Terrestrial radioisotopes in black shale hosted Mn-carbonate deposit (Úrkút, Hungary)

Previously, little attention has been paid to terrestrial radioisotopes (U, Th, ⁴⁰K) occurring in manganese ores, despite the fact that the biogeochemical relationship between Mn and U is versatile. Occurrence of terrestrial radioisotopes in great amounts during mining on a long-term causes significant radiation exposure. It is important to inspect black shale-hosted manganese ores from this aspect, as black shales are typically potential U-rich formations. Despite the increased radon concentration in the mine, based on the detailed major elements, trace elements and gamma spectroscopy inspection of the rock types of deposit, the U, Th enrichment was undetectable. However, the U and Th content of about average terrestrial abundance of the great ore amount may be in the background of the increased radon concentration level. This Mn-carbonate ore deposit in spite of the low U content exhibit potential radon danger for miners, which can be eliminated with intensive air change only.     

Radiological aspects of red mud disaster in Hungary

One of the most severe industrial catastrophes happened in Kolontár, Hungary, on 4 October 2010. Red mud (bauxite residue) broke through the eroded wall of the red mud reservoir pond “Number X” and flooded the surrounding area. This led to the instant death of 10 people and the injury of more than 100 people. Red mud is enriched in radium and thorium isotopes; therefore, there is a chance that this flooding will increase radionuclide concentrations of soils and also in air. In this study we have examined the site to assess the realistic radiological risks. For the risk assessment the following parameters were determined: gamma dose rate, radon concentration, radionuclide concentration of red mud and air dust concentration. It was found that the radiation dose exposure resulting from red mud contamination was < 0.045 mSv y^?1 (excluding radon), which can be considered negligible when compared to the average annual effective dose from natural sources (2.4 mSv y^?1).     

Radon-222 Concentration and Aquifer Lithology in North Carolina

The presence of the radioactive gas radon (Rn-222) in many ground water supplies is a potentially significant source of public exposure to ionizing radiation. A wide range of radon concentrations has been measured in ground water in North Carolina, including some far in excess of national average concentrations. North Carolina is, however, geologically complex and ground water radon concentrations vary considerably among the state's aquifers. The highest average radon concentrations occur in areas underlain by granites (geometric mean 5910 pCi/l), and the lowest occur in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region (48 pCi/l). Average radon levels intermediate between these extremes are characteristic of the large areas of North Carolina underlain by gneisses, schists and metavolcanic rocks. Relative average radon concentrations in ground water from the rock types surveyed are consistent with relative abundances of uranium, the parent element of radon, in these rocks. Although other geologic and hydrologic factors also have an effect, aquifer lithology is a useful predictor of the concentration of radon in ground water. The occurrence of high radon concentrations in certain aquifer types; such as granites, shows that geologic factors should be considered in estimates of population exposure to radon, and that knowledge of aquifer geology can help to predict ground water radon concentrations in areas where field sampling has not been done.     

Non-parametric Seismic Hazard in Mines

— Seismic hazard analysis methods in mines are reviewed for the purpose of selecting the best technique. To achieve this goal, the most often-used hazard analysis procedure, which is based on the classical frequency-magnitude Gutenberg-Richter relation, as well as alternative procedures are investigated.¶Since the maximum regional seismic event magnitude m _max is of paramount importance in seismic hazard analysis, this work provides a generic formula for the evaluation of this important parameter. The formula is capable of generating solutions in different forms, depending on the assumptions of the model of the magnitude distribution and/or the available information regarding past seismicity. It includes the cases (i) in which seismic event magnitudes are distributed according to the truncated frequency-magnitude Gutenberg-Richter relation, and (ii) in which no specific model of the magnitude distribution is assumed.¶Both synthetic, Monte-Carlo simulated seismic event catalogues, and actual data from the copper mine in Poland and gold mine in South Africa, are used to demonstrate the discussed hazard analysis techniques.¶Our studies show that the non-parametric technique, which is independent of the assumed model of the distribution of magnitude, provides an appropriate tool for seismic hazard assessment in mines where the magnitude distribution can be very complex.     

