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Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases
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Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 7308

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dobromir Pressyanov

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: dosimetry and radiation protection; measurement and metrology of radon, thoron and their decay products; measurement of man-made radioactive noble gases, environmental radioactivity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A variety of problems rely on accurate measurements of natural and man-made radioactive noble gases (RNG). This covers radon indoors and outdoors, including using it as a tracer in atmospheric studies, measurement of radon for the background control in nuclear laboratories, etc. Measurement of man-made RNGs is needed for monitoring the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban-Treaty, for supervision of nuclear installations, etc.

There is a growing interest in novel sensitive detectors and related methodology and metrological assurance.

This Special Issue will highlight the progress of developing, testing, and modeling detectors, monitors, and methods for the measurement of RNGs. The topics include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Novel detectors and monitors for radon and thoron, including high sensitivity detectors used in studies related to climatic changes or for background control in nuclear laboratories
  • Novel detectors and monitors for man-made RNGs
  • Networks of RNG detectors and monitors
  • Techniques for calibration, characterization, and testing of RNG detectors and monitors
  • Interference of RNG isotopes on other radiation detectors including detectors of other RNG isotopes
  • Detectors and methods for retrospective measurements of RNGs
  • Algorithms for data acquisition and data processing

We solicit original research papers, short communications, and review articles with an emphasis on detectors, monitors, and methods used. Reports on results from measurement campaigns will be considered only if they reveal and demonstrate new essential features of detectors, instrumentation, and methods used. 

Prof. Dobromir Pressyanov
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Radon
  • Thoron
  • Man-made radioactive noble gases
  • High sensitivity detectors
  • Networks of detectors
  • Data retrieval algorithms

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 1015 KiB  
Article
Strategy and Metrological Support for Indoor Radon Measurements Using Popular Low-Cost Active Monitors with High and Low Sensitivity
by Andrey Tsapalov, Konstantin Kovler and Peter Bossew
Sensors 2024, 24(15), 4764; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24154764 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 436
Abstract
Traditionally, for indoor radon testing, predominantly passive measurements have been used, typically applying the solid-state alpha track-etch method for long-term and the charcoal method for short-term measurements. However, increasingly, affordable consumer-grade active monitors have become available in the last few years, which can [...] Read more.
Traditionally, for indoor radon testing, predominantly passive measurements have been used, typically applying the solid-state alpha track-etch method for long-term and the charcoal method for short-term measurements. However, increasingly, affordable consumer-grade active monitors have become available in the last few years, which can generate a concentration time series of an almost arbitrary duration. Firstly, we argue that consumer-grade monitors can well be used for quality-assured indoor radon assessment and consequent reliable decisions. Secondly, we discuss the requirements of quality assurance, which actually allow for reliable decision-making. In particular, as part of a rational strategy, we discuss how to interpret measurement results from low-cost active monitors with high and low sensitivity with respect to deciding on conformity with reference levels that are the annual average concentration of indoor radon. Rigorous analysis shows that temporal variations in radon are a major component of the uncertainty in decision-making, the reliability of which is practically independent of monitor sensitivity. Manufacturers of low-cost radon monitors already provide sufficient reliability and quality of calibration for their devices, which can be used by both professional inspectors and the general public. Therefore, within the suggested measurement strategy and metrologically assured criteria, we only propose to clarify the set and values of the key metrological characteristics of radon monitors as well as to upgrade user-friendly online tools. By implementing clear metrological requirements as well as the rational measurement strategy for the reliable conformity assessment of a room (building) with radon safety requirements, we anticipate significant reductions in testing costs, increased accessibility, and enhanced quality assurance and control (QA/QC) in indoor radon measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases)
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13 pages, 250 KiB  
Communication
Radon Exposure Assessment in Occupational and Environmental Settings: An Overview of Instruments and Methods
by Mota Kholopo and Phoka Caiphus Rathebe
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 2966; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24102966 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 1011
Abstract
Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas that poses significant health risks, particularly lung cancer, due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature, which makes detection challenging without formal testing. It is found in soil, rock, and water, and it infiltrates indoor [...] Read more.
Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas that poses significant health risks, particularly lung cancer, due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature, which makes detection challenging without formal testing. It is found in soil, rock, and water, and it infiltrates indoor environments, necessitating regulatory standards and guidelines from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the World Health Organization, and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency to mitigate exposure. In this paper, we present various methods and instruments for radon assessment in occupational and environmental settings. Discussion on long- and short-term monitoring, including grab sampling, radon dosimetry, and continuous real-time monitoring, is provided. The comparative analysis of detection techniques—active versus passive—is highlighted from real-time data and long-term exposure assessment, including advances in sensor technology, data processing, and public awareness, to improve radon exposure evaluation techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases)
14 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Performance of Various Low-Cost Radon Monitors under Variable Environmental Conditions
by Daniel Rábago, Enrique Fernández, Santiago Celaya, Ismael Fuente, Alicia Fernández, Jorge Quindós, Raúl Rodriguez, Luis Quindós and Carlos Sainz
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1836; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061836 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 966
Abstract
A comparison of low-cost radon monitors was conducted at the Laboratory of Natural Radiation (LNR). The monitors we evaluated were EcoQube, RadonEye, RadonEye Plus2, Spirit, ViewPlus, ViewRadon and WavePlus. An AlphaGUARD monitor calibrated at the Laboratory of Environmental Radioactivity of the University of [...] Read more.
A comparison of low-cost radon monitors was conducted at the Laboratory of Natural Radiation (LNR). The monitors we evaluated were EcoQube, RadonEye, RadonEye Plus2, Spirit, ViewPlus, ViewRadon and WavePlus. An AlphaGUARD monitor calibrated at the Laboratory of Environmental Radioactivity of the University of Cantabria (LaRUC), accredited for testing and calibration according to ISO/IEC 17025, provided the reference value of radon concentration. The temporal stability of the monitors was studied, obtaining a percentage of missing records ranged from 1% to 19% of the data. The main technical characteristics studied were temporal stability, measurement ranges, accuracy, correlation and response time. The main results show that the measurement ranges align with those specified by their manufacturers, with percentage differences with respect to the reference monitor of between 5% and 16%. The diversity found for response time is remarkable, with values ranging from 1 to 15 h, with Pearson correlation factors between 0.63 and 0.90. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases)
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13 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
Metrology for Indoor Radon Measurements and Requirements for Different Types of Devices
by Andrey Tsapalov and Konstantin Kovler
Sensors 2024, 24(2), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24020504 - 13 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1149
Abstract
Indoor radon measurements have been conducted in many countries worldwide for several decades. However, to date, there is a lack of a globally harmonized measurement standard. Furthermore, measurement protocols in the US (short-term tests for 2–7 days) and European Union countries (long-term tests [...] Read more.
Indoor radon measurements have been conducted in many countries worldwide for several decades. However, to date, there is a lack of a globally harmonized measurement standard. Furthermore, measurement protocols in the US (short-term tests for 2–7 days) and European Union countries (long-term tests for at least 2 months) differ significantly, and their metrological support is underdeveloped, as clear mathematical algorithms (criteria) and QA/QC procedures considering fundamental ISO/IEC concepts such as “measurement uncertainty” and “conformity assessment” are still absent. In this context, for many years, the authors have been advancing and refining the theory of metrological support for standardizing indoor radon measurements based on a rational criterion for conformity assessment within the ISO/IEC concepts. The rational criterion takes into account the main uncertainties arising from temporal variations in indoor radon and instrumental errors, enabling the utilization of both short- and long-term measurements while ensuring specified reliability in decision making (typically no less than 95%). The paper presents improved mathematical algorithms for determining both temporal and instrumental uncertainties. Additionally, within the framework of the rational criterion, unified metrological requirements are formulated for various methods and devices employed in indoor radon measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases)
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17 pages, 3700 KiB  
Article
A Method for Identification and Assessment of Radioxenon Plumes by Absorption in Polycarbonates
by Dobromir Pressyanov and Pavel Stavrev
Sensors 2021, 21(23), 8107; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21238107 - 3 Dec 2021
Viewed by 1729
Abstract
A method for the retrospective evaluation of the integrated activity concentration of 133Xe during radioxenon plumes and the moment of the plume’s center is proposed and explored by computer modeling. The concept is to use a specimen of polycarbonate material (a stack [...] Read more.
A method for the retrospective evaluation of the integrated activity concentration of 133Xe during radioxenon plumes and the moment of the plume’s center is proposed and explored by computer modeling. The concept is to use a specimen of polycarbonate material (a stack of Makrofol N foils of thickness 120 µm and 40 µm in 1 L non-hermetic Marinelly beaker) that is placed in the environment or in a controlled nuclear or radiopharmaceutical facility. On a regular basis or incidentally, the specimen may be retrieved and gamma spectrometry in two consecutive time intervals with durations of 8 h and 16 h is performed. To assess the performance of the method, 133Xe plumes of various integrated activity concentrations and with a duration of up to 10 h are simulated and analyzed, assuming that the measurement starts with a delay of up to one day after the moment of the plume center. It is found that the deviation between the estimates by the method and their true values are within a few percent. Depending on the delay, events of integrated 133Xe activity concentration 250–1000 Bq h m−3 might be qualitatively identified. At levels >10,000 Bq h m−3, the uncertainty of the quantitative estimates might be ≤10%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases)
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Review

