Radon removal from water supplies by diffused bubble aeration system

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry 1999-07, Vol.241 (1), p.3-9
• Main Authors: Alabdula'aly, A. I., Maghrawy, H. B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02347282

Pilot scale experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the diffused bubble aeration system for removing moderate levels of radon from groundwater supplies. An aeration system was designed and constructed and used in 32 runs which included 9 different air water ratios and 4 detention times. The fluctuation of radon radioactivity in both the influent and effluent streams was low. Radon removal increased independently with increases in the air water ratio and the detention time. The highest removal (97 per cent) was obtained at a detention time of 19 minutes and an air water ratio of 12. The lowest values of both parameters to achieve sufficient radon removal (more than 90 per cent) to comply with the proposed maximal contaminant level of the U.S. EPA were 4 minutes and 19, respectively. The stripping constants for each run were determined and used to predict radon removal at extended detention times. The data obtained in the study are site specific, being dependent on the aeration container size, type of diffuser, temperature and influent radon radioactivity.