Radon Release at a Rehabilitated Uranium Mine Site and Dose Assessment (Case of the Former Beshtaugorskiy Mine, North Caucasus)

Radon Release at a Rehabilitated Uranium Mine Site and Dose Assessment (Case of the Former Beshtaugorskiy Mine, North Caucasus) | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Radon Release at a Rehabilitated Uranium Mine Site and Dose Assessment (Case of the Former Beshtaugorskiy Mine, North Caucasus) Petr Miklyaev, Tatiana Petrova, Pavel Sidyakin, Dmitriy Shshitov, and 5 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4266052/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 13 Dec, 2024 Read the published version in Environmental Science and Pollution Research → Version 1 posted 6 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The article presents the results of the radon release studies at the rehabilitated uranium mine and an assessment of doses received by the population when using the territory for recreational purposes (the case of the former Beshtaugorsky uranium mine). The measurements of radon flux density from the ground surface, radon concentration in the atmospheric air and groundwater, as well as the gamma dose rate and content of natural radionuclides in soils and bedrocks were performed. It is established that abnormally high radon release associated with both a former uranium adits and natural factors such as tectonic faults. The abnormally high radon release is due to advective radon transport, mainly associated with convective thermally induced air convection in permeable zones of mountain massif; radon transport by groundwater does not affect radon emissions from the surface. The most significant source of radiation risk is the incompletely blocked adit mouths, from which mine air is periodically blown out. Radon concentration and gamma dose rate values many times exceed permissible levels in these locations. A person resting in such an area for 4 hours can lead to a dose exceeding 2 mSv. This is advisable to take measures to prevent or reduce the time people spend in the areas of former adit mouths. uranium mine soils and rocks radioactivity radon in groundwater radon in air radon flux density dose assessment Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1. Introduction rathe natural environment with technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM). This in turn has left certain environmental obligations. Objects such as tailing dumpsites, mine drainages and exposed residual ore deposits may pose as long-term sources of TENORM release into the environment. Populations in the areas of former mining sites may be exposed to these radionuclides, including radon ( 222 Rn) and their short-lived decay products (Ivanova et al. 2015 ; Mathuthu et al. 2021 ; Grangeon et al. 2023 ). Main routes of entry of such radionuclides into the human body are the consumption of polluted water and plant-based foods, as well as inhalation of dust and radon progeny. Alpha-emitting isotopes in the uranium decay chain present an especially significant public health threat due to their potent carcinogenic effects caused by internal exposure (IARC 2012 ; UNSCEAR 2017). Previous studies of former uranium mining sites have shown that the host regions usually have enhanced gamma dose rates, high uranium concentrations and strong radon release from ground surface. All of which are potentially dangerous to the local environment (Grangeon et al. 2023 ; Bermudez et al. 2010 ; Bister et al. 2015 ; Boekhout et al. 2015 ; Cuvier et al. 2015 ; Lind et al. 2013 ; Neiva et al. 2014 ; Salbu et al. 2013 ; Fijałkowska–Lichwa and Przylibski 2023 ; Fijałkowska‑Lichwa 2014). The elevated risk of lung cancer due to radon exposure is widely known (Gaskin et al. 2018 ). Buildings close to former uranium mining and tailings sites are especially known for accumulating radon in high concentrations. This happens due to convective flows of radon-rich air from tailings and radon accumulation in buildings and the layers of atmosphere closest to the ground, which leads to radon concentrations of thousands of Bq/m 3 . An example of this happened after a land rehabilitation of a WISMUT uranium extraction site in Schlema-Alberoda, Saxony (Schmidt P. 2014 ; Lefebvre et al. 2019 ). This paper presents the results of a comprehensive radiological study in the region of the former mine # 1 of the Beshtaugorskiy uranium ore deposit, located in the densely populated region of Caucasian Mineral Waters in close proximity of resort cities of Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, as well as the town of Lermontov. Beshtaugorskiy uranium mine was being exploited here from the late 1940s to the early 1980s. The main mine (Mine # 1) was located in the southern part of the mt. Beshtau and consisted of 12 horizons located above the local erosion level at elevations from 720 to 1100 m. The levels were interconnected with two ascending shafts. Several stages of rehabilitation have been carried out from the 1990s to present. Most of the adit entrances were blocked either by detonation or with concrete to prevent the migration of radionuclides and to avoid the local population from entering dangerous areas (The Fifth… 2017). Tailing dumpsites were terraced and covered with a protective clay cover. Two lower-level adits at an elevation of 720 m a.s.l. were, however, not blocked and are still being used today for technical purposes, which includes radiation monitoring and extraction of radon water (Karpenko et al. 2009 ). Entry to these adits is limited and the entryways closed with iron gates, but mine waters still discharge through them and enter settling ponds located in close proximity to the mouths of the adits. Currently, at the mouths of some reclaimed adits, holes of a relatively small diameter (Ø 0.5–1.5 m) perhaps of suffusion origin have been discovered (Miklyaev et al. 2022 ). These holes are usually located above the destroyed and filled-in entrances to the adits. The holes were discovered at the mouths of adits ## 10, 13, 21b, 27, 31bis and the Vostochniy ventilation shaft. These openings are currently the main channels of interaction between the mine space and the environment, being places of possible discharge of both mine water during floods and mine air enriched with radon and its decay products during appropriate weather conditions. The study area is characterized by increased natural radioactivity, both as a result of the development of uranium ore deposits, and due to the increased content of natural radionuclides in alkaline igneous rocks and their loose weathering products (Miklyaev and Petrova 2021 ). The significant content of radium in rocks combined with their high degree of fracturing and permeability causes high values of radon exhalation rate from the soil surface. On the western slope of mountain on roadside of the Beshtaugorsk ring road a local radon anomaly was identified, associated with an area of gas discharge in the fault zone, where the radon flux density in summer on hot days was 5000–15000 mBq/(m 2 s), sometimes reaching 25000 mBq/(m 2 s). In the anomalous zone 222 Rn activity concentration in the open air reaches 7000 Bq/m 3 and radon equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) reaches 500 Bq/m 3 (Miklyaev et al. 2022 ). According to previous studies (Titov et al. 2020 ), Beshtaugorsky ring and other most common tourist routes of Beshtau have gamma radiation ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) levels ranging from 0.10 to 0.86 µSv/h. Sharply increased levels of gamma radiation dose rate and radionuclide concentrations in the environment were detected locally at the mouth of adit # 16 and around adjacent settling ponds. According to data for 2009 (Karpenko et al. 2009 ), before rehabilitation, the bottom sediments of settling ponds exhibited specific activity of 238 U at 219,600 Bq/kg, that can be classified as radioactive waste in terms of the content of uranium-series radionuclides. The maximum values of the ambient equivalent gamma dose rate around site # 16 reached 0.60–0.90 µSv/h. According to the results of studies in 2011 (Sokolova et al. 2013 ), uranium concentrations in the spring waters in the southwestern part of the massif sufficiently exceed maximum permissible concentrations for drinking water (in Russia − 15 µg/l). Despite this, the population uses spring water for drinking while walking around the national park. It should be noted that very high indoor radon concentrations were recorded in residential buildings in the town of Lermontov, located at the western foot of Mount Beshtau. The values of the equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) of radon progeny in buildings on average in the city are, according to various estimates, 231–237 Bq/m 3 , that corresponds with 222 Rn activity concentration about 400–500 Bq/m 3 (taking into account the equilibrium factor is 0.5). In some dwellings the average seasonal indoor radon concentrations reached 1200–1600 Bq/m 3 (Petoyan et al. 2022 ; Pakholkina et al. 2011 ; Marennyy et al. 2015 ). The goal of this study is to improve the understanding of the pattern of radon release from the former mining site (Beshtau area), as well as to approximately estimate the doses of radon exposure the population receives when using these territories for recreational purposes. Potential negative impact of the former mine on the environment is a current cause of concern for the local population and authorities. Research was primarily conducted along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, which was built in the 1920’s and has still remained the main tourist route. The road is located at an elevation of about 800–850 m a.s.l. Observation decks and springs along the ring road are equipped with picnic and rest sites; tourist routes to the top of mt. Beshtau start at the ring road. Areas adjacent to the road are favorite among the local populace and the tourists alike. 