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19 pages, 636 KiB  
Review
Short-Term vs. Long-Term: A Critical Review of Indoor Radon Measurement Techniques
by Khathutshelo Vincent Mphaga, Thokozani Patrick Mbonane, Wells Utembe and Phoka Caiphus Rathebe
Sensors 2024, 24(14), 4575; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24144575 - 15 Jul 2024
Viewed by 696
Abstract
Radon is a known carcinogen, and the accurate assessment of indoor levels is essential for effective mitigation strategies. While long-term testing provides the most reliable data, short-term testing (STT) offers a quicker and more cost-effective alternative. This review evaluated the accuracy of STT [...] Read more.
Radon is a known carcinogen, and the accurate assessment of indoor levels is essential for effective mitigation strategies. While long-term testing provides the most reliable data, short-term testing (STT) offers a quicker and more cost-effective alternative. This review evaluated the accuracy of STT in predicting annual radon averages and compared testing strategies in Europe (where long-term measurements are common) and the United States (where STT is prevalent). Twenty (20) studies were systematically identified through searches in scientific databases and the grey literature, focusing on STT accuracy and radon management. This review revealed several factors that influence the accuracy of STT. Most studies recommended a minimum four-day test for initial screening, but accuracy varied with radon levels. For low levels (<75 Bq/m3), a one-week STT achieved high confidence (>95%) in predicting annual averages. However, accuracy decreased for moderate levels (approximately 50% success rate), necessitating confirmation with longer testing periods (3 months). High radon levels made STT unsuitable due to significant fluctuations. Seasonality also played a role, with winter months providing a more representative picture of annual radon averages. STT was found to be a useful method for screening low-risk areas with low radon concentrations. However, its limitations were evident in moderate- and high-level scenarios. While a minimum of four days was recommended, longer testing periods (3 months or more) were crucial for achieving reliable results, particularly in areas with potential for elevated radon exposure. This review suggests the need for further research to explore the possibility of harmonizing radon testing protocols between Europe and the United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Noble Gases)
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