Radon and thoron concentrations in the southwest region of Angola: dose assessment and implications for risk mapping.

Indoor radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) are the most important natural sources of ionizing radiation to the public. Radiological studies that assess simultaneously 222Rn and 220Rn, and their controlling factors are particularly scarce in African countries. Hence, we conducted a survey of indoor 222Rn and 220Rn in buildings located in the SW region of Angola. Bedrock samples were also collected, and a borehole was executed to assess 226Ra and 224Ra activity concentration, 222Rn and 220Rn exhalation and emanation potential in the surface and at depth. The aim of this study was to determine the factors (geological and anthropogenic) that may influence the annual inhalation dose (AID) received by the population. Overall, the sum of indoor radon and indoor thoron concentrations, labelled the total indoor radon concentration (TIRC), was higher than 300 Bq/m3 in only 5% of the buildings studied. The contribution of 220Rn to the TIRC averaged 35% but may reach 95%, demonstrating the relevance of discriminating radon and thoron in indoor radon surveys. Indoor 222Rn and 220Rn were not correlated, indicating both must be estimated to properly assess the AID. Indoor 220Rn concentrations were statistically different according to the building materials and type of usage. Higher 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations were observed in dwellings compared to workplaces. The median AID estimated for dwellings was 1.50 mSv/y compared to 0.26 mSv/y for workplaces, which are lower than the estimated average radiation exposure due to natural sources of 2.4 mSv/y. AID values higher than 1 mSv/y effective dose threshold established in the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM for the purpose of radiation protection in workplaces were observed in 12% of the workplaces studied suggesting the need for mitigation measures in those buildings. The analysis of bedrock samples revealed statistically significant correlations between 224 and 226Ra activity concentration, and 220Rn and 222Rn exhalation and emanation potential. The borehole samples indicated a strong influence of weathering processes in the distribution of radioisotopes. The highest 226Ra and 224Ra activity concentration, and 222Rn and 220Rn exhaled per unit mass, TIRC and AID were observed in association with A-type red granites and porphyries. We conclude that both geological and anthropic factors, such as the type of building usage and building materials, must be considered in dose assessment studies and for the development of risk maps.

Exposure to radon gas in groundwater in southwest Angola (Lubango-Huíla): Implications of geology and climate change.

In southern African countries most of the population uses groundwater collected in dug wells for domestic consumption instead of water from public distribution systems. To investigate the impact of natural and human factors on urban groundwater quality, 276 samples were collected in the Lubango region (Angola) in water distribution systems and dug wells ranging from a few meters to almost one hundred meters in depth. Radon concentrations (RC) were determined by liquid scintillation counting according to ISO 13164-4:2015. Geology is the main source of the variability of RC, with median values higher than 100 Bq/L in granitoid units and lower values in mafic and sedimentary units (ranging from 5 to 38 Bq/L). On average, RC was higher in dug wells compared to public water distribution systems. The annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in water is, on average, ten times lower in the later compared to dug wells. Therefore, from a public exposure perspective, water distribution systems are preferred as means for water distribution. A severe multi-year meteorological drought over the past decade affecting 76-94 % of the population in southern Angola has been linked with climate change. Consequently, a regional lowering of the water table was observed, as well as a reduction in the productivity of shallower wells, leading to a search for water at greater depths. This work demonstrates an increase in median RC from 66 Bq/L in wells shallower than 30 m to values over 100 Bq/L with increasing depth of water extraction and for the same geological unit. The highest RC observed were also observed at the deepest wells. The dose ingested is proportional to RC, being also higher at deeper water extraction depths. The increase in public radiation exposure from radon ingestion due to water extraction at greater depths is attributed to the underlying issue of climate change. Monitoring water quality in terms of radionuclide concentration is advised to ensure the exposure to ionizing radiation remains at acceptable levels in the future.