Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-4759-7054

Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Dajun Dai, PhD

Second Advisor

Nadine Kabengi, PhD

Third Advisor

Ashwin Ashok, PhD

Abstract

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. There is a lack of information regarding underground radon concentrations at a local scale. This research assessed the underground radon emissions from 30 sensors from May 2022 to January 2023. This thesis utilized the emerging hotspot technique to identify the hotspots and coldspots of underground radon concentrations. It then evaluated their correlations with temperature, humidity, air pressure, CO2, and volatile organic compound (VOC). The results indicated that the western side of the testbed and the warmer season had more hotspots than the rest of the area and colder season. Temperature had the strongest association with the radon pattern, followed by humidity and air pressure. This research suggests that radon emissions could change greatly even within a small area due to the change of the environment. Intensive monitoring is necessary to understand radon risks and reduce exposure.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/36974972

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