinking water - supply of 10 villages was more than 11.1 BqL-1. The maximum and minimum radon concentrations of tap water from distribution network of these villages were 17 and 5.12 BqL-1. In 6 villages (Narp, Afghans camp, Madon, Kantoiye, Dyshgan and Esforin), radon concentrations of distribution water networks were less than permissible -1 Rn concentration (BqL limit by EPA (11.1 BqL ). In distribution network of four 222 villages (Dehbalay-e-Bidkhan, BabZaiton, Bagh-e-sorkh and Madimolya), the radon concentration observed was more than permissible limit by EPA. The maximum radon concentration of water source is related to tab water of Dehbalay-e-Bidkhan village (17 BqL-1) which is more than permissible limit by EPA. In all cases, radon concentration was less than permissible limit recommended by The radon concentration of tap water from distribution network of 10 villages which the radon concentration in drinking water resources them is more t the WHO and EU (100 BqL-1). 1234 Dehbala-e Bidhkan5 Bagh-e sorkh 17 Bab-e-zaiton Madimolya 14.2 Dishgan 13.1 11.4 9.7 52.7 44.02 40.61 35.34 30.07 6 7 Madoon 8 9 Kantoiye Esforin 7.39 10 Narp 6.98 Afghans 6.3 camps 5.12 5.3 22.9 21.63 19.53 15.87 16.43 effective absorption dose from inhalation and ingestion of radon are listed in this table ( Number Sampling points Table 2

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J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805–815 813

Discussion consumption place. The study area is mountainous and homes are insulated during winter. So the inhalation of this As observed in Table 1, the amount of radon in drinking gas may cause lung problems and cancer in the long term. water sources was from 0.74 to 26.88 BqL-1. These Total population in this study area comprised 20,687 changes in radon concentration is a function of geological individuals. 958 individuals from this population (4.63 %) structure of the area, depth of water resources in the area, showed exposure to drinking water having radon concen- difference in climate and geohydrology processes in the tration that was more than maximum allowable amount study area [24]. There is enough time for radon gas to recommended by EPA (11.1 BqL-1). The maximum and escape from subterranean water. That is why radon levels minimum annual effective dose for adults was estimated at in subterranean is less than wells and water sources that 52.7 and 2.29 lSvY-1, respectively. In all cases, the come from depth of ground. annual effective dose for adults is less than the recom- The radon concentration of tap water from distribution mended limit by the WHO (100 lSvY-1). In a study by network was measured in 10 villages where concentration Malakootian and colleagues in 2014 on 56 samples of of this gas in water supply was found to be more than the drinking water in villages near Rafsanjan fault (springs, EPA standards. Except for four cases, the radon concen- wells, aqueduct and rivers); radon concentrations were tration of tap water in other samples was less than the EPA more than permissible limit set by the EPA in eight sam- standard. Factors such as decay and aeration radon, type of ples. Maximum and minimum radon concentrations ﬂow (laminar or turbulent), distance and time of the obtained were 18.48 and 0 BqL-1 respectively. The annual transmission have the impact roll on the reduction of radon effective dose was more than the recommended level by concentration than the original sources. In villages the WHO and EU in eight cases for adults and 17 cases for including Dehbala-e-Bidkhan, Bagh-esorkh, Babzaiton and children. The researchers stated that presence of Rafsanjan Madimolya population are exposed to high doses of radon fault and ﬁn faults in the study area was the reason behind due to the small distance from the water source to the high radon concentration in some samples [25]. Their result

