Can activated carbon filtration of groundwater cause radiation safety problems?

Can activated carbon filtration of groundwater cause radiation safety problems?

Blog Article

Activated carbon filtration is commonly used to remove groundwater contaminants in water utilities.During its use, also groundwater radon is adsorbed on activated carbon where it radioactively decays to Pb-210 within a few days.The intermediate stages of radioactive decay produce gamma radiation outside the filter, which can be harmful to health.

In addition, EU legislation sets a clearance level of 1 kBq/kg for the Pb-210 concentration of waste, above which disposal of carbon waste can be complicated, depending on national legislation.This study focused on activated carbon filters from two groundwater napoleon concealer plants.Measurements were made over the service lifetime of the activated carbon and included measurements of adsorption of radon from water to carbon, radiation dose rates outside the filters and Pb-210 concentrations in the carbon.

The study observed a rapid decrease in the radon adsorption rate of activated carbon during the first year of use.This phenomenon has a sophie allport bee curtains significant effect on the concentration of Pb-210 in the activated carbon waste at the end of service life.The calculated forecast model clearly showed that the risk of exceeding the clearance level of Pb-210 increases if the radon concentration in the raw water exceeds 100 Bq/L.

HIGHLIGHTS Retention of groundwater radon in the GAC filter causes radiation problems.; The adsorption rate of Rn-222 on carbon decreases over service time.; Radioactive decay produces gamma radiation that is harmful to health.

; The radon decay product Pb-210 accumulates in activated carbon.; The NORM clearance level may make it difficult to dispose of GAC waste.;.