Analysis of Radon in Groundwater from a Gold Mining Enclave UsingRadon Spectrometer EQF 3200 (SARAD)

Introduction: Technical reports stemming from the environmental radiation monitoring exercise by the Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission indicate elevated concentrations of indoor and soil radon in some mining towns in Ghana, necessitating further studies. In the current study, groundwater samples collected from different sampling points within a major gold-mining enclave in the Ahafo Region of Ghana were subjected to radon analysis using a highly sensitive radon spectrometer, EQF 3200 (SARAD). It is designed to perform real-time in-situ as well as ex-situ measurements of radon in water and soil. The study also explored how physical parameters such as temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH impact water radon activity concentrations. Method: Being a relatively new method for radon monitoring in Ghana, SARAD EQF 3200 provides a convenient but significant advancement in environmental research, although it depends heavily on proper sampling, degassing efficiency, and calibration. Twenty-one (21) groundwater samples were collected into tight-lidded plastic bottles at different sampling points within the study location. Whilst the physical parameters were measured in situ, water radon activity concentrations were measured in the laboratory following the sampling and laboratory protocols to prevent degassing. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test and Spearman’s correlation were applied in the data analysis. Results: None of the samples analyzed exceeded the World Health Organization’s guideline value of 100 Bq/L for radon concentration in drinking water. Spearman correlations between water-radon concentrations and the physical parameters indicated an inverse relationship between radon concentration on one hand and conductivity, turbidity, and total dissolved solids on the other hand. Temperature, however, correlated positively with a correlation coefficient of 0.38 to 0.39. Discussion: The potential impact of water chemistry as well as geochemical interactions on radon concentration was thoroughly discussed, and recommendations for further studies were given. The study area was mapped to illustrate the spatial distribution of radon in the catchment area. Conclusion: Measured radon concentrations in the analyzed groundwater from the catchment area under study were within the safe limits as recommended by the World Health Organization. However, water chemistry can affect radon concentration and needs to be explored further.