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Features of the geological structure of the territory The geological map of studied area is given in Fig. 1 . From a geological point of view, Beshtau mountain range is located within the Mineralovodsky protrusion of the Paleozoic basement and represents a multiphase intrusion of alkaline igneous rocks of granitic composition, intruded into the carbonate-terrigenous strata of the sedimentary cover at the end of Neogene around 8.5 million years ago. The intrusions belong to the Elbrus igneous region and are located at the intersection of latitudinal Ciscaucasian foredeeps system and the Transcaucasian tectonic uplift, elongated in the meridional direction. In total, more than 20 intrusive subvolcanic diapirs are known to be in the area. The central and the largest of them is the Beshtau massif, which translated from Turkic means “five mountains”. The massif includes the central peak of Beshtau, called “Bol’shoy Tau” (Big Tau), 1401 m a. s. l., bordered by the large massifs of “Maliy Tau” (Small Tau) and “Kozyy Skaly” (Goat Rocks) from the north and southeast, as well as peaks of “Lokhmatyi” (Shaggy Hill) and “Lisyi Nos” (Fox Nose) from the west and south respectively. The central core of the massif includes all of the previously listed peaks and is composed of subvolcanic and intrusive rocks of alkaline composition: granite porphyries, trachytes and trachyliparitesm, which are collectively called “beshtaunites”. The lower part of the slopes, characterized by a much flatter relief, is composed of sedimentary rocks, mostly cretaceous limestones and sandstones, as well as Paleogene marls. These rocks were pulled into the uplift during the intrusion of magma and brought up to the surface from the deep. The foot of the Beshtau massif is an elevated plain composed of undisturbed rocks of the sedimentary cover: Neogene-Paleogene clays and Paleogene marls. With the exception of peaks and areas characterized by steep slopes, the entire area of the massif and surrounding territory is covered with loose Quaternary slope sediments. These are composed mainly of grus with fragments of beshtaunites. Thick chernozem soils are found in the lower parts of the slopes. The depths of the massif contain veins of uranium ore, which are confined to a system of faults and cracks of the northwestern strike. The largest system of uranium ore veins, the “Skala” group, is located in the central part of the massif and used to contain 238 U in concentrations ranging from hundredths of a percent to several percent. Also, individual veins are located in the northern part of the massif in the area of Orlinye skaly (Mashkovtsev at al. 2010). The entire igneous massif is intensively fragmented due to tectonics. In addition to the main zones of northeastern-trending faults, numerous meridional faults can be traced, as well as ring faults along the periphery. All of the faults and fissures are water-bearing and are interconnected hydraulically within the entire magmatic massif. Groundwater of Beshtau massif are not connected with mineral and fresh aquifers of the sedimentary cover and represent a separate hydrodynamic system. Waters are of a very low mineralization, charge locally via atmospheric precipitation, and are discharged in springs on the periphery of the magmatic massif, as well as in some adits at a level of 720 m a.s.l. (#16 and #32) (Sokolova et al. 2013 ). The groundwater level is uneven: waters are drained along the lines of mining areas and tectonic fragmentation zones to a level of 720 m, resulting in the formation of elongated depression funnels with steep sides; with a sharp increase in groundwater level elevation in the areas not exposed by mining. Springs on the periphery of laccolites are mostly located at elevations exceeding 720 m a.s.l. 2.2. Measured parameters and equipment During the research, measurements were carried out at sites located along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, as well as at the mouths of adits ## 10, 13, 21b, 27, 31bis and the Vostochniy shaft, where unblocked holes described above were previously discovered. Taking into account possible significant seasonal fluctuations in radon flux density and air 222 Rn concentration, measurements were carried out in different seasons of the year. Measurements at sites along the ring road were performed in September 2022 (summer season) and in February 2024 (winter season). The following parameters were measured: ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) at a height of 1 m from the earth’s surface; 222 Rn activity concentration and radon equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) in the air at a height of 1 m from the ground surface; radon flux density (RFD) from the ground surface; content (specific activity) of natural radionuclides – radium ( 226 Ra), thorium ( 232 Th) and potassium ( 40 K) in soil and rock samples at a depth of 0.2–0.4 m; 222 Rn activity concentration in spring water. Measurements at the mouths of adits were carried out in the summer-autumn and winter-spring periods of 2018–2020. At the each adit, the following were measured: ADER at a height of 1 m from the holes; 222 Rn activity concentration and EEC at a height of 1 m from the holes. The ambient dose equivalent rate was measured using a portable dosimeter DKG-07D “Drozd” and DRG-01T based on a Geiger-Muller detector. The ADER range is (10 − 1 − 10 3 ) µSv/h, in the energy range of (0.05–3.0) MeV. The measurement error does not exceed 15% (2σ). Measurements of air 222 Rn concentration and EEC were carried out using a radon radiometer RAA-3-01 "Alfa-AERO". The range of measured values of EEC is (1–106) Bq/m 3 with a measurement error of 30%. The principle of operation of the radiometer is based on pumping air at a given constant speed through the AFA-RSP-3 analytical filter and recording the alpha activity of short-lived radon daughter decay products deposited on the filter using a semiconductor detector. When measuring under conditions of abnormally high concentrations of radon progeny, they are deposited on the detector and can affect subsequent readings of the device even if the analytical filter is replaced. In this regard, several Alfa-AERO radiometers were used to measure EEC at the mouths of adits. In the case of recording abnormally high values of EEC in the air, the device was no longer used that day and was replaced by another. Measurements of 222 Rn concentration and EEC in the air were carried out at a height of 1.0 m from the ground surface; at the mouths of adits, measurements were carried out at a distance of 1–5 m from the openings leading into the adits. The radon flux density from the ground surface was measured by the open coal chamber method using the “Camera-01” measuring complex (NTC NITON, Russia). An accumulation chamber (NK-32) with activated carbon was installed on the soil surface in specially prepared holes 5–10 cm deep with the soil and vegetation cover removed and left to expose for 3–5 hours. After this, the coal from the chamber was poured into an SK-13 sorption column and kept closed for 3 hours to achieve radioactive equilibrium between radon and its daughter decay products. The activity of 222 Rn in coal was determined from the activity of β-emitting radon decay products. A beta radiometer based on a gas-discharge counter, which is a part of the “Camera-01” measuring complex, was used. The method makes it possible to record radon emission rates in the range from 3*10 − 3 to 100 Bq/(m 2 s) at ambient temperatures from − 15 to + 40°C. The uncertainty of the obtained radon flux density values is 30–40% (Tsapalov et al 2016 ). With a short exposure time of coal, which is several hours, the temperature and humidity of the environment do not have a significant effect on the results of measurements using the charcoal method (Tsapalov et al. 2016 ; Wilson 1989 ; Maier et al. 2021 ). The possible influence of thoron ( 220 Rn) on the measurement results was controlled by repeated measurements of the β-activity of charcoal 14–16 hours after the first measurement. Repeated measurements showed that thoron activity in charcoal always remained below the minimum measurable activity. Measurements of the specific activity of radionuclides in soil and rock samples were carried out by γ-ray spectrometry using measuring complexes equipped with NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors. Geometry of measurements is a 1 l Marinelli container. The error in measuring the specific activity of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in soil samples did not exceed 30% (2σ). The detection limited of specific activity was (Bq/kg): for 226 Ra – 8, for 232 Th – 8, for 40 K – 40. To measure radon activity concentration in water samples the charcoal method was used using equipment from the measuring complex “Camera-01”. Water samples were collected in clean, sealed standard 1.5 l PET bottles with a screw cap. The bottles were filled with water using a silicone hose, which was lowered to the bottom of the bottle so that the bottle was filled from bottom to top without the formation of bubbles (to avoid the aeration of the sample). The bottles were filled completely so that there were no air bubbles left inside. Water samples were delivered to the laboratory within 3–5 hours after collection. After this, radon was transferred from water to a sorption column with charcoal by bubbling. The air pumping rate was (1.0 ± 0.2) l/min, bubbling time was 7 min. After this, charcoal with adsorbed radon was kept in a closed sorption column for 3 hours to achieve radioactive equilibrium between radon and its daughters. The activity of 222 Rn in charcoal was determined from its daughter products using a beta radiometer included in the “Camera-01” measuring complex. The error in the measurement result of 222 Rn concentration in water is 30%; the detection limit is 0.2 Bq/l. A gamma-spectrometric method was also used to measure the radon content in water. A gamma spectrometer based on a NaI (Tl) scintillation detector measuring 63×63 mm was used. Each water sample was poured from a sealed bottle into a 1-liter Marinelli container 3 h after sample collection. The activity of 222 Rn was determined from its daughter products ( 214 Pb and 214 Bi). The measurement time was 1000 s, which is enough to obtain a result with an error of no more than 30%. A comparison of the measurement results obtained by the charcoal method and using gamma spectrometry showed good agreement between them over a wide range of radon activity concentrations. The equipment used is included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments of the Russian Federation, has passed mandatory periodic verification and has successfully participated in interlaboratory comparisons. 3. Results and discussion The results of measurements along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road are presented in Tables 1 and 2 . Table 1 shows the results of measurements of the content of radionuclides in soils and bedrocks. In Table 2 , presents the results of RFD and ADER measurements in different seasons of the year (in summer and in winter). The location of measurement sites along the Beshtaugorskaya ring are shown in Fig. 1 . 3.1 Radon flux density from soil surface and gamma dose rate As can be seen from the data presented, several local anomalies were identified along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, where the values of RFD and ADER recorded exceeded the local background (see Table 2 ). The detected anomalies can be divided into two types: Radon anomalies associated with underground gas discharge in fracture zones (sites # 3, 3a, 25a, 27); Local anomalies of ADER and other measured parameters associated with contamination of the territory with 226 Ra because of the activities of former uranium mine (sites # 9, 16, 17). The first type of anomaly is apparently associated with the radon release from faults and will be discussed in more detail in Section 3.3 . The second type is the local anomalies of ADER, which are linked to the contamination of the territory with uranium series radionuclides, brought to the surface during uranium mine development. The 226 Ra content at these sites ranges from 1026 to 2753 Bq/kg (Table 1 ). Three such anomalies were identified in total and all of them are located in the southern part of the mt. Beshtau in the zone, where mining operations were carried out. The anomalies sites # 9 and # 16 are local, possibly linked to the loss of uranium ore or rocks with uranium content during their transport from the mine. The third anomaly (site # 17) was recorded on the surface of the remediated tailing dump of adit # 31 and is associated with the partial destruction of the protective layer on the surface of the dump. The highest value of gamma dose rate recorded on the surface of the adit # 31 tailing dump reach to 1.4 µSv/h. This is a high level of gamma radiation, considering that in the immediate vicinity from the anomaly frequently visited areas are located: rest sites, barbecue areas, fire pits and an observation deck. In general, the southern part of the Beshtau, including the dump of adit # 31 is characterized by relatively high