Radon and CO2 concentration screening in Bulgarian caves

0458057 - ÚJF 2016 BG eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Turek, Ondřej - Stefanov, P. - Světlík, Ivo - Orčíková, Hana - Šimek, Pavel - Kořínková, Tereza
Radon and CO2 concentration screening in Bulgarian caves.
PROTECTED KARST TERRITORIES – EDUCATION AND TRAINING Proceedings. Sofia: TepApt, 2015, s. 32-43. ISBN 978-954-9531-26-8.
[International Scientific and Practical Conference - PROTECTED KARST TERRITORIES - EDUCATION AND TRAINING. Sofia (BG), 23.09.2015-26.09.2015]
Institutional support: RVO:61389005
Keywords : Bulgarian karst * 222Rn monitoring * track etch detectors * Radon activity concentration * CO2 mixing ratio * seasional variability * effective dose
Subject RIV: DO - Wilderness Conservation

NIGGG, BAS Sofia carries out a multiparametric monitoring (Rn and CO2 concentration in the cave air and underground water, humidity, temperature, ventilation etc.) in the caves of the Bulgarian karst. Rn and CO2 can serve as tracers for cave microclimate, air ventilation/circulation and hydrochemistry (CO2) studies. Rn monitoring is also important due to the issue of personnel radiation safety of guides and cavers. More than 1 year lasting Rn and CO2 monitoring was carried out to cover a seasonal variability of the cave microclimate. Track etch detectors placed inside plastic chambers were used for the Rn activity determination. Chambers were located at several measuring points inside the caves, exposure times varied between 3 weeks and 6 months. Increased Rn activity was observed mostly in summer. Measured values of Rn activity concentration were used for estimation of the effective dose related to the time spent inside the caves. Seasonal Rn concentration data were compared to the corresponding concentrations of CO2 and the outdoor temperature – they are in the close correlation. In the case of elevated concentrations (requiring limitation of the residence time for cave staff to below 2000 hours/year) subsequent detailed monitoring with more exact instruments is recommended to precise the values of radon activity concentration.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0258372