氡迁移的接力传递作用

在扩散和对流等作用的基础上，提出了用于解释氡法探寻深部矿藏、预报地震和研究地球动力学带等方面的氡迁移的接力传递作用．这种作用可能是镭传氡和氡传氡，也可能是借助于其它的物质或自然力来传递，传递方式有二棒接力和多棒接力．扩散和对流等10多种作用．一般地说，只能使氡气作短距离的迁移，而接力传递作用则可以解释氡作长距离的迁移．     

Calculation of Electromagnetic Radiation Criterion for Rockburst Hazard Forecast in Coal Mines

— Intensive micro-fracturing of rock close to mining operations accompanies an increase in the likelihood of rockbursting. This fracturing causes an increase of the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) level by up two orders of magnitude, depending on the mining environment. Several examples of this enhanced EMR are presented in this paper. We first treat the EMR theoretical criterion of rockburst hazard in coal mines and compare it with the empirical criterion of EMR activity that was revealed on the basis of more than 400 different hazardous and non-hazardous situations in underground coal mines. Only the following parameters are needed to estimate the EMR criterion of rockburst hazard: limiting value of gum volume, mine working width, coal seam thickness, and coal elastic properties.     

Health risk profile for terrestrial radionuclides in soil around artisanal gold mining area at Alsopag,Sudan

This study shows the assessment of radiation hazard parameters due to terrestrial radionuclides in the soil around artisanal gold mining for addressing the issue of natural radioactivity in mining areas. Hence, the levels ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K and ²²⁶Ra in soil (using gamma spectrometry), ²²²Rn in soil and ²²²Rn in air were determined. Radiation hazard parameters were then computed. These include absorbed dose D, annual effective dose E, radium equivalent activity Ra_eq, external hazard H_ex, annual gonadal dose equivalent hazard index AGDE and excess lifetime cancer risk ELCR due to the inhalation of radon (²²²Rn) and consumption of radium (²²⁶Ra) in vegetation. Uranium (²³⁸U), thorium (²³²Th) and potassium (⁴⁰K) averages were, respectively, 26, 36 and 685 Becquerel per kilogram (Bq kg^?1). Soil radon (4671 Bq m^?3) and radon in air (14.77 Bq m^?3) were found to be less than worldwide data. Nevertheless, the average ⁴⁰K concentration was 685 Bq kg^?1. This is slightly higher than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation average value of 412 Bq kg^?1. The obtained result indicates that some of the radiation hazard parameters seem unsavory. The mean value of absorbed dose rate (62.49 nGy h^?1) was slightly higher than average value of 57 nGy h^?1 (~?45% from ⁴⁰K), and that of AGDE (444 μSv year^?1) was higher than worldwide average reported value (300 μSv year^?1). This study highlights the necessity to launch extensive nationwide radiation protection program in the mining areas for regulatory control.     

Recolonisation of mine tailing by meiofauna in mesocosm and microcosm experiments

The Batu Hijau copper/gold mine in Sumbawa, Indonesia processes ore at approximately 130,000 tpd and discharges tailing via a submarine pipeline to depths below 3000 m at the base of a submarine canyon. The study investigated recolonisation of tailing by meiofauna and its dependence on subsequent accumulation of natural sediment. Microcosm and mesocosm scale experiments were carried out using two tailing and two control samples, the latter comprising defaunated and unaffected natural sediment. All test materials were similar in physical and chemical respects, except for the higher copper concentration in the tailing. The abundances of meiofauna colonising defaunated controls and both tailing samples increased from zero to levels statistically indistinguishable from natural unaffected controls after 97 and 203 days. Colonisation was well established in tailing from freshly mined ore after 40 days, and in oxidized tailing from stockpiled ore after 65 days, and was not dependent on settled natural material.     