values of ADER, amounting to 0.65–0.85 µSv/h. This part of the mountain was most exposed to the technogenic impact during the uranium mining operations; the main objects of the former Beshtaugorsky mine are all located nearby - the destroyed mouths of adits, tailing dumps etc. Excluding abnormal sites, the radon flux density and ambient dose equivalent rate in the study area are generally determined by the content of naturally occurring radionuclides in soils and bedrocks, which is shown in Table 3 and Fig. 2 . The minimum values of ADER and RFD were observed mainly on the eastern slopes of mt. Beshtau in places where low radioactive sedimentary rocks – limestone, marls and sandstones – are exposed (Figs. 1 and 2 ). The highest RFD and ADER values are observed in the outcrops of highly radioactive beshtaunites, somewhat lesser ones – in the areas composed of slope sediments (grus). The high values of radon flux density are likely due to a combination of high radium content, high fracturing and high permeability of these rocks. Finely dispersed chernozem and loamy soils do not contain beshtaunite fragments, and are characterized by intermediate values of radionuclide content, as well as ADER and RFD (see Table 3 ). Analysis of measurement results obtained in different seasons of the year (see Fig. 2 , Tables 2 and 3 ) shows that in summer the radon flux density is usually higher than in winter, which is probably explained by the fact that soils are drier and more permeable in summer. However, there are exceptions. In the areas of beshtaunite outcrops, the winter and summer median values of RFD are almost the same (Table 3 ). This can be explained by the advective radon transport through relatively large cracks in beshtaunite. The large cracks are not saturated with water, and remain permeable for most of the winter. Interestingly, at the sites 4 and 4a the winter values of RFD are even higher than summer ones. This is probably due to the appearance of advective radon transport from rocks to atmosphere in winter and its absence or transport in the opposite direction in summer. Table 1 Results of radionuclides content measurements on Mt. Beshtau (abnormalities are highlighted in bold) Meas. Site Type of ground Content of radionuclides, Bq/kg 226 Ra 232 Th 40 K 1 Clays 102 ± 17 71 ± 9 488 ± 69 2 Soils 63 ± 20 112 ± 31 695 ± 154 3 Grus with beshtaunite fragments, fault zone 181 ± 27 121 ± 15 1538 ± 210 3а Beshtaunite, fault zone 203 ± 38 193 ± 28 1420 ± 296 4 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 120 ± 24 132 ± 17 1134 ± 150 4а Beshtaunite 151 ± 24 196 ± 20 1231 ± 140 5 Soils (Chernozem) 88 ± 20 105 ± 25 829 ± 138 5a Beshtaunite 181 ± 27 193 ± 28 1420 ± 296 6 Grus 143 ± 25 199 ± 31 1313 ± 301 7 Soils (Chernozem) 70 ± 18 170 ± 29 1276 ± 304 8 Grus 121 ± 20 178 ± 26 1166 ± 248 9 Roadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity 2753 ± 293 181 ± 29 1258 ± 307 10 Soils (Chernozem) 94 ± 21 128 ± 25 956 ± 256 11 Beshtaunite 280 ± 50 272 ± 50 1725 ± 457 12 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 107 ± 18 108 ± 18 1138 ± 240 13 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 160 ± 30 172 ± 32 1315 ± 335 14 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 201 ± 43 159 ± 39 1382 ± 421 15 Beshtaunite 185 ± 46 200 ± 49 1499 ± 490 16 Roadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity 1287 ± 137 335 ± 55 1869 ± 680 17 Tailing dump site soil of adit # 31 1026 ± 137 145 ± 41 1622 ± 510 17а Protective clay layer on the dump surface 31 ± 4 52 ± 7 484 ± 87 18 Grus 99 ± 32 173 ± 40 1201 ± 385 19 Sandstones 9 ± 5 < 9 196 ± 40 20 Sandstones < 8 < 8 150 ± 40 21 Limestone 9 ± 5 < 8 55 ± 30 22 Limstone soils 19 ± 4 27 ± 7 385 ± 96 23 Limestone 12 ± 5 < 8 < 40 24 Soils 65 ± 34 98 ± 35 854 ± 220 25 Soils 63 ± 22 89 ± 25 741 ± 260 25а Soils (next to the crack from which the groundwater seeps out), fault zone 52 ± 19 86 ± 22 1805 ± 303 26 Soils 90 ± 29 116 ± 12 907 ± 328 27 Beshtaunite, fault zone 285 ± 35 261 ± 33 1601 ± 299 28 Soils 82 ± 26 106 ± 30 854 ± 266 29 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 105 ± 16 123 ± 28 1243 ± 250 30 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 90 ± 27 111 ± 30 824 ± 297 31 Soils 76 ± 28 101 ± 37 987 ± 223 32 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 82 ± 26 102 ± 34 912 ± 198 33 Clays 182 ± 34 60 ± 15 1066 ± 180 34 Soils (Chernozem) 62 ± 18 104 ± 23 790 ± 136 35 Soils (Chernozem) 57 ± 9 88 ± 10 745 ± 81 36 Marls 44 ± 10 < 12 85 ± 30 37 Soils (Chernozem) 73 ± 24 98 ± 33 852 ± 256 38 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 160 ± 34 169 ± 23 1221 ± 190 Average 216 123 996 Geometric mean 95 91 783 Median 92 112 1024 SD (GSD) 466 (3.2) 73 (2.6) 481 (2.4) Min – Max 8–2753 8–335 40-1869 Average (SD), excluding anomalous sites 103 (69) 123 (73) 996 (481) Table 2 Results of RFD and ADER measurements on Mt. Beshtau (abnormalities are highlighted in bold) Meas. Site Type of ground RFD, mBq/(m 2 s) ADER, µSv/h Summer Winter Summer Winter 1 Clays 694 ± 100 120 ± 62 0.23 0.14 2 Soils 91 ± 16 101 ± 37 0.34 0.30 3 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 4850 ± 720 15 ± 5 0.69 0.43 3а Beshtaunite 2735 ± 556 5856 ± 927 0.6 0.67 4 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 406 ± 63 2613 ± 465 0.65 0.58 4а Beshtaunite 377 ± 52 1693 ± 30 0.58 0.33 5 Soils (Chernozem) 57 ± 16 24 ± 5 0.56 0.30 5a Beshtaunite 2090 ± 910 - 0.90 - 6 Grus 26 ± 16 - 0.65 - 7 Soils (Chernozem) 420 ± 68 531 ± 158 0.45 0.4 8 Grus 269 ± 50 - 0.45 - 9 Roadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity 4200 ± 630 1926 ± 322 2.5 0.9 10 Soils (Chernozem) 409 ± 71 298 ± 75 0.35 0.34 11 Beshtaunite 1460 ± 220 - 0.36 - 12 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 1360 ± 200 - 0.63 - 13 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 1330 ± 200 - 0.56 - 14 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 711 ± 100 - 0.45 - 15 Beshtaunite 1560 ± 230 1250 ± 214 0.47 0.34 16 Roadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity 1562 ± 86 - 1.7 - 17 Tailing dump site soil of adit # 31 1950 ± 290 1118 ± 365 1.4 1.2 17а Protective clay layer on the dump surface 304 ± 52 - 0.3 - 18 Grus 530 ± 85 - 0.5 - 19 Sandstones 74 ± 25 - 0.12 - 20 Sandstones 60 ± 18 34 ± 8 0.13 0.12 21 Limestone 160 ± 30 23 ± 6 0.09 0.10 22 Limstone soils 194 ± 36 - 0.14 - 23 Limestone 40 ± 19 19 ± 5 0.07 0.1 24 Soils 247 ± 46 - 0.3 - 25 Soils 310 ± 67 - 0.42 - 25а Soils (next to the crack from which the groundwater seeps out), fault zone 8336 ± 1481 667 ± 159 0.48 0.41 26 Soils 504 ± 79 - 0.52 - 27 Beshtaunite, fault zone 7926 ± 1200 137 ± 35 0.52 0.34 28 Soils 226 ± 51 - 0.26 - 29 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 2350 ± 503 - 0.38 - 30 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 807 ± 181 60 ± 20 0.43 0.37 31 Soils 50 ± 20 22 ± 2 0.22 0.21 32 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 867 ± 214 - 0.31 - 33 Clays 419 ± 64 - 0.21 - 34 Soils (Chernozem) 398 ± 61 - 0.27 - 35 Soils (Chernozem) 256 ± 35 - 0.28 - 36 Marls 58 ± 11 - 0.12 - 37 Soils (Chernozem) 485 ± 74 113 ± 48 0.31 0.36 38 Grus with beshtaunite fragments 784 ± 120 643 ± 172 0.3 0.35 Average 1187 824 0.48 0.39 Geometric avg. 467 218 0.37 0.33 Median 420 137 0.40 0.34 SD (GSD) 1894 (4.2) 1370 (6.2) 0.44(2.0) 0.26 (1.9) Min – Max 26–8336 15–5856 0.07–2.50 0.10–1.20 Average (SD), excluding anomalous sites 589 (587) 465 (605) 0.38(0.17) 0.35(0.19) Pearson correlation coefficients between the measured parameters are given in Table 4 . In the study areas close direct correlations between the content of 226 Ra in soils, RFD and ADER are observed. In winter, the correlations between these the parameters are significantly lower than in summer. It is most likely due to the interfering effects of snow cover and the heterogeneous space distribution of soil moisture in winter. Beyond radon abnormal areas, air 222 Rn concentration in the open air at a height of 1 m from the ground lies in the range of 17–130 Bq/m 3 with an average of 65 Bq/m 3 , EEC values lie in range of 8–42 Bq/m 3 with an average of 32 Bq/m 3 . There are no significant differences between summer and winter values. The values of air 222 Rn concentration and EEC in the open air depend to a greater extent on weather conditions and wind exposure of the area rather than on the type of rock. Excluding obviously abnormal values, the following values can be considered the upper limit of the natural background range : 226 Ra content in soils and bedrocks – 310 Bq/kg, ADER – 0.90 µSv/h; RFD – 2350 mBq/(m 2 s), air 222 Rn concentration – 130 Bq/m 3 . It should be noted that these values significantly exceed the world average and the established regulatory limits. The specific activity values of radium in these soils are several times higher than the global average of 39.2 and 32 Bq/kg respectively, and generally correspond to the upper range of values typical for acidic igneous rocks (IAEA 2014). The radon flux density values in most cases are 10 times higher than those recommended in Russia for construction sites (80 mBq/(m 2 s)), and correspond to the RFD from the surface of uranium tailings (Schläger at al. 2016). However, high background radiation levels are caused by the increased natural content of uranium series radionuclides in the igneous rocks of Beshtau and are not associated with technogenic activities of the extraction of uranium ores. Table 3 The median values and range of 226 Ra content, RFD and ADER in summer and winter for different types of ground (excluding abnormal sites). Type of ground Number of sites Content of 226 Ra, Bq/kg RFD, mBq/(m 2 s) ADER, µSv/h Summer Winter Summer Winter Beshtaunite 6 198 (151–285) 1560 (377–7926) 1472 (137–5856) 0.52 (0.36–0.90) 0.44 (0.33–0.67) Grus 14 114 (63–201) 748 (26–4850) 111 (15–2613) 0.45 (0.23–0.69) 0.36 (0.14–0.58) Chernozem & Loamy Soils 12 72 (52–94) 354 (50–8330) 87 (22–677) 0.33 (0.22–0.56) 0.32 (0.18–0.41) Limestone & Sandstones 6 9 (< 8–19) 74 (40–194) 23 (16–34) 0.12 (0.07–0.14) 0.10 (0.10–0.12) Table 4 Pearson correlation coefficients between content of 226 Ra is soils, RFD and ADER for different seasons (excluding abnormal sites). Parameters 226 Ra – ADER 226 Ra – RFD ADER – RFD Season Summer Winter Summer Winter Summer Winter Pearson correlation coefficient 0.89 0.68 0.76 0.48 0.74 0.58 3.2 222 Rn in spring waters In this study, all springs used by the local population for drinking during recreational activities in the Beshtaugorskiy Park were examined. All of the examined springs concentrated along the periphery of the igneous massif, most of them are confined to the ring faults. The "Monastyrsky" and "Gremuchka" springs drain fault systems contain uranium ores. The spring "Gremuchka" and "Orlinye Skaly" are located on an elevation and the water is discharged through them only in spring and early summer, during periods of a temporary rise in groundwater levels. The concentration of radon in spring water was determined periodically in different seasons of the year in the period from 2018 to 2024. The results are given in Table 5 . Radon is present in significant quantities in "Gremuchka" and "Monastyrsky" springs discharged in the southwestern parts of the massif, which is a consequence of the contact of groundwater with uranium ores as mentioned above. The radon levels in these springs are lower than the highest known 222 Rn concentrations in waters directly washing uranium ores and uranium-rich rocks (Skeppström and Olofsson 2007 ), but exceed the typical value range for uranium mines and magmatic massif groundwater (Beg et al. 2021; Duong et