Radon radioactivity measurements in underground water: A comparison between different diagnostics techniques

Abstract In this article, authors report experimental results obtained, with different diagnostics setups, for radon activity concentration measurement in underground water for human use. An overview is given about the performance of different measurement techniques, based on experimental data. The following parameters are compared and discussed: counting efficiency, minimum detectable activity, measurement uncertainty, background, sample volume and treatment. The estimated average value for radon-specific activity in underground water was compared with that one derived from different legislations and directives/guidelines and it was used, with the dose conversion factor for 222Rn, to estimate the annual effective dose, for adult members of public of the investigated region, due to the groundwater radon ingestion.