Fig. 4 Geological map of the study area 123 Author's personal copy

814 J Radioanal Nucl Chem (2015) 304:805–815 supports the present findings. Another study by Khatak and values of household water resources, particularly ground- colleagues was performed in 2011 in Pakistan on 36 water at the site of active faults is necessary to protect samples of drinking wells water and tap water of Peshawar public from constant radiation. Reducing radon from water University and its surrounding areas. In 11 cases, the radon before use is recommended to improve public health. concentration was more than recommended level by EPA. The absorbed dose was reported from 0.496 to Acknowledgments This research formed of a Master’s thesis. It 0.0043 mSvY-1. These researchers compared the high was conducted at the Environmental Health Engineering Research Center and sponsored by the Vice-Chancellor for Research and concentration of radon in water supply of Peshawar city Technology of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. We would with Islamabad city and came to the conclusion that high like to express our gratitude to this University for all assistance radon concentrations of groundwater resources is due to extended, to the Physics Department of Vali-e-asr University of present of water resources in land rich in uranium and also Rafsanjan and to all those involved in the realization of this research. major fault (MBT) and several other active faults. These faults are permeable channels and easy way to radon References migration and escape of excessive radon from deeper groundwater resources [26]. A study was conducted by 1. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Asadi and Rahimi in 2013 on 18 drinking water sources in Radiation (UNSCEAR) (1993) Exposures from natural sources of Rafsanjan city and the radon concentration was radiation. Annex A, United Nations, New York 0.32–13.9 BqL-1. In one sample the radon concentration 2. Kito ME, Kuhland MK, Dansereau RE (1996) Direct comparison was more than the permissible levels recommended by the of three methods for the determination of radon in well water. Health Phys 70:358–362 EPA. The annual effective dose was more than recom- 3. Choubey VM, Bartarya SK, Ramola RC (2005) Radon variations mended limit by the WHO in one case for adults and five in an active landslide zone along the Pindar River, in Chamoli cases for children [22]. The results of their study were District, Garhwal Lesser Himalaya, India. Environ Geol consistent with the results of the present research. Research 47:745–750 4. Wang X, LI Y, DU J, Zhou X (2014) Correlations between radon by Asadi and his associates was performed in 2010 on 31 in soil gas and the activity of seismogenic faults in the Tangshan agricultural wells and drinking wells water in the vicinity area, North China. Radiat Meas 60:8–14 of the Anar fault and they reported 1.33–29.9 BqL-1 as 5. Choubey V, Mukherjee P, Bajwa B, Walia V (2007) Geological values of radon concentration. These researchers stated that and tectonic influence on water–soil–radon relationship in Mandi-Manali area, Himachal Himalaya. Environ Geol radon concentration decreases by increasing the distance of 52:1163–1171 well from fault [27]. The result of this study was consistent 6. Ujic´ P, Cˇ elikovic´ I, Kandic´ A, Vukanac I, Ðurasˇevic´ M, Drag- osavac D, Zˇ unic´ ZS (2010) Internal exposure from building with the result of the present study. Presence of Lalezar 222 220 fault and fine faults in the study area can be the reason of materials exhaling Rn and Rn as Compared to external exposure due to their natural radioactivity content. Appl Radiat high radon concentration in some water sources in the area. Isot 68:201–206 Distribution of rock units in the area is very important to 7. Erdogan M, Eren N, Demirel S, Zedef V (2013) Determination of assess the radon concentration. Because there is a close radon concentration levels in well water in Konya, Turkey. association between the lithology property and mineraliza- Radiat Prot Dosim 156:489–494 8. AL zabadi H, Musmar S, Issa S, Dwaikat N, Saffarini G (2012) tion with amount of uranium [28]. Lithological map of the Exposure assessment of radon in the drinking water supplies: a study area is shown in Fig. 4. Due to mentioned map and the descriptive study in Palestine. BMC Res Notes 5:29 results of Table 1, type of volcanic rocks (andesite lava— 9. Binesh A, Mohammadi S, Mowlavi A, Parvaresh P (2010) dacite and rhyolite) that contain high concentrations of radon Evaluation of the radiation dose from radon ingestion and inhalation in drinking water. Int J Water Resour Environ Eng can be another reason for high levels of radon in Dehbala-e- 2(7):174–178 Bidkhan, Madimolya, Babzaiton and Bagh-esorkh. The 10. Field RW(2005) Radon occurrence and health risk. Department results of Pearson correlation coefficient test showed that of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epi- there is no significant relationship between radon concen- demiology, College of Public Health, 104 IREH, University of Iowa, Iowa tration and distance from the fault (p Value = 0.18). 11. Nsiah-Akoto I, Andam AB, Amponsah P, Hood CO (2013) The radon health hazards education in Ghana. Elixir Geosci 56:13399–13401 Conclusion 12. WHO (2009) Handbook on indoor radon, a public health per- spective. World Health Organization, Geneva 13. Bem H, Plota U, Staniszewska M, Bem EM, Mazurek D (2014) When the radon concentration is high, the water storage Radon (222Rn) in underground drinking water supplies of the tanks should be used for aeration and radon removal in Southern Greater Poland Region. J Radioanal Nucl Chem order to protect people and reduce the consequences of 299:1307–1312 14. Somashekar R, Ravikumar P (2010) Radon concentration in exposure to this gas; or avoided using them to develop groundwater of Varahi and Markandeya river basins, Karnataka household water sources. Having knowledge about radon State India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 285(2):343–351 123 Author's personal copy

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