al. 2023 ; Giammanco et al. 2023 ). The activity of radon in these waters is several times higher than the corresponding intervention level, which in Russia is 60 Bq/l. The "Pod Topolem" and especially "Dobriy" springs do not seems to directly contact uranium ores, and therefore, 222 Rn concentrations in them are lower, although they also exceed the intervention level. Table 5 Radon activity concentrations in spring waters of the Beshtau area Site # Name of the spring 222 Rn activity concentration, Bq/l Avg. May 2018 Oct 2018 Aug 2019 Sep 2022 Feb 2024 5 Monastyrskiy 236 255 ± 25 220 ± 22 218 ± 21 253 ± 28 -- 6 Dobriy (Kind) 72 - - 70 ± 8 71 ± 7 74 ± 12 8 Pod Topolem (Under poplar) 161 - 160 ± 16 140 ± 15 163 ± 16 182 ± 25 13 Gremuchka ( Rattling) 464 464 ± 46 -- -- -- -- 25 Nadezhda (Hope) 13 14 ± 2.5 18.6 ± 2.0 12.6 ± 1.3 11 ± 1.2 10 ± 2.2 27 Orlinye Skaly ( Eagle Rocks) 63 63 ± 6 -- -- -- -- 30 Platanoviy (Plane tree) 43 41 ± 4.2 45 ± 4.6 43 ± 5 37 ± 4.2 49 ± 8 31 Trachyte 140 - - - 125 ± 20 156 ± 21 - no measurements were carried out -- there was no water in the spring (dried up) In the springs of the northern part of the study area, 222 Rn concentrations are comparatively low, especially in the water of the “Nadezhda” spring. Apparently, the waters, which are not in contact with uranium ores, are discharged here directly from a fault. The relatively high radon concentration in the “Trachyte” spring, located lower on the slope, is most likely due to the filtration of water downhill through a layer of grus soil with a high content of radium and a high radon emanating ability, which leads to the enrichment of water with radon as it filters towards the discharge zone. All of the springs show an amazing temporal consistency of 222 Rn activity concentration. The radon concentration in water does not depend on the sampling season and actually does not change within the measurement error range during the entire observation period. This indicates a sufficiently large circulation depth of discharging groundwater, mostly because how atmospheric precipitation does not dilute the concentration of radon in the springs. Thus, the main problem of Beshtau groundwater is the high 222 Rn concentration exceeding the intervention level in the western and southern parts of the massif. According to work (Sokolova et al. 2013 ), the waters in this area also exceed the permissible levels for U, Be and Li. In the area of the “Gremuchka” spring waters exceed an even bigger number of permissible levels for elements including Th, Tl, Mn, Fe, As, rare earth elements and others, which is associated with their active leaching in the oxidation zone of uranium ores. At the same time, the waters of the springs “Nadezhda” and “Platanoviy” located in the northeastern part of Beshtau are quite suitable for drinking. 3.3 Abnormal radon release in fault zones A few local spots were found in the study area, characterized by abnormally high values of radon flux density. There are also increased 222 Rn concentrations and EEC in the open air at the anomalous spots. The results are shown in Fig. 1 and in Table 2 . Radon anomalies were recorded on the western slope of mt. Beshtau (Site # 3 and 3a), as well as on the northern slope near the springs “Orlinye Skaly” (Site # 27) and “Nadezhda” (Site # 25a). At the abnormal sites the maximal RFD values range from 4850 to 8336 Bq/(m 2 s) (see Table 2 ), air radon concentration values range from 50 to 876 Bq/m 3 and the EEC is 420–1536 Bq/m 3 . At the same time, content of 226 Ra in soils and the ADER in such areas does not exceed the local background levels (see Table 1 ). We have discovered one of these anomalies (Site # 3) on the side of the ring road back in 2017. Long-term monitoring studies were subsequently performed there. It was discovered, that abnormally high radon flux appears only in the warm season. In summer the RFD values range from 2000 to 20000 mBq/(m 2 s), sometimes reaching 37000 mBq/(m 2 s). In winter, radon flux density values were abnormally low due to the peculiarities of seasonal convective air circulation in the fault system. Due to the difference in internal and external temperatures, subsurface fault air is released in summer and atmospheric air is sucked into the fault zone in winter (Miklyaev at al. 2022). In this study, we confirmed the previously obtained data and discovered three more radon abnormal sites (Table 2 , Fig. 1 ). It is important to note that radon anomalies in the northern part of the territory (site # 25a and # 27) also seem to be characterized by the highest values of RFD in summer and the lowest in winter. However, at site # 3a, contrarily, an abnormally high radon flux density was recorded in winter. This indicates some other mechanism of radon transport at site #3a. However, in order to make any assumptions about the mechanism of radon transport processes in anomalous sites, only few single measurements performed in summer and in winter are not enough. The results obtained should be considered as preliminary and in need of further clarification in the future. All identified radon anomalies are associated with active ring-shaped fault zones confined to the boundaries between the igneous massif and the host sedimentary rocks, as well as to a diagonal fault separating the Small Tau from the main peak of Beshtau. All anomalies were recorded around the groundwater discharge areas. At the sites # 3 and #3a, seepage of groundwater was periodically recorded just below the anomalous zones during periods of heavy rains. The anomaly on the site # 25a is located approximately 50 m from the “Nadezhda” spring and is linked to a large crack from which groundwater seeps. A radon anomaly on the site # 27 was discovered in a crack just above the “Orlinye Skaly” spring. It is interesting, that as mentioned above, low values of 222 Rn activity concentration were registered in these springs. It does not allow us to associate abnormally high radon fluxes with radon release from the groundwater. It is likely that the connection between radon anomalies and springs is because both fluids’ discharge is confined to permeable fault zones. The presence of powerful radon flux anomalies indicates the current tectonic activity of the northwestern segment of the Beshtau massif. 3.4. Radon release from the abandoned adits mouths It has recently been established that suffusion holes at the former mouths of the adits represent a significant source of radiation risk if people are nearby (Miklyaev at al. 2022). Due to the temperature difference between the mine air and the atmosphere outside, convection occurs. The phenomenon is similar to that observed in the fault zones mentioned above. In winter warmer mine air rises up and is discharged into the atmosphere through the adits of the upper horizons (with elevation above 900 m a.s.l.), while in the summer the mine air is colder and denser than the atmospheric air and thus moves down, displaces the warm atmospheric air and discharges through the lower adits. As a result, a powerful stream of mine air enriched with radon and its decay products periodically blows from the mouths of the adits, from the lower horizon adits in summer and from the adits of the upper horizon in the winter. This causes the area around the adits mouths to have extremely high air 222 Rn concentration, EEC and ADER values. The results of the periodic measurements of 222 Rn concentration and EEC in the air and the ADER at the mouths of the adits of the former Beshtaugorsky mine in different seasons (summer and winter) generalized for a period from 2018 to 2020 are presented in Table 6 . As can be seen, the maximum recorded values of 222 Rn concentration and EEC in the open air were observed in the area of the mouth of adit #10 and at certain moments reached 594 865 Bq/m 3 and 89 020 Bq/m 3 respectively, and the gamma radiation dose rate reached 18.8 µSv/h. Such a significant increase in ADER is due to the extremely high concentration of gamma-emitting short-lived radon decay products in the air. The values of observed parameters are determined by the direction and speed of the air flow, which in turn depends on the adit mouth elevation and on the temperature difference between the mine and atmospheric air. The highest values of air velocity and radon concentration in the air are observed at the mouths of adits #10 and #21b, which is apparently due to the peculiarities of the geometry of the mine space and other factors determining the natural ventilation of the mine. This process is described in more detail in our previous publication (Miklyaev et al. 2022 ). Table 6 Seasonal average values and range of fluctuations (in parentheses) of ADER, as well as 222 Rn concentration and EEC of radon progeny in the air at the mouths of adits of the former Beshtaugorsky mine in different seasons of the year Parameter Summer Winter Eastern ventilation shaft, mouth at 1001 m a.s.l. ADER, µSv/h 1.65 (1.54–1.87) 1.9 (1.3–2.8) 222 Rn, Bq/m 3 13 (10–15) 5 750 (92–13 937) EEC, Bq/m 3 34 (17–50) 22 494 (1 263–65 591) Adit 21b, mouth at 943 m a.s.l. ADER, µSv/h 0.68 (0.45–0.93) 9.74 (2.9–15.5) 222 Rn, Bq/m 3 19 (10–28) 36 340 (14 502–60 101) EEC, Bq/m 3 33 (20–50) 212 356 (117 370–383 220) Adit 13, mouth at 914 m a.s.l. ADER, µSv/h 0.58 (0.41–0.85) 0.76 (0.82–1.0) 222 Rn, Bq/m 3 18 (8–28) 108 (41–201) EEC, Bq/m 3 22 (12–31) 317 (79–620) Adit 27, mouth at 880 m a.s.l. ADER, µSv/h 9.93 (6.67–14.73) 0.6 (0.55–0.78) 222 Rn, Bq/m 3 - - EEC, Bq/m 3 - - Adit 31 bis, mouth at 830 m a.s.l. ADER, µSv/h 3.97 (0.98–7.6) 0.66 (0.61–0.73) 222 Rn, Bq/m 3 35 019 (16 390–53 648) 29 (12–58) EEC, Bq/m 3 50 635 (18 244–83 025) 43 (13–67) Adit 10, mouth at 777 m a.s.l. ADER, µSv/h 9.60 (5.8–18.8) 0.73 (0.56–1.41) 222 Rn, Bq/m 3 43 715 (28 335–89 020) 32 (14–62) EEC, Bq/m 3 354 818 (226 515–594 865) 60 (16–120) The summer mode of natural ventilation is started when the outdoor air is steadily warmed up to 25 0 C. The winter mode came when the outdoor temperature drops to 8 0 C. It is difficult to predict how the system will work in the temperature range from + 8 to + 25 0 C, because air movement due to natural convection is absent or very weak, factors such as wind, uneven heating of slopes of different exposures and changes in atmospheric pressure begin to play a significant role. The obtained data allows us to estimate the equilibrium factor F, which is the ratio of 222 Rn concentration and EEC. It has been established that in atmospheric air equilibrium factor F is about 0.6 while in the flow of mine air released into the atmosphere at adits mouth the equilibrium factor is significantly lower and is about 0.2, which completely coincides with the estimates given in the ICRP Publication 137 (Paquet et al. 2017 ). A low F value indicates a significant degree of deposition of radon decay products on the walls of adits as mine air moves through them. The values of 222 Rn concentration, EEC and ADER quickly decrease with distance from the adits mouths’ holes, and at a distance of 5–10 m, they usually no longer exceed local background values. Despite this, holes in the mouths of adits can still pose a danger if people remain near them for a prolonged time. It should be noted that during the periods when mine air blows from the adits, the EEC of radon progeny in the air near the adits does not only exceed the Russian permissible radon levels for operating residential and industrial buildings (200 and 300 Bq/m 3 , respectively), but also the permissible average annual EEC for uranium workspaces (1200 Bq/m 3 ). 