强震水氡前兆场异常特征及其物理解释

研究了岩石中微裂隙的产生与地下水氡浓度变化的关系以及孕震过程中微裂隙时空变化图像,揭示了水氡前兆场的时空变化特征及其物理机制。结果表明,孕震过程中岩石微破裂的生长是导致地下水氡含量升高及地震前出现水氡异常的原因;震源区及附近地区的膨胀和微破裂最早出现,并最为发育和集中,因此水氡异常也最早出现,也最为集中;孕震过程中微破裂增加,导致地下水氡含量升高,水氡趋势异常以趋势性升高为主。     

五大连池火山区土氡分布特征与断裂关系的初探

用ＦＤ－３０１７对五大连池火山区大范围的土氡测量，了解本区的土氡分布情况，布设了小孤山－尾山；东焦得布山－火烧山；东兴－大庆副业二队；永安－大庆副业一队四条剖面，测量结果发现火山区内放气现象强烈，土氡含量与火山区构造有密切关系。     

祁连山断裂带中东段断层土壤气氡浓度强度时空分布特征及其地震危险性分析

基于祁连山断裂带中东段9个观测点2016—2021年的土壤气体氡浓度观测数据,深入分析其浓度强度时空分布特征。同时结合历史大震背景、现今地震活动与断裂带滑动速率的对比分析,从地球化学的角度对祁连山断裂带中东段进行地震危险区段判定。研究表明：祁连山断裂中东段土壤气体氡浓度强度的空间分布特征为东强西弱,其时间序列变化特征总体呈下降趋势;断层土壤气氡浓度强度的空间分布特征、历史及现今地震活动和断裂滑动速率具有较好的耦合性。研究结论可以提供研究区深部地下流体活动的证据,对进一步研究追踪未来可能发生地震的断层和活动段具有重要意义。     

INTERPRETATION OF LANDSAT MSS DATA IN AN IRON-ORE-BEARING ZONE IN GOA,INDIA*

In South and Central Goa iron ore occurs in two parallel belts with the general NW-SE Dharawar trend. The ore occurrence, however, is not continuous. There are barren zones as well as zones of very high concentration in some of which there are mining activities. Landsat MSS data have been interpreted over a zone covering both mineral belts in order to delineate the ore occurrences. As a guide line a known ore-bearing area has been considered along with the unknown zones. On the basis of two-dimensional plotting of gray level values it has been found that the MSS bands 4 and 7 are most suitable for the studies over iron-rich areas in Goa. Two techniques are described here for the processing of the MSS data; the separation of residual from the regional and MSS band-ratioing. It is observed that (i) the gray level residual maps of MSS bands 4 and 7 are of use in demarcating the iron-ore-bearing zones, and (ii) an existing mine, an abandoned mine, and a proved iron ore zone could be delineated by MSS band-ratioing. On the basis of the latter technique, a few areas with ore occurrence potential have been indicated.     

汤阴地堑南部土壤Rn空间分布特征

为分析汤阴地堑南部土壤Rn空间分布特征,揭示其与断裂构造、岩性及沉积层厚度之间的联系,本文采用网格化布点野外流动观测方法测定了该地区380个点的土壤Rn浓度,结果表明：汤阴地堑土壤Rn浓度介于3.09—78.54 kBq/m³,背景均值为27.22 kBq/m³,异常阈值下限为48.40 kBq/m³。在空间分布上,研究区西部(以第四系等厚线50 m为界),受岩石单元和人类石料开采活动的影响,Rn浓度背景值高于东部。在西部高浓度背景影响下,Rn浓度高值异常点除沿汤西断裂带分布外,还沿断裂带外围呈斑块状分布,断裂带对气体释放的控制作用在一定程度上被掩盖。而东部地区,覆盖层较厚,Rn浓度背景值较低,部分高值异常点主要沿汤中和汤东断裂带分布,显示出构造对气体迁移的控制作用;另一部分高值异常点与第四系等厚线近似平行,呈条带分布,推测新乡—卫辉间存在一条规模较大的隐伏断裂。此外,研究区主要断裂带的Rn异常衬度表现为汤东断裂带高于汤西和汤中断裂带。结合灥研究扊区地质背景和深部孕震环境认为,该Rn异常衬度表现是汤阴地堑南部构造活动背景...     

