Study of radon and radium concentration in ground water from different parts of South Bengaluru city, Karnataka, India

Naturally occurring Radon and Radium concentrations were investigated in a total of 20 groundwater samples collected from different parts of South Bengaluru city using online Radon-Thoron monitor (RnDuo monitor). The study area has been divided into zone A and zone B on the basis of gamma survey meter readings. The measured radon concentrations in ground water samples collected from zone A regions is found to vary from 55.33 Bq/l to 496.20 Bq/l, with an average of 257.20 Bq/l. Whereas for zone B, the radon concentration varies from 473.44 Bq/l to 1105.5 Bq/l with an average of 678.98 Bq/l. Radium concentrations in water samples collected from zone A and zone B regions lies in the range of 0.17 Bq/l to 1.75 Bq/l (Avg. 0.56 Bq/l) and 0.31 Bq/l to 1.43 Bq/l (Avg. 0.82 Bq/l) respectively. (author)