ISSN:
1573-2983
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The intent of this study was to develop an understanding of some of the factors that affect the concentration ol radon-222 (222Rn) in drinking water supplies derived from groundwater, with specific application to North Carolina. Data for this investigation were collected on a sample of 96 North Carolina public water supply wells. Water samples were collected and analyzed for222Rn content. Data on site geology and well characteristics (discharge, specific capacity, depth, and casing length) were obtained from existing sources. From a statistical examination of the data collected in this study, we conclude that there is a distinct and statistically significant difference in the mean222Rn concentrations of groundwater associated with different types of rocks. The data, however, also indicate that there is a great degree of variability in the222Rn concentrations of samples drawn from any giver rock type. The situation is made slightly better by introducing a second variable given as the geologic region of a water supply. A fairly surprising finding of this study is the relative insignificance of discharge, specific capacity, depth, and casing length of wells as predictors of222Rn concentration. The present study indicates that use of these variables as predictors does not significantly improve the likelihood of locating water supplies with elevatec222Rn concentrations.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01758591