Risk Assessment of Radon Exposure by Ingestion and Inhalation of Groundwater Within Different Age Groups

Radon and its short-lived progeny are exposed to most human exposures as a natural source of radiation. Many studies have presumed that one of the most common incidences of lung cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer is caused by radon-contaminated water. In this study, water was collected from different groundwater sources in the Hafr Al Batin area, Saudi Arabia, and the radon concentration was investigated using an electronic portable radon detector. The annual effective dose of radon exposure by ingestion and inhalation of water is calculated from that radon concentration for the different age groups to assess the risk of radon exposure. The calculated annual effective doses are then compared with the international standard of risk limit as directed by the international organizations. The estimated radon concentration for groundwater samples is found to be between 0.03 and 3.20 Bq/L with an average value of 1.16 Bq/L. These estimated values are below the safety limits set by the USEPA and EAEC and far below those recommended by the UNSCEAR, EC, and WHO standards. The calculated annual effective dose of radon exposure for the different age groups ranging from infant to adult is found to be in the range of 0.05 to 16.24 μSv/year, with a mean value of 5.89 μSv/year, which is in the safe limit recommended by the EC and WHO. The obtained results of this present study will support the authority and regulators who are responsible for controlling and strategizing to ensure public safety against radon exposure.     

Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment in SE-Spain based on macroseismic site histories

In many countries such as Spain earthquake databases still mainly comprise macroseismic data from felt effects. The full exploit of this information is of basic importance for seismic risk assessment and emergency planning, given the strict link between macroseismic intensity and damage. A probabilistic procedure specifically developed to handle macroseismic data, mostly relying on site information and seismogenic-source free, has been applied to evaluate seismic hazard in SE-Spain (Alicante-Murcia region). Present seismicity is moderate-low with largest magnitudes slightly over Mw5.0. The historical record includes very destructive earthquakes, maximum EMS98 intensities reaching IX–X and X in the nineteenth century (e.g., Torrevieja 1829 earthquake). Very recently, two events in the area on 11 May 2011 (Mw4.5, Mw5.2) killed nine people, injured 300, and produced important damage in the city of Lorca. Regional hazard maps for the area together with specific hazard curves at selected localities are obtained. Results are compared with the maximum observed intensities in the period 1300–2012, and with the values in the seismic hazard map from the Spanish Building Code in force. In general, the maximum felt intensity values are closer to the hazard values calculated for 2 % probability of exceedance in 50 years, using felt and expected intensity. The intensity-based probabilistic hazard maps obtained through the applied approach reduce the inherent smoothing of those based on standard probabilistic seismic hazard assessment approaches for the region, allowing identifying possible over- or sub-estimates of site hazard values, providing very valuable information for risk reduction strategies or for future updates of the building code hazard maps.     

Environmental impact assessment of a new nuclear power plant (NPP) based on atmospheric dispersion modeling

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s short-range atmospheric dispersion model (AERMOD 12345) is a good candidate for radiological dose calculations to the general public and the environment. It advanced capability should provide better confidence in the accuracy of offsite dose and risk assessment. The code has been used to compute the scaling factors for air concentration and ground level deposition of fission products based on routine and hypothetical accident releases from the NPP site in Geregu, Nigeria (7°33′N, 6°41′E). All computations were within the 16 km emergency planing zone of a generic reactor design considered by the study. The scaling factors have been used to assess the potential environmental risk of the NPP using an integrated approach to the assessment and management of environmental risks from ionizing radiation (D-ERICA). Obtained results should provide baseline information for decision making in terms of operation license provision for the pioneer NPP.     

