Seasonal Variations of Radon in Borewell and Pond Water Samples of Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka, India
摘要
Borewells, handpumps, and pond water sources are considered to determine the radon in water across multiple locations in the Chikkabalapura district. Water samples were assembled and analyzed using the emanometry method. The activity concentration of radon was found to vary significantly, with maximum concentrations observed in Inaminchenahalli during both monsoon (246.62 ± 1.26 Bq L–l) and winter (348.40 ± 1.49 Bq L–1) seasons. The pH of the samples was in the range from 6.67 to 8.52, and the electrical conductivity varied from 470 to 3990 µS/cm, peaking notably in certain borewell locations. Approximately 65% of samples exceeded the USEPA’s approved limit of 11.1 Bq L–1 for radon concentration. Correlation analyses revealed a negative association between radon levels and pH, while no remarkable correlation was revealed with electrical conductivity. The temperature shows good positive correlation in the winter season. Moreover, more prominent inhalation and ingestion doses were assessed for residents in the Inaminchenahalli and Pathpalya regions, showing possible health issues linked to radon exposure through water ingestion.