Radon mapping in Piedmont (North-West Italy): a radio-geo-lithological approach

Abstract

Background: In this work a radon mapping method implemented in Piedmont, an Italian Region in the Northern part of the country, is presented and discussed.
 Methods: The method is based on a “mixed approach”, combining together an experimental approach, based on a large set of experimental radon measurements performed with nuclear track detectors, and an empirical model, based on the geo-lithological characteristics of soils and rocks. This approach was named as “radio-geo-lithological” because the identification of geo-lithological units was defined considering not only the usual geological classification of the territory but also the radioactivity content of the most widespread rocks and soils of Piedmont.
 Results and Conclusion: This method allowed to classification of all municipalities of Piedmont (1181), thus permitting the identification of the Radon Priority Areas, a provision required by the new Italian law (Legislative Decree 101/2020), implementing the European Basic Safety Standards (Euratom Directive 59/2013).

Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Natural Gamma Dose Rates as a Baseline Study in the Province of Asti, Italy

“…Another crucial aspect to consider is the radio-geo-lithological analysis, specifically focusing on the concentrations of 222 Rn and 238 U, according to [49]. Given the prior establishment of the CE's significance within survey 1, it was compared with the new parameters, as shown in Table 3.…”