RADON IN VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL-SAMPLES IN THE HERCULANE SPA, CERNA VALLEY, ROMANIA

Early measurements in the Herculane Spa region showed high helium cont ent (6 mL/L) and high radon concentrations (up to 7.4 MBq m(-3)) for t he emanated gases which accompany geothermal waters originating in the hydrogeothermal deposit existing in this area. This paper presents ne w data on the radon exhalation rate from soil, and indoor radon in som e buildings in this resort. The greater values obtained in two places for radon flux are probably caused by transversal faults in this area. In the winter, the indoor radon mean value is two times greater than the summer value. The Ra, U, Th, and K content for six soils sampled i n the vicinity of the site of radon flux measurement were also determi ned. The values obtained are somewhat higher than the values expected as a consequence of surface granitic rocks in this region. Large Cs-13 7 deposits were found (up to 950 Bq kg(-1)). (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.