3.5. Assessment of the dose received by population in case territory use for recreational purposes Dose loads were calculated according to (Assessment of individual… 2002), keeping in mind the requirements of the ICRP Publication 137 (Paquet et al. 2017 ). The radiation doses due to external gamma radiation and inhalation of radon and its daughter products were summed up. The radon in the springs has not been considered because the main route of irradiation of the population by radon contained in drinking water is its transfer into indoor air and the subsequent inhalation of radon daughter products, which is not relevant for springs in open air. The effective dose was calculated according to the following expressions: D tot = D γ + D Rn ; D γ = Hγ · t; D Rn = EEC · t · R, where D tot – is the total effective dose [µSv], which is the sum of the external dose of gamma radiation D γ and the internal dose due to radon inhalation D Rn ; Hγ – is the gamma dose rate [µSv/h]; EEC – is the air radon equivalent equilibrium concentration [Bq/m 3 ]; R – is nominal risk coefficient [mSv/(h*Bq/m 3 )], t – is time of exposure [h]. Calculations were performed for four hypothetical scenarios for recreational activities at the “Mount Beshtau” nature reserve in summer: Scenario 1 (background). A walk along the Beshtau ring. Travel time is about 6 hours. Using the geometric average values obtained above for the ADER and EEC on the ring road (0.37 µSv/h and 32 Bq/m3, respectively), the nominal risk coefficient is 13*10 − 6 mSv/(h*Bq/m 3 ) taking into account significant physical activity on tourist routes (Paquet et al. 2017 ). Тaking into account irradiation due to 222 Rn itself (coefficient of 1.05), we obtain the effective dose: 0.37 µSv/h · 6 h = 2.2 µSv 32 Bq/m · 6 h · 13*10 mSv/(h*Bq/m) · 1.05 = 0.0026 mSv = 2.6 µSv Total effective dose: 4.8 µSv. Scenario 2 (increased air radon exposure). A walk along the ring for 2 hours, plus a picnic for 4 hours at the site near the “Orlinye Skaly” spring (site # 27). Taking into account the values of EEC and ADER, which were measured at this site the effective dose, will be equal to: (0.37 µSv/h · 2 h) + (0.52 µSv/h · 4 h) = 2.8 µSv (32 Bq/m 3 · 2 h · 13*10 − 6 mSv/(h*Bq/m 3 ) · 1.05) + (876 Bq/m 3 · 4 h · 13*10 − 6 mSv/(h*Bq/m 3 ) · 1.05) = 0.05 mSv = 50 µSv Total effective dose: 53 µSv. Scenario 3 (increased gamma dose rate). A walk along the ring for 2 hours plus a picnic for 4 hours at the observation deck located on the adit # 31 dump (site # 17). An effective dose would be equal to: (0.37 µSv/h · 2 h) + (1.4 µSv/h · 4 h) = 6.3 µSv 32 Bq/m · 6 h · 13*10 mSv/(h*Bq/m) · 1.05 = 0.0026 mSv = 2.6 µSv. Total effective dose: 9 µSv. Scenario 4 (increased exposure due to radon release from the adits mouth). A walk along the ring for 2 hours plus a picnic for 4 hours at the mouth of adit # 10 in the hot summer with an air temperature above + 25 0 С, when radon is released from the adit. Taking into account the data in Table 6 an effective dose would be equal to: (0.37 µSv/h · 2 h) + (9.6 µSv/h · 4 h) = 39 µSv (32 Bq/m 3 · 2 h · 13*10 − 6 mSv/(h*Bq/m 3 ) · 1.05) + (43715 Bq/m 3 · 4 h · 13*10 − 6 mSv/(h*Bq/m 3 ) · 1.05) = 2.4 mSv = 2400 µSv Total effective dose: 2440 µSv. The results obtained show that in the case of walking and picnicking at the Beshtaugorskiy park away from the adits mouths radiation doses can exceed 1 mSv/year (the level of intervention when using the territory as a recreation area after rehabilitation) only in the case of regular 6-hour walks 2–3 times a week throughout the year. Despite the popularity of these places among tourists, such frequency and intensity of visits to Mount Beshtau is unlikely. At the same time, even a single short stay in the immediate vicinity of the mouths of compromised adits during the periods of time when the mine air is being released can lead to an almost instantaneous receival of a dose exceeding the level of 1 mSv/year. In case of 5–7 such excursions over the summer, the resulting radiation dose may exceed the level of 10 mSv/year above which means, according to national legislation, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the exposure of the population to natural radiation sources. Thus, the mouths of compromised and not fully blocked adits on the lower horizons of the mine, which are located in places easily accessible to tourists and characterized by the release of radioactive air in the summer, can pose a danger not only to local residents, but also to guests vacationing at the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters region. The findings will be relevant for similar former uranium mines in other regions. 4. Conclusion The conducted studies shown that the former uranium mine site can characterized of abnormally high radon release even after several stadies of rehabilitation. Radon is a very mobile gas and remediation measures of mines, which are quite effective in terms of avoiding the spread of radionuclides with water and dust, proved insufficient to prevent the release of gaseous radon. The high radon exhalation from the uranium mine site is associated not only former mining operation, but also with naturally factors such as an increased content of radionuclides in igneous rocks or modern tectonic movenent of faults. The most significant radon sources are the former mouths of adits from where mine air is periodically blows as well as radon anomalies in permiable fault zones. For example the territory of the Beshtau massif, composed of high radioactivity igneous rocks, is characterized by very high background levels of radon flux densities, more than 10 times higher than the permissible levels for building sites. These values are comparable or even exceed the typical levels of radon exhalation from the uranium tailings. Taking also in account the abnormally high radon release from the adits and faults, the uranium mining sites should be considered as a significant global scale source of radon emission. Both the radon exhalation from the ground surface, fracture zones and radon release from the adits are characterized by significant seasonal variability. Outside of faults and fracture zones, the seasonal variability of RFD appears to be due to a decrease in soil permeability in winter, when soils are wetter. However, radon release from faults and adits can reach abnormally high values in both summer and winter. As previously shown (Miklyaev et al. 2022 ), this can be the result of “mountain breathing”, caused by the thermally induced convective air circulation in shallow parts of the mountain range. In winter, the mine air is warmer than the outside air, which leads to an updraft of mine air and its release to the atmosphere at an upper part of the mountain. While, at the foot, atmospheric air is sucked into the mountain through fissures and mouths of adits. In summer, the air in the mine becomes colder than in the atmosphere, and the mine air downbursts and is discharged at the adits mouths and faults at the foot of the slopes. Strong seasonal variations in radon emissions should be taken into account when planning measurements for environmental and hygienic assessment. High radon concentrations have also been recorded in groundwater at the former uranium mine site. The highest concentrations of radon, significantly exceeding the permissible level, are observed in springs located in the areas, where groundwater is in contact with uranium ores. The radon content in groundwater shows an amazing temporal constancy on a seasonal scale and from year to year. The studied springs, as well as the revealed radon anomalies, are confined to the fault zones, however, the lowest radon concentrations were found in the springs located next to the radon anomalies. All these facts indicate that the high radon release is in no way related to radon transport by groundwater. Calculations of the dose load on the population using the former mine area for recreational purposes show that the additional dose received due to external gamma irradiation and inhalation of radon daughter products does not exceed the intervention level for the territories of reclaimed uranium mines when walking along the Beshtaugorskiy ring less than 2 times a week. This would characterize the recreational activities as generally safe in terms of radiation exposure. However, the areas of periodic release of mine air from the compromised mouths of the adits would be the exception to that. During the periods of mine air discharge, the levels of radon and gamma radiation many times exceeding the permissible levels were recorded around the mouths of adits. A person’s stay in such an area for 4 or more hours may lead to them receiving a dose exceeding 2 mSv. In this regard, it is necessary to take measures to prevent people from staying near the adit mouths for any length of time. The obtained patterns and conclusions are valid not only for the region considered in this work, but also for similar territories, where both uranium ore rich areas and massifs of alkaline granite composition with an increased content of natural origin radionuclides exist. Declarations Ethical Approval Not applicable. Consent to participate Not applicable. Consent for publication Not applicable. Funding This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, (Grant number 24-27-00028). Competing Interests The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Author Contributions All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Conceptualization, analysis and writing were performed by Petr Miklyaev and Tatiana Petrova. Field investigations, material preparation and data collection were performed by Pavel Sidyakin, Dmitriy Shshitov, Murad Murzabekov, Dmitriy Tsebro, Sakhayaan Gavriliev and Elizaveta Mikliaeva. Aleksey Klimshin provided resource support, validation and verification of materials. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Petr Miklyaev and Tatiana Petrova and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. Sakhayaan Gavriliev translated the text into English. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. References Assessment of individual effective doses of population exposure due to natural sources of ionizing radiation (2002) Methodological guidelines (MU 2.6.1.1088-02) — Moscow. 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Geochem Int 59(4):435–447 Miklyaev PS, Petrova TB, Shchitov DV, Sidyakin PA, Murzabekov MA, Tsebro DN, Marennyy AM, Nefedov NA, Gavriliev SG (2022) Radon transport in permeable geological environments. Sci Total Environ 852:158382 Neiva AMR, Carvalho PCS, Antunes IMHR, Silva MMVG, Santos ACT, Cabral Pinto MMS, Cunha PP (2014) Contaminated water, stream sediments and soils close to the abandoned Pinhal do Souto uranium mine, central Portugal. J Geochem Explor 136:102–117 Pakholkina OA, Zhukovsky MV, Yarmoshenko IV, Lezhnin VL, Vereyko SP (2011) Case-control Study of Lung Cancer and Combined Home and Work Radon Exposure in the Town of Lermontov. Radiation biology Radioecology 51(6):705–714 (In Russ.) Paquet F, Bailey MR, Leggett RW, Lipsztein J, Marsh J, Fell TP, Smith T, Nosske D, Eckerman KF, Berkovski V, Blanchardon E, Gregoratto D, Harrison JD (2017) Authors on Behalf of ICRP. ICRP Publication 137: Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides: Part 3. Ann ICRP 46(3–4):1–486. 