Cecilia Ionela Tăban, Simona Oancea
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drinking-water, pulse ionization detector, radon
The isotope radon (222Rn), an inert water-soluble gas that may contaminate water, represents a potential risk for human health, including cancer. The present study reports the evaluation of the 222Rn concentration in drinking-water samples collected in 2020 from 10 sources located in Sibiu County, as measured using the pulse ionization chamber. Values of 222Rn varied from 0.0549 to 37.4770 Bq/l, with an average of 4.586 Bq/l. These values were below the maximum level of 100 Bq/l recommended by WHO and EU Directive/Euratom. With the exception of the sample from groundwater, the others showed 222Rn values below the maximum level of 11.1 Bq/l, as recommended by US EPA. In the case of impermeable soils, this radionuclide floats inside the cracks until it reaches the atmospheric air, so it is harmful to human health both in water and in the air. Evaluation of radon in water, in particular from groundwater sources becomes essential for the management of remedial solutions.
