Determination of radon activity concentration in water using liquid scintillation counting technique

Many studies were carried out throughout the world on radon measurement in water especially drinking water for it can cause problem to human health. This study is an attempt to measure the level of radon present in water collect from rivers and lakes. Data gathered from this study provides important information about radiation levels in water at selected sites, because radon gas is the largest contributor to natural radioactive radiation exposure to humans. Exposure to radon gas can cause lung cancer. Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) has been applied to determine the activity concentration of radon (222Rn) in water. Water samples were collected from, ex-mining lake in Perak, Sok River in Kelantan, Tembeling River in Pahang. Water samples were prepared in polyethylene bottles mixed with liquid scintillator and stored for 3 weeks to allow 222Rn and its progeny to reach the equilibrium, and the activity concentrations ranged from 0.24-1.27 Bq/ L, and 0.029 - 0.155 Bq/ L for radon and radium respectively. (Author)