10.1177/0146645317734963 Petoyan IM, Shandala NK, Titov AV, Zinovieva NV (2022) The incidence of the adult population living in the uranium legacy area in conditions of radon exposure. Hygiene Sanitation 101(3):281–287 (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.47470/0016-9900-2022-101-3-281-287 Salbu B, Burkitbaev M, Strømman G, Shishkov I, Kayukov P, Uralbekov B, Rosseland BO (2013) Environmental impact assessment of radionuclides and trace elements at the Kurday U mining site. Kaz J Environ Radioact 123:14–27 Schläger M, Kh M, Rakhmatuloev B, Zoriy P, Heuel-Fabianek B Radon Exhalation Of The Uranium Tailings Dump Digmai, Tajikistan. Radiation & Application. Vol. 1, Iss. 3. pp. 222–228. 10.21175/RadJ.2016.03.041 Schmidt P (2014) Proof of the radiological remediation success at former uranium mining and milling sites (WISMUT sites) in Germany. 4th Europ. IRPA Congr. Geneve, Switzerland, pp 23–27 Skeppström K, Olofsson B (2007) Uranium and radon in groundwater. Eur Water 17/18:51–62 Sokolova OV, Korolev IB, Pozdnyakov SP, Samartsev VN (2013) Forecast of the change in the hydrodynamic conditions of Mount Beshtau due to rehabilitation of the Almaz facility. Explor Prot Subsoil 6:41–47 (In Russ.) The Fifth National Report of the Russian Federation on Compliance with the Obligations of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. Prepared for the Sixth Review Meeting in Frames of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. Moscow (2017) 140 рp. https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/russian-federation-eng-jc.pdf Titov AV, Shandala NK, Isaev DV, Semenova MP, Seregin VA, Bel'skih YS, Ostapchuk TV, Chernobaev AS (2020) Assessment of the Public Radiation Protection and Economic Activity Safety in the Area of the Developed Uranium Deposit. Med Radiol radiation Saf 211–16 (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.12737/1024-6177-2020-65-2-11-16 Tsapalov A, Kovler K, Miklyaev P (2016) Open charcoal chamber method for mass measurements of radon exhalation rate from soil surface. J Environ Radioact 160:28–35 Sources UNSCEAR, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation, United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) (2017) 2016 Report, Report to the General Assembly, Annexe D: Biological effects of selected internal emitters-Uranium. United Nations, Vienna, Austria Wilson OJ (1989) Radon transport in an activated charcoal canister. Nucl Instrum Methods Phys Res Sect Accel Spectr Detect Assoc Equip 275:163–171 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 13 Dec, 2024 Read the published version in Environmental Science and Pollution Research → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Major Revision 07 Jul, 2024 Reviewers agreed at journal 02 Jun, 2024 Reviewers invited by journal 01 Jun, 2024 Editor invited by journal 16 May, 2024 Editor assigned by journal 22 Apr, 2024 First submitted to journal 18 Apr, 2024 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4266052","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":309355777,"identity":"c99ac843-6a8f-434b-b3f6-1496fb4b059f","order_by":0,"name":"Petr Miklyaev","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAArUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYPCC/3JsDDxEq2YGE8aka0lsIFqLOXv/wceVOWzpfdK9Bx/zMNwD6iUALHsOMxue3caT2yZzLtlwBkMxYS0GN5LZJBu3SeS2SeSYSXxgSCBCy/3H7D8btxmks4G0JBCl5QYzG2PjtoQENqJtsexJNgY67IBhm0Qe0C8GCcYEtZizH3z4EahFXn5GLjDEKhJkCTsML5cYLaNgFIyCUTAKsAAAAi43b4KNMqcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1821-6275","institution":"Institute of Environmental Geoscience RAS: Institut geoekologii imeni E M Sergeeva Rossijskoj akademii nauk","correspondingAuthor":true,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Petr","middleName":"","lastName":"Miklyaev","suffix":""},{"id":309355778,"identity":"a86f1d24-6987-474e-9946-403b4ecd0b5f","order_by":1,"name":"Tatiana Petrova","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Lomonosov Moscow State University Department of Chemistry: Moskovskij gosudarstvennyj universitet imeni M V Lomonosova Himiceskij fakul'tet","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tatiana","middleName":"","lastName":"Petrova","suffix":""},{"id":309355779,"identity":"7050d3fc-90c9-468d-a75c-7cf67e03c4db","order_by":2,"name":"Pavel Sidyakin","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Severo-Kavkazskij federal'nyj universitet Patigorskij institut filial","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Pavel","middleName":"","lastName":"Sidyakin","suffix":""},{"id":309355780,"identity":"c8eb5ca3-31c7-4145-97d8-524e2e1e4ba5","order_by":3,"name":"Dmitriy Shshitov","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Severo-Kavkazskij federal'nyj universitet Patigorskij institut filial","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dmitriy","middleName":"","lastName":"Shshitov","suffix":""},{"id":309355781,"identity":"26a92b6b-572a-472d-8014-0a32aca90140","order_by":4,"name":"Murat Murzabekov","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Severo-Kavkazskij federal'nyj universitet Patigorskij institut filial","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Murat","middleName":"","lastName":"Murzabekov","suffix":""},{"id":309355782,"identity":"d3530f37-3c8c-4cb7-947e-caa1c46c7843","order_by":5,"name":"Dmitriy Tsebro","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Severo-Kavkazskij federal'nyj universitet Patigorskij institut filial","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dmitriy","middleName":"","lastName":"Tsebro","suffix":""},{"id":309355783,"identity":"ed092bdb-dc00-48fe-830c-c16a442e0dd3","order_by":6,"name":"Sakhayaan Gavriliev","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Institute of Environmental Geoscience RAS: Institut geoekologii imeni E M Sergeeva Rossijskoj akademii nauk","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sakhayaan","middleName":"","lastName":"Gavriliev","suffix":""},{"id":309355784,"identity":"b7a18637-e6d9-4449-a685-af9105517704","order_by":7,"name":"Elizaveta Mikliaeva","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"FGBUN GIN RAN: FGBUN Geologiceskij institut Rossijskoj akademii nauk","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Elizaveta","middleName":"","lastName":"Mikliaeva","suffix":""},{"id":309355785,"identity":"ba8340ef-2b5e-4ffc-8a05-33b9d679b6ab","order_by":8,"name":"Aleksey Klimshin","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Resolventa Ltd","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aleksey","middleName":"","lastName":"Klimshin","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-04-14 18:46:19","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4266052/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4266052/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-35639-y","type":"published","date":"2024-12-13T15:57:48+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":58515658,"identity":"8b53f872-bca5-47fe-a64c-6e6d2c7fa703","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-17 16:41:35","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":621797,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGeological map of the Beshtau region with the location of radon flux measuring sites.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4266052/v1/4d00dd512e07e1aea00425ed.jpeg"},{"id":58515657,"identity":"43b6b1fb-8b6e-41bc-bc00-cae75ec63db2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-17 16:41:35","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":32447,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe dependence of the radon flux density from ground surface on the radium-226 content in soils and bedrock in summer (orange marks) and in winter (blue marks). Type of ground: 1 – beshtaunite, 2 – grus with beshtaunite fragments, 3 – soils, 4 – limestone and sandstones.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4266052/v1/d780a2e8984d0cef660a9a9c.png"},{"id":71552483,"identity":"42be4bac-9edf-474d-a49e-949dee941c23","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-16 16:06:38","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1935750,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4266052/v1/ad115b95-c3c6-4471-9e7e-01bcd6848771.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eRadon Release at a Rehabilitated Uranium Mine Site and Dose Assessment (Case of the Former Beshtaugorskiy Mine, North Caucasus)\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003erathe natural environment with technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM). This in turn has left certain environmental obligations. Objects such as tailing dumpsites, mine drainages and exposed residual ore deposits may pose as long-term sources of TENORM release into the environment. Populations in the areas of former mining sites may be exposed to these radionuclides, including radon (\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn) and their short-lived decay products (Ivanova et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Mathuthu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Grangeon et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Main routes of entry of such radionuclides into the human body are the consumption of polluted water and plant-based foods, as well as inhalation of dust and radon progeny. Alpha-emitting isotopes in the uranium decay chain present an especially significant public health threat due to their potent carcinogenic effects caused by internal exposure (IARC \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; UNSCEAR 2017). Previous studies of former uranium mining sites have shown that the host regions usually have enhanced gamma dose rates, high uranium concentrations and strong radon release from ground surface. All of which are potentially dangerous to the local environment (Grangeon et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Bermudez et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Bister et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Boekhout et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Cuvier et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Lind et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Neiva et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Salbu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Fijałkowska\u0026ndash;Lichwa and Przylibski \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Fijałkowska‑Lichwa 2014). The elevated risk of lung cancer due to radon exposure is widely known (Gaskin et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Buildings close to former uranium mining and tailings sites are especially known for accumulating radon in high concentrations. This happens due to convective flows of radon-rich air from tailings and radon accumulation in buildings and the layers of atmosphere closest to the ground, which leads to radon concentrations of thousands of Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e. An example of this happened after a land rehabilitation of a WISMUT uranium extraction site in Schlema-Alberoda, Saxony (Schmidt P. