Evaluación de la concentración de gas radón en el suelo del sector: cemento Chimborazo-Cajabamba, parroquia Calpi del cantón Riobamba y parroquia Cajabamba del cantón Colta

Abstract

In this research, the concentration of radon gas in soil (222Rn) was quantified in 16 sampling points at Calpi and Cajabamba towns in Chimborazo province - central highlands of Ecuador. The experimental setup consisted of an E-PERM (SLT) detection system from Rad Elec Inc. (USA) and a metallic structure inserted in a PVC pipe that was buried in the ground next to the detection system. This allowed measuring radon levels at a depth of one meter below the ground. The same monitoring and measurement protocol was applied to all points, the altitude of the points was between 3173 and 3420 m, and the concentration fluctuated between 1133 and 5583 Bq/m3. A correlation between radon levels in soil and altitude was evidenced in six of the sampling points. One point at Cajabamba town and five at Colta town. Two physical parameters of the soil, bulk density and organic matter obtained at one meter depth, were measured at all points. The results did not show a significant correlation (R2=0.11 and R2=0.05 respectively) with the radon gas concentration at all points.