Distribution of Radon-222 Radioisotope in Soil at Siwabessy Science and Technology Area Lebak Bulus Jakarta
Satrio Gilang Ismaya (a*), Rasi Prasetio (b), Agus Budhie Wijatna (a)

(a) Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia 55281
*satrio.gilang.i[at]mail.ugm.ac.id
(b) Research Center for Radiation Process Technology, National Research and Innovation Center, Indonesia 15324

Abstract

Two temporary storage sites for nuclear mineral waste at KST Siwabessy Lebak Bulus, Jakarta have the potential to increase radon gas, a natural radioactive gas resulting from uranium decay. Radon-222 (\(^{222}Rn\)) is an alpha emitter contributing 1.15 mSv/year per capita to natural radioactivity in the world. Research at KST Siwabessy found that the temporary storage of nuclear mineral waste influences the distribution of \(^{222}Rn\). The soil radon concentration ranges from 680 to 18,410 Bq/\({m^3}\), with anomalies at points 14 and 19 (volleyball court and waste pool). These two points have a much higher value compared to the rest of the measurement points at KST Siwabessy, but are still within typical levels of 2,000 to 50,000 Bq/\({m^3}\). The temporary nuclear waste storage site can cause high radon concentrations, but the direction is random and limited to a distance of 75 meters.

Keywords: radon- distribution- concentration- soil- gas

Topic: Radioactive Wastes