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Lefebvre et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis paper presents the results of a comprehensive radiological study in the region of the former mine # 1 of the Beshtaugorskiy uranium ore deposit, located in the densely populated region of Caucasian Mineral Waters in close proximity of resort cities of Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, as well as the town of Lermontov. Beshtaugorskiy uranium mine was being exploited here from the late 1940s to the early 1980s. The main mine (Mine # 1) was located in the southern part of the mt. Beshtau and consisted of 12 horizons located above the local erosion level at elevations from 720 to 1100 m. The levels were interconnected with two ascending shafts. Several stages of rehabilitation have been carried out from the 1990s to present. Most of the adit entrances were blocked either by detonation or with concrete to prevent the migration of radionuclides and to avoid the local population from entering dangerous areas (The Fifth\u0026hellip; 2017). Tailing dumpsites were terraced and covered with a protective clay cover. Two lower-level adits at an elevation of 720 m a.s.l. were, however, not blocked and are still being used today for technical purposes, which includes radiation monitoring and extraction of radon water (Karpenko et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). Entry to these adits is limited and the entryways closed with iron gates, but mine waters still discharge through them and enter settling ponds located in close proximity to the mouths of the adits. Currently, at the mouths of some reclaimed adits, holes of a relatively small diameter (\u0026Oslash; 0.5\u0026ndash;1.5 m) perhaps of suffusion origin have been discovered (Miklyaev et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). These holes are usually located above the destroyed and filled-in entrances to the adits. The holes were discovered at the mouths of adits ## 10, 13, 21b, 27, 31bis and the Vostochniy ventilation shaft. These openings are currently the main channels of interaction between the mine space and the environment, being places of possible discharge of both mine water during floods and mine air enriched with radon and its decay products during appropriate weather conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study area is characterized by increased natural radioactivity, both as a result of the development of uranium ore deposits, and due to the increased content of natural radionuclides in alkaline igneous rocks and their loose weathering products (Miklyaev and Petrova \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The significant content of radium in rocks combined with their high degree of fracturing and permeability causes high values of radon exhalation rate from the soil surface. On the western slope of mountain on roadside of the Beshtaugorsk ring road a local radon anomaly was identified, associated with an area of gas discharge in the fault zone, where the radon flux density in summer on hot days was 5000\u0026ndash;15000 mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es), sometimes reaching 25000 mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es). In the anomalous zone \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration in the open air reaches 7000 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e and radon equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) reaches 500 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e (Miklyaev et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). According to previous studies (Titov et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), Beshtaugorsky ring and other most common tourist routes of Beshtau have gamma radiation ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) levels ranging from 0.10 to 0.86 \u0026micro;Sv/h. Sharply increased levels of gamma radiation dose rate and radionuclide concentrations in the environment were detected locally at the mouth of adit # 16 and around adjacent settling ponds. According to data for 2009 (Karpenko et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e), before rehabilitation, the bottom sediments of settling ponds exhibited specific activity of \u003csup\u003e238\u003c/sup\u003eU at 219,600 Bq/kg, that can be classified as radioactive waste in terms of the content of uranium-series radionuclides. The maximum values of the ambient equivalent gamma dose rate around site # 16 reached 0.60\u0026ndash;0.90 \u0026micro;Sv/h. According to the results of studies in 2011 (Sokolova et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), uranium concentrations in the spring waters in the southwestern part of the massif sufficiently exceed maximum permissible concentrations for drinking water (in Russia \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;15 \u0026micro;g/l). Despite this, the population uses spring water for drinking while walking around the national park. It should be noted that very high indoor radon concentrations were recorded in residential buildings in the town of Lermontov, located at the western foot of Mount Beshtau. The values of the equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) of radon progeny in buildings on average in the city are, according to various estimates, 231\u0026ndash;237 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e, that corresponds with \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration about 400\u0026ndash;500 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e (taking into account the equilibrium factor is 0.5). In some dwellings the average seasonal indoor radon concentrations reached 1200\u0026ndash;1600 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e (Petoyan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Pakholkina et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Marennyy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe goal of this study is to improve the understanding of the pattern of radon release from the former mining site (Beshtau area), as well as to approximately estimate the doses of radon exposure the population receives when using these territories for recreational purposes. Potential negative impact of the former mine on the environment is a current cause of concern for the local population and authorities. Research was primarily conducted along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, which was built in the 1920\u0026rsquo;s and has still remained the main tourist route. The road is located at an elevation of about 800\u0026ndash;850 m a.s.l. Observation decks and springs along the ring road are equipped with picnic and rest sites; tourist routes to the top of mt. Beshtau start at the ring road. Areas adjacent to the road are favorite among the local populace and the tourists alike.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Features of the geological structure of the territory\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe geological map of studied area is given in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. From a geological point of view, Beshtau mountain range is located within the Mineralovodsky protrusion of the Paleozoic basement and represents a multiphase intrusion of alkaline igneous rocks of granitic composition, intruded into the carbonate-terrigenous strata of the sedimentary cover at the end of Neogene around 8.5\u0026nbsp;million years ago. The intrusions belong to the Elbrus igneous region and are located at the intersection of latitudinal Ciscaucasian foredeeps system and the Transcaucasian tectonic uplift, elongated in the meridional direction. In total, more than 20 intrusive subvolcanic diapirs are known to be in the area. The central and the largest of them is the Beshtau massif, which translated from Turkic means \u0026ldquo;five mountains\u0026rdquo;. The massif includes the central peak of Beshtau, called \u0026ldquo;Bol\u0026rsquo;shoy Tau\u0026rdquo; (Big Tau), 1401 m a. s. l., bordered by the large massifs of \u0026ldquo;Maliy Tau\u0026rdquo; (Small Tau) and \u0026ldquo;Kozyy Skaly\u0026rdquo; (Goat Rocks) from the north and southeast, as well as peaks of \u0026ldquo;Lokhmatyi\u0026rdquo; (Shaggy Hill) and \u0026ldquo;Lisyi Nos\u0026rdquo; (Fox Nose) from the west and south respectively. The central core of the massif includes all of the previously listed peaks and is composed of subvolcanic and intrusive rocks of alkaline composition: granite porphyries, trachytes and trachyliparitesm, which are collectively called \u0026ldquo;beshtaunites\u0026rdquo;. The lower part of the slopes, characterized by a much flatter relief, is composed of sedimentary rocks, mostly cretaceous limestones and sandstones, as well as Paleogene marls. These rocks were pulled into the uplift during the intrusion of magma and brought up to the surface from the deep. The foot of the Beshtau massif is an elevated plain composed of undisturbed rocks of the sedimentary cover: Neogene-Paleogene clays and Paleogene marls. With the exception of peaks and areas characterized by steep slopes, the entire area of the massif and surrounding territory is covered with loose Quaternary slope sediments. These are composed mainly of grus with fragments of beshtaunites. Thick chernozem soils are found in the lower parts of the slopes. The depths of the massif contain veins of uranium ore, which are confined to a system of faults and cracks of the northwestern strike. The largest system of uranium ore veins, the \u0026ldquo;Skala\u0026rdquo; group, is located in the central part of the massif and used to contain \u003csup\u003e238\u003c/sup\u003eU in concentrations ranging from hundredths of a percent to several percent. Also, individual veins are located in the northern part of the massif in the area of Orlinye skaly (Mashkovtsev at al. 2010).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe entire igneous massif is intensively fragmented due to tectonics. In addition to the main zones of northeastern-trending faults, numerous meridional faults can be traced, as well as ring faults along the periphery. All of the faults and fissures are water-bearing and are interconnected hydraulically within the entire magmatic massif. Groundwater of Beshtau massif are not connected with mineral and fresh aquifers of the sedimentary cover and represent a separate hydrodynamic system. Waters are of a very low mineralization, charge locally via atmospheric precipitation, and are discharged in springs on the periphery of the magmatic massif, as well as in some adits at a level of 720 m a.s.l. (#16 and #32) (Sokolova et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). The groundwater level is uneven: waters are drained along the lines of mining areas and tectonic fragmentation zones to a level of 720 m, resulting in the formation of elongated depression funnels with steep sides; with a sharp increase in groundwater level elevation in the areas not exposed by mining. Springs on the periphery of laccolites are mostly located at elevations exceeding 720 m a.s.l.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Measured parameters and equipment\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the research, measurements were carried out at sites located along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, as well as at the mouths of adits ## 10, 13, 21b, 27, 31bis and the Vostochniy shaft, where unblocked holes described above were previously discovered. Taking into account possible significant seasonal fluctuations in radon flux density and air \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration, measurements were carried out in different seasons of the year. Measurements at sites along the ring road were performed in September 2022 (summer season) and in February 2024 (winter season). The following parameters were measured:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) at a height of 1 m from the earth\u0026rsquo;s surface;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration and radon equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) in the air at a height of 1 m from the ground surface;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eradon flux density (RFD) from the ground surface;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003econtent (specific activity) of natural radionuclides \u0026ndash; radium (\u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa), thorium (\u003csup\u003e232\u003c/sup\u003eTh) and potassium (\u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK) in soil and rock samples at a depth of 0.2\u0026ndash;0.4 m;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration in spring water.