: This paper explores the sources of radon in Capodifiume lake located in the Paestum Plain of Campania, Italy, its behavior within these aquatic systems, and the potential environmental and health impacts associated with radon in lake waters. While radon is commonly studied in the context of indoor air pollution and groundwater contamination, its presence and behavior in lacustrine environments (lakes) also merit significant attention. Assessing the risk associated with radon exposure in environmental settings, including lakes and other bodies of water, is crucial for effective risk management. Furthermore, the study includes the determination of radionuclide activity in soil and plant samples from Capodifiume Lake, performed by using gamma spectrometry. This methodology yields valuable data for assessing the radiological impacts in the lake area. The ERICA (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Contaminants: Assessment and Management) tool is an integrated software system designed to assess the radiological risks to both human health and the environment and provides a comprehensive framework for radiological risk estimation and management, ensuring that both human health and ecological integrity are safeguarded. By integrating radon concentration data, ecological risk assessments, and radionuclide activity analysis, this research offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing radioecological risks in lacustrine environments. The findings underscore the necessity of regular monitoring and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to protect public health and ensure environmental safety.
Environmental and health risk assessment of radon in Capodifiume Lake: Investigating elevated radon levels in a karst aquifer system
Guida M.;Mancini S.;Falanga M.;Nikolov J.;Cuomo A.;Guida D.
2026
Abstract
: This paper explores the sources of radon in Capodifiume lake located in the Paestum Plain of Campania, Italy, its behavior within these aquatic systems, and the potential environmental and health impacts associated with radon in lake waters. While radon is commonly studied in the context of indoor air pollution and groundwater contamination, its presence and behavior in lacustrine environments (lakes) also merit significant attention. Assessing the risk associated with radon exposure in environmental settings, including lakes and other bodies of water, is crucial for effective risk management. Furthermore, the study includes the determination of radionuclide activity in soil and plant samples from Capodifiume Lake, performed by using gamma spectrometry. This methodology yields valuable data for assessing the radiological impacts in the lake area. The ERICA (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Contaminants: Assessment and Management) tool is an integrated software system designed to assess the radiological risks to both human health and the environment and provides a comprehensive framework for radiological risk estimation and management, ensuring that both human health and ecological integrity are safeguarded. By integrating radon concentration data, ecological risk assessments, and radionuclide activity analysis, this research offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing radioecological risks in lacustrine environments. The findings underscore the necessity of regular monitoring and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to protect public health and ensure environmental safety.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
