Determining the Geogenic Radon Potential in Different Layouts and Numbers of Points

Abstract

The geogenic radon potential is primarily controlled by the geological characteristics of the site, such as the rock type and structural elements, as well as the permeability of the soil. Depending on the scope of the survey, the geogenic radon potential can be mapped based on measurements conducted in the field at various resolutions. Detailed surveys are generally labour-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, a balance should be reached between the desired level of precision and the required amount of effort, delivering the best results with the least number of resources. The international literature describes a variety of surveying techniques. This study was undertaken in a region of the central zone of the Poiana Rusca Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania) that contains several metamorphic, volcanic, and sedimentary rock types. The primary objective of the study is to compare alternative sampling point configurations, which vary in number and arrangement. The objective was to achieve the most accurate representation of the calculated geogenic radon potential while limiting the number of measurements and the time and effort associated with them. Radon activity concentration and soil permeability data were collected from 34 locations using seven alternative layouts of the sampling points. The proposed layouts were based on various configurations of fifteen, nine, five, and three sampling points. Locally, in some of the metamorphic units and in the regions containing sedimentary deposits with volcanic intercalations, the geogenic radon potential was found to be elevated. The results indicate that the three-measuring-point configuration is acceptable for general geogenic radon potential surveys.