Removal of radon gas liberated by aeration columns in fish hatcheries

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Progressive Fish and Culturist; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1577/1548-8640(1992)054<0057:TNRORG>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:6506262

Dwyer, W P ^[1]; Orr, W H ^[2]

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1. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bozeman, MT (United States)
2. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ennis, MT (United States)

Radon gas, a radioactive by-product of uranium decay, is found in groundwater in some areas of the country. Aeration of this water can cause radon gas to be released into the atmosphere. Exposure to radon gas by-products is a health concern because of the increased risk of lung cancer. High levels of radon gas have been measured in fish hatchery buildings, and in some cases, are due to the water flowing through the aeration columns. The authors developed a simple inexpensive method to reduce the radon problem at Ennis (Montana) National Fish Hatchery. Radon levels in the hatchery building were measured at 200-250 picocuries radon/L air (pCi/L). The US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines recommend remedial action when radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L. Because air is drawn down through aeration columns, the authors were able to put a collector at the base of the column to collect the off-gas coming out of solution. Off-gas collectors were installed on 38 packed columns at a cost of US$600. Since installation of the collectors, radon gas levels have decreased from 250 pCi/L to 25-40 pCi/L. The off-gas collector is a simple inexpensive method to reduce the magnitude of a dangerous health problem. 2 refs., 1 fig.

• OSTI ID: 6506262
• Journal Information: Progressive Fish and Culturist; (United States), Journal Name: Progressive Fish and Culturist; (United States) Vol. 54:1; ISSN PFCUAY; ISSN 0033-0779
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (1990-)
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FISHERIES
FLUIDS
GASES
INSTALLATION
NONMETALS
OFF-GAS SYSTEMS
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
RADON
RARE GASES
REMEDIAL ACTION
REMOVAL