A New Framework for the Management and Radiological Protection of Groundwater Resources: The Implementation of a Portuguese Action Plan for Radon in Drinking Water and Impacts on Human Health
Lisa Martins 1
, Alcides Pereira 2, Alcino Oliveira 3, Luís F. Sanches Fernandes 4 and Fernando A.L. Pacheco 5,*
, Alcides Pereira 2, Alcino Oliveira 3, Luís F. Sanches Fernandes 4 and Fernando A.L. Pacheco 5,*
1
Department of Geology, Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Science, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2
Department of Earth Sciences, Centre for Earth and Space Research of the University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Polo II University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
3
Department of Geology, Geosciences Centre of the University of Coimbra, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
4
Department of Civil Engineering, Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Science, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
5
Department of Geology, Chemistry Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Water 2019, 11(4), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11040760
Received: 7 March 2019 / Revised: 30 March 2019 / Accepted: 10 April 2019 / Published: 12 April 2019
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Isotopes in Hydrosphere)
Abstract
In general, this study was developed to assess the radon contamination in groundwater intended for human consumption, to raise awareness among policy-makers to implement a legal framework for drinking water management and the radiological protection of groundwater resources. Thus, we analyzed with parallel coordinate visualization (PCV) plots what features may influence the water–rock interaction and promote high-radon concentrations in water intended for human consumption. The results show that in granitic areas composed by biotite granites (Group V), although there is a higher radon production in the rocks, the radon transfer to groundwater was not effective, mainly due to the physical and chemical properties of the water. The main conclusions show that in all springs sampled (n = 69) for the entire study area, there are only four springs that must have an immediate intervention, and 22 of them are above the limit imposed by the Portuguese legislation. These results are intended to promote a Portuguese Action Plan for Radon that can be framed in the guidelines on the management and protection of groundwater resources. View Full-Text
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Martins, L.; Pereira, A.; Oliveira, A.; Sanches Fernandes, L.F.; Pacheco, F.A. A New Framework for the Management and Radiological Protection of Groundwater Resources: The Implementation of a Portuguese Action Plan for Radon in Drinking Water and Impacts on Human Health. Water 2019, 11, 760.
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