Radon groundwater in a radon-prone area: possible uses and problems: an example from SW part of Kłodzko Valley, Sudetes, SW Poland

The paper describes research aimed at expanding scientific knowledge of radioactive isotope 222 Rn occurrence in groundwaters flowing in crystalline rocks, including its spatial and temporal changes. The research, conducted in an area characterized by medium radon potential, was intended to determine the values of 222 Rn activity concentration in groundwater in this type of areas. The 222 Rn activity concentration in groundwaters discharged from investigated springs oscillated between 35.3 and 272.0 Bq/L. The authors discovered possible prevalence of radon groundwaters in areas with medium radon potential, which is the reason why all groundwaters intended for human consumption or household use in such areas should be subject to obligatory monitoring of 222 Rn activity concentration. In the event of identifying occurrence of waters with 222 Rn activity concentration of at least 100 Bq/L, their purification by removing radon is necessary before they are supplied to a water distribution network. At the same time, the research area can be regarded as an area with potentially medicinal radon water occurrence. Therefore, in areas with medium radon potential, groundwaters which are not suitable as a source of drinking water due to very high 222 Rn activity concentration in them can be used as medicinal radon waters in therapeutic treatments.