METEOROLOGICAL EFFECTS ON ATMOSPHERIC CONCENTRATIONS OF RADON (Rn222), RaB (Pb214), AND RaC (Bi214) NEAR THE GROUND1

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Atmospheric concentrations of radon were calculated from filtered radon daughter β activity, obtained from 1- and 15-m. elevations at a rural site, and from 1- and 91-m. elevations at a semi-rural site near Washington, D.C. Measurements were obtained from the successive filtration of air over 20-min. periods for durations of several hours, during various meteorological conditions. The extent of secular equilibrium between radon and its daughter products in the atmosphere near the ground (≤ 15 m.) was determined from a calculation of the RaC/RaB atom ratio (ρ) in the air, derived from the measured rate of decay of the filtered β activity. Estimates of an effective residence time (τ) in the atmosphere of the radon conglomerate, based on either a continuous or single emission of radon into the air, are presented. The relationship between ρ and τ for various weather conditions is discussed, as well as possible effects of (a) wind, (b) thermal stability, (c) atmospheric scavenging, and (d) precipitati... Abstract Atmospheric concentrations of radon were calculated from filtered radon daughter β activity, obtained from 1- and 15-m. elevations at a rural site, and from 1- and 91-m. elevations at a semi-rural site near Washington, D.C. Measurements were obtained from the successive filtration of air over 20-min. periods for durations of several hours, during various meteorological conditions. The extent of secular equilibrium between radon and its daughter products in the atmosphere near the ground (≤ 15 m.) was determined from a calculation of the RaC/RaB atom ratio (ρ) in the air, derived from the measured rate of decay of the filtered β activity. Estimates of an effective residence time (τ) in the atmosphere of the radon conglomerate, based on either a continuous or single emission of radon into the air, are presented. The relationship between ρ and τ for various weather conditions is discussed, as well as possible effects of (a) wind, (b) thermal stability, (c) atmospheric scavenging, and (d) precipitati...

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: