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{sup 222}Rn in water: A study of two sample collection methods, effects of mailing samples, and temporal variation of concentrations in North Carolina groundwater

Journal Article · · Health Physics
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC (United States)
The U.S. Environment Protection Agency has proposed a drinking water standard for {sup 222}Rn in public water supplies. When promulgated, operators of public water supplies will be required to determine water {sup 222}Rn concentrations. Most likely, water samples will be collected and mailed to laboratories for analyses. Additionally it is probable that homeowners will test private well water in a similar manner by collecting water samples and mailing them to a laboratory for {sup 222}Rn analyses. In anticipation of these actions, this study was conducted to evaluate two methods of water sample collection and to evaluate the potential losses of {sup 222}Rn from water samples mailed to a laboratory. Thirdly, temporal variations in {sup 222}Rn concentrations in several groundwater supplies in North Carolina were examined. Water supplies at four sites in eastern North Carolina and five sites in western North Carolina were sampled over a 7-mo period beginning in the fall of 1993 and continuing through the spring of 1994. Temporal variations in water {sup 222}Rn concentrations was the striking influence that inconstant water usage and inadequate well purging prior to sample collection had on {sup 222}Rn loss from the water. 5 refs., 10 figs., 4 tabs.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
166767
Journal Information:
Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 69; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English