Radon in soil gas in Kosovo

An assessment of the radiological situation due to exposure to radon and gamma emitting radionuclides was conducted in southern Kosovo. This study deals with sources of radon in soil gas. A long-term study of radon concentrations in the soil gas was carried out using the SSNTDs (CR-39) at 21 different locations in the Sharr-Korabi zone. The detectors were exposed for an extended period of time, including at least three seasonal periods in a year and the sampling locations were chosen with respect to lithology. In order to determine the concentration of the natural radioactive elements 238U and 226Ra, as a precursor of 222Rn, soil samples were collected from each measuring point from a depth of 0.8 m, and measured by gamma spectrometry. The levels (Bq kg−1) of naturally occurring radionuclides and levels (kBq m−3) of radon in soil gas obtained at a depth 0.8 m of soil were: 21–53 for 226Ra, 22–160 for 238U and 0.295–32 for 222Rn. With respect to lithology, the highest value for 238U and 226Ra were found in limestone and the highest value for 222Rn was found in metamorphic rocks. In addition, the results showed seasonal variations of the measured soil gas radon concentrations with maximum concentration in the spring months. •Seasonal variation of 222Rn in soil gas.•Spatial variation of 222Rn in soil gas on different lithological units.•Correlation between 222Rn in soil gas and 226Ra.