Long-Term Monitoring and Statistical Analysis of Indoor Radon Concentration near the Almaty Tectonic Fault
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents the results of a spatiotemporal analysis of indoor radon concentration dynamics at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan), located near the Almaty tectonic fault. The research is based on a 2.5-year monitoring campaign of radon levels using the RAMON-02A radiometer. The radon activity concentration ranged from 1.29 ± 0.19 to 149 ± 22 Bq/m3. The distribution of radon concentrations was found to follow a lognormal law, with a skewness coefficient of 1.55 and kurtosis of 4.7. The mean values were 28.7 ± 4.2 Bq/m3 (arithmetic mean) and 24.5 ± 3.6 Bq/m3 (geometric mean). Distinct seasonal and monthly variations were observed: the lowest concentrations were recorded during the summer months (August—20.8 ± 3.1 Bq/m3), while the highest were observed in spring and winter (May—34.0 ± 4.9 Bq/m3, December—34.2 ± 4.9 Bq/m3). The springtime increase in radon levels is attributed to thermobaric effects, limited ventilation, and precipitation, which contributes to soil sealing. Autocorrelation analysis revealed diurnal, seasonal, and annual fluctuations, as well as quasi-periodic variations of approximately 150 days, presumably linked to geophysical processes. Correlation analysis indicated a weak positive relationship between radon concentration and air temperature during winter and spring (≈0.2), and a pronounced negative correlation with atmospheric pressure in winter (−0.57). The influence of humidity was found to be minor and seasonally variable.
Source: Atmosphere
Language: English
Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4413895494