Evaluación de concentraciones de gas radón del suelo en las parroquias: Cajabamba, Colta Y San Juan, Riobamba

Abstract

This research had the objective of evaluating radon gas concentrations in the soil of Cajabamba, Colta, San Juan, and Riobamba. The experimental setup consisted of a 1.20-meter metallic structure inserted in a 1.30 m long PVC pipe, iButtom temperature meters, and the E-PERM (Electret-Passive Environmental Radon Monitor) detection system; which consists of an ionization chamber, Model S, and an Electret Long Term. Soil samples were collected from the four sampling points, and their physicochemical properties were determined. The study area was characterized employing meteorological variables quantified with the Kestrel-3500 Environmental Multiparameter Environmental Kestrel-3500. Radon gas concentrations ranged between 2281 Bq/m3 and 4620 Bq/ m3. It was observed that the point at the lowest altitude has a lower radon concentration than the points at higher altitudes. Therefore, it can be inferred that there is a correlation between radon levels and altitude. There was no correlation between radon levels and bulk density, pH, conductivity, organic matter, relative humidity, and soil organic carbon. However, soil moisture is correlated with radon concentration. Finally, it was evidenced that temperature, wind speed, humidity, and barometric pressure at the four sampling points did not show large fluctuations.