A Survey of Radon level in Surface Water at Amphoe Muang Maha Sarakham with Ionization Chamber

Vitsanusat Atyotha1, and Patapong Panpiboon2

1. Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, KhonKaen Campus, Thailand

2. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajabhat Mahasarakham University, Thailand

Abstract: The Radon level in 69 Surface water samples of Amphoe Muang Maha Sarakham were determined by using Ionization chamber. The Radon concentrations of all samples were in the range of 0.027-0.203 Bq/l with the average of 0.082 Bq/l. The risks of Annual Equivalent Dose were found to be in the range of 0.19-1.48 μSv/y with the average of 0.60 μSv/y. The results were then compared to the standard value of the US Environmental Protection Agency (Radon concentration should be less than 11 Bq/l for drinking water and less than 150 Bq/l for using water and Annual Equivalent Dose should be less than 0.1 mSv/y). It was found that both radon concentrations and annual equivalent doses of all surface water samples were lower than the standard values. Therefore, surface water at Amphoe Muang Maha Sarakham is safe for consuming without carcinogens (Radon).

Key words: Radon, ATMOS 12 dpx, surface water, Maha Sarakham