What Does
Radon Mean?
Radon (atomic symbol Rn and number 86) is a tasteless, odorless and colorless element. It is a radioactive noble gas that is often used in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Despite being beneficial in the field of medicine, this element can cause significant damage to health and the environment when used improperly.
Corrosionpedia Explains Radon
Although radon has been beneficial in the therapeutic field, radon buildup in water systems causes water corrosion. Many deaths have been associated with exposure to radon. Thus, corrosion in water due to radon can greatly affect the integrity of water systems and cause tremendous damage to human health and the environment.
Despite the harmful effects that radon can have on water, several techniques are available to reduce the corrosivity of this element. For instance, aeration and the addition of lime in the water can result in lowered corrosivity.
This is because aeration while conducting radon treatment can elevate the water's pH. This can be attributed to the elimination of carbon dioxide from water, which along with high levels of pH, can reverse the effect of an elevated concentration of oxygen in water. This leads to increased corrosive resistance of water.
Therefore, limestone and aeration can be very beneficial in the removal of radon and control of corrosion in groundwater systems as well as in other systems in the environment.