Review of investigations into the vadose zone’s variable state of saturation in connection with the assessment of radon potential in Bulgaria

Pages: 
pp. 47-51
National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 St Georgi Sofiyski Str., 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 St Georgi Sofiyski Str., 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Abstract: 

Natural radon (222Rn) is a radioactive noble gas that occurs as the immediate decay product of radium (226Ra), part of the 238U family, in the lithosphere. Radon is driven by advection and diffusion with soil gas throughout connected and water-unsaturated pores and/or cracks in permeable rocks and soils. The aim of the present study is to do a review of the existing so far research activities in Bulgaria in connection with the observation and/or evaluation of the degree of water saturation of the near-surface layer, and on that base to distinguish the up-to-date achievements in regards to the radon potential in situ evaluation. Due to this review, the studies in Bulgaria concerning moisture dynamics in the near-surface layers can be divided mainly into two groups. The first one investigates the hydraulic characteristics (parameters) of soils in the vadose zone. Based on that, conclusions or computer simulations for the saturation degree estimation can be drawn. The other group includes in situ observations by sensors on the change of moisture with time. The results of these studies may serve as a base for more precise moisture dynamics assessment at sites with specific radon potential tendencies.

Keywords: 

hydrogeology, moisture dynamics, environment, hydraulic parameters, regional studies

DOI: 
10.52321/GeolBalc.50.2.47

VOLUME 50 (2)/August 2021

Department of Geology, Palaeontology and Fossil Fuels, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Laboratory of Telematics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 8, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 St Georgi Sofiyski Str., 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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National Center for Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 St Georgi Sofiyski Str., 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Geophysics Engineering EOOD, Residential area Strogoziya, Bl. 113, 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
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Ellatzite-Med AD, 2086 Mirkovo, Bulgaria
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Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Ellatzite-Med AD, 2086 Mirkovo, Bulgaria
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Ellatzite-Med AD, 2086 Mirkovo, Bulgaria

Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Department of Geology, Palaeontology and Fossil Fuels, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Department of Geology, Palaeontology and Fossil Fuels, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria