Disequilibrium of 226Ra, 210Pb, and 210Po in groundwater and soil around the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand, India.

Groundwaters and soils were analyzed to examine the equilibrium state of natural 238U decay products (226Ra, 210Pb, and 210Po) around the Singhbhum region, Jharkhand, India. Activity ratios of 210Pb/226Ra, 210Po/210Pb, and 210Po/226Ra in groundwater and soil indicate disequilibrium in both the matrices. The contour map of the radionuclides indicated heterogeneous distribution in the study area. Disequilibrium arises due to the high diffusion rate of 222Rn from bedrock to the groundwater and subsequent production of 210Pb and 210Po in the aquifer, and high deposition rate of radon decay products on the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]