RADON IN SOIL AND GROUND-WATER SURVEY AROUND THE LAGUNA-VERDE-NUCLEOELECTRIC-FACILITY, MEXICO

Surveys of radon and short-lived daughters concentration levels have b een performed in soil and groundwater around the Laguna Verde, Mexico, nuclear power facility. The soil monitoring was carried out at the po wer plant site, at a nearby aquifer, and at three localities where loc al seismic activity of low intensity occur. Groundwater samplings were performed at already existing wells. Solid State Nuclear Track Detect ors (SSNTD) were used for radon in soil and groundwater determinations , while Pb-214 and (214) Bi activities in soil and groundwater samples were obtained from the routine gamma spectrometry studies included in the Radiological Environmental Program of the plant. The results show ed seasonal variations in the radon and daughters concentration levels , both in groundwater and in soil. The higher soil radon and daughters values are found at a nearby geologic fault. The radon potential of t he zone can be considered low risk. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.