Radon in soil and chemical composition of spring water near Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico

Abstract

Soil radon was monitored at two permanent stations on the northern flank of Popocatépetl volcano. Water samples from three springs around the cone were also studied for radon and chemical composition. Radon in soil was recorded using track detectors, and sporadic short-term measurements were obtained with a Clipperton probe. Radon in water samples was measured using a liquid scintillation method. The chemical composition was obtained from conventional chemical methods and trace ele- ments using an ICP-MS equipment. Soil radon levels obtained with track detectors at the two monitoring stations showed different patterns in 1999-2000. The chemical composition indicates differences in the origin of the springs.