Radon and remediation measures near Băiţa-Ştei old uranium mine (Romania)

B?i?a-?tei mine is an open pit mine in NW Romania (West Carpathian Mountains). It was the largest surface uranium deposit in the world. Two means of uranium transport and dissemination were used over time. The first was the natural way, represented by transportation of geological sediments by Cri?ul-B?i?a River that crosses the B?i?a surface deposit. These sediments were used as building materials (stone, gravel, sand). The second way was related to the people living in this valley, who used also the uranium waste as building material. The preliminary indoor radon concentrations measured in the buildings ranged from 40 to 4000 Bq m^?3 with a mean value of 241 Bq m^?3. A focused radon survey facilitated the selection of 20 houses with the highest indoor radon that were therefore proposed for remediation. To find the radon sources of these houses, systematic investigations on radon were performed. The remedial measures for these 20 houses were tested on a chosen pilot house.     

活断层上均匀盖层中氡浓度分布的数值模拟及反演拟合

Based on the convection and diffusion mechanisms of radon migration, in this paper we deduce the two-dimensional differential equation for radon transportation in the overburden above active fault zones with an unlimited extension along the strike. Making use of the finite difference method, the radon concentration distribution in the overburden above active faults is calculated and modeled. The active fault zone parameters, such as the depth and the width of the fault zone, and the value of radon concentration, can be inverted from the measured radon concentration curve. These realize quantitative interpretation for radon concentration anomalies. The inversion results are in good agreement with the actual fault zone parameters.     

Considering potential seismic sources in earthquake hazard assessment for Northern Iran

Located on the Alpine-Himalayan earthquake belt, Iran is one of the seismically active regions of the world. Northern Iran, south of Caspian Basin, a hazardous subduction zone, is a densely populated and developing area of the country. Historical and instrumental documented seismicity indicates the occurrence of severe earthquakes leading to many deaths and large losses in the region. With growth of seismological and tectonic data, updated seismic hazard assessment is a worthwhile issue in emergency management programs and long-term developing plans in urban and rural areas of this region. In the present study, being armed with up-to-date information required for seismic hazard assessment including geological data and active tectonic setting for thorough investigation of the active and potential seismogenic sources, and historical and instrumental events for compiling the earthquake catalogue, probabilistic seismic hazard assessment is carried out for the region using three recent ground motion prediction equations. The logic tree method is utilized to capture epistemic uncertainty of the seismic hazard assessment in delineation of the seismic sources and selection of attenuation relations. The results are compared to a recent practice in code-prescribed seismic hazard of the region and are discussed in detail to explore their variation in each branch of logic tree approach. Also, seismic hazard maps of peak ground acceleration in rock site for 475- and 2,475-year return periods are provided for the region.     

宁波站DDL-2与FD-105K测氡仪对比观测研究

测氡仪对比观测研究是探索仪器运行规律和提供可靠地震研究数据的支撑。文章基于使用AlphaGUARD P2000测氡仪作为无源标定仪器对DDL-2测氡仪进行溶解氡的校准实验,开展DDL-2测氡仪氡浓度响应研究以及DDL-2测氡仪和FD-105K测氡仪对比观测研究。结果表明：(1)校准K值的偏差值都在4.827 6%以内,满足目前地震监测观测技术要求和仪器标定要求;(2)DDL-2测氡仪可描述动态的水氡浓度,使用Origin 2018数据分析软件对氡浓度绘制拟合曲线,为氡值变化过程提供数学模型,鼓泡过程中水氡浓度经历迅速上升期、平缓期和稳定期,稳定后氡浓度变化幅度约为5.0 Bq/L,并且变化形态不尽相同;(3)使用Origin 2018对比分析数据,发现DDL-2测氡仪与AlphaGUARD P2000测氡仪较FD-105K测氡仪氡浓度日变化响应更灵敏且氡测值曲线吻合度更高。