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasurements at the mouths of adits were carried out in the summer-autumn and winter-spring periods of 2018\u0026ndash;2020. At the each adit, the following were measured:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER at a height of 1 m from the holes;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration and EEC at a height of 1 m from the holes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe ambient dose equivalent rate was measured using a portable dosimeter DKG-07D \u0026ldquo;Drozd\u0026rdquo; and DRG-01T based on a Geiger-Muller detector. The ADER range is (10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;10\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026micro;Sv/h, in the energy range of (0.05\u0026ndash;3.0) MeV. The measurement error does not exceed 15% (2σ).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasurements of air \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC were carried out using a radon radiometer RAA-3-01 \"Alfa-AERO\". The range of measured values of EEC is (1\u0026ndash;106) Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e with a measurement error of 30%. The principle of operation of the radiometer is based on pumping air at a given constant speed through the AFA-RSP-3 analytical filter and recording the alpha activity of short-lived radon daughter decay products deposited on the filter using a semiconductor detector. When measuring under conditions of abnormally high concentrations of radon progeny, they are deposited on the detector and can affect subsequent readings of the device even if the analytical filter is replaced. In this regard, several Alfa-AERO radiometers were used to measure EEC at the mouths of adits. In the case of recording abnormally high values of EEC in the air, the device was no longer used that day and was replaced by another. Measurements of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC in the air were carried out at a height of 1.0 m from the ground surface; at the mouths of adits, measurements were carried out at a distance of 1\u0026ndash;5 m from the openings leading into the adits.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe radon flux density from the ground surface was measured by the open coal chamber method using the \u0026ldquo;Camera-01\u0026rdquo; measuring complex (NTC NITON, Russia). An accumulation chamber (NK-32) with activated carbon was installed on the soil surface in specially prepared holes 5\u0026ndash;10 cm deep with the soil and vegetation cover removed and left to expose for 3\u0026ndash;5 hours. After this, the coal from the chamber was poured into an SK-13 sorption column and kept closed for 3 hours to achieve radioactive equilibrium between radon and its daughter decay products. The activity of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn in coal was determined from the activity of β-emitting radon decay products. A beta radiometer based on a gas-discharge counter, which is a part of the \u0026ldquo;Camera-01\u0026rdquo; measuring complex, was used. The method makes it possible to record radon emission rates in the range from 3*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u003c/sup\u003e to 100 Bq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es) at ambient temperatures from \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;15 to +\u0026thinsp;40\u0026deg;C. The uncertainty of the obtained radon flux density values is 30\u0026ndash;40% (Tsapalov et al \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). With a short exposure time of coal, which is several hours, the temperature and humidity of the environment do not have a significant effect on the results of measurements using the charcoal method (Tsapalov et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Wilson \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e; Maier et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The possible influence of thoron (\u003csup\u003e220\u003c/sup\u003eRn) on the measurement results was controlled by repeated measurements of the β-activity of charcoal 14\u0026ndash;16 hours after the first measurement. Repeated measurements showed that thoron activity in charcoal always remained below the minimum measurable activity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasurements of the specific activity of radionuclides in soil and rock samples were carried out by γ-ray spectrometry using measuring complexes equipped with NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors. Geometry of measurements is a 1 l Marinelli container. The error in measuring the specific activity of \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa, \u003csup\u003e232\u003c/sup\u003eTh and \u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK in soil samples did not exceed 30% (2σ). The detection limited of specific activity was (Bq/kg): for \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa \u0026ndash; 8, for \u003csup\u003e232\u003c/sup\u003eTh \u0026ndash; 8, for \u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK \u0026ndash; 40.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo measure radon activity concentration in water samples the charcoal method was used using equipment from the measuring complex \u0026ldquo;Camera-01\u0026rdquo;. Water samples were collected in clean, sealed standard 1.5 l PET bottles with a screw cap. The bottles were filled with water using a silicone hose, which was lowered to the bottom of the bottle so that the bottle was filled from bottom to top without the formation of bubbles (to avoid the aeration of the sample). The bottles were filled completely so that there were no air bubbles left inside. Water samples were delivered to the laboratory within 3\u0026ndash;5 hours after collection. After this, radon was transferred from water to a sorption column with charcoal by bubbling. The air pumping rate was (1.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.2) l/min, bubbling time was 7 min. After this, charcoal with adsorbed radon was kept in a closed sorption column for 3 hours to achieve radioactive equilibrium between radon and its daughters. The activity of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn in charcoal was determined from its daughter products using a beta radiometer included in the \u0026ldquo;Camera-01\u0026rdquo; measuring complex. The error in the measurement result of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration in water is 30%; the detection limit is 0.2 Bq/l. A gamma-spectrometric method was also used to measure the radon content in water. A gamma spectrometer based on a NaI (Tl) scintillation detector measuring 63\u0026times;63 mm was used. Each water sample was poured from a sealed bottle into a 1-liter Marinelli container 3 h after sample collection. The activity of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn was determined from its daughter products (\u003csup\u003e214\u003c/sup\u003ePb and \u003csup\u003e214\u003c/sup\u003eBi). The measurement time was 1000 s, which is enough to obtain a result with an error of no more than 30%. A comparison of the measurement results obtained by the charcoal method and using gamma spectrometry showed good agreement between them over a wide range of radon activity concentrations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe equipment used is included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments of the Russian Federation, has passed mandatory periodic verification and has successfully participated in interlaboratory comparisons.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of measurements along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road are presented in Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e shows the results of measurements of the content of radionuclides in soils and bedrocks. In Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, presents the results of RFD and ADER measurements in different seasons of the year (in summer and in winter). The location of measurement sites along the Beshtaugorskaya ring are shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Radon flux density from soil surface and gamma dose rate\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs can be seen from the data presented, several local anomalies were identified along the Beshtaugorskaya ring road, where the values of RFD and ADER recorded exceeded the local background (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The detected anomalies can be divided into two types:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadon anomalies associated with underground gas discharge in fracture zones (sites # 3, 3a, 25a, 27);\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal anomalies of ADER and other measured parameters associated with contamination of the territory with \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa because of the activities of former uranium mine (sites # 9, 16, 17).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe first type of anomaly is apparently associated with the radon release from faults and will be discussed in more detail in Section \u003cspan refid=\"Sec8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3.3\u003c/span\u003e. The second type is the local anomalies of ADER, which are linked to the contamination of the territory with uranium series radionuclides, brought to the surface during uranium mine development. The \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa content at these sites ranges from 1026 to 2753 Bq/kg (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Three such anomalies were identified in total and all of them are located in the southern part of the mt. Beshtau in the zone, where mining operations were carried out. The anomalies sites # 9 and # 16 are local, possibly linked to the loss of uranium ore or rocks with uranium content during their transport from the mine. The third anomaly (site # 17) was recorded on the surface of the remediated tailing dump of adit # 31 and is associated with the partial destruction of the protective layer on the surface of the dump. The highest value of gamma dose rate recorded on the surface of the adit # 31 tailing dump reach to 1.4 \u0026micro;Sv/h. This is a high level of gamma radiation, considering that in the immediate vicinity from the anomaly frequently visited areas are located: rest sites, barbecue areas, fire pits and an observation deck. In general, the southern part of the Beshtau, including the dump of adit # 31 is characterized by relatively high values of ADER, amounting to 0.65\u0026ndash;0.85 \u0026micro;Sv/h. This part of the mountain was most exposed to the technogenic impact during the uranium mining operations; the main objects of the former Beshtaugorsky mine are all located nearby - the destroyed mouths of adits, tailing dumps etc.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcluding abnormal sites, the radon flux density and ambient dose equivalent rate in the study area are generally determined by the content of naturally occurring radionuclides in soils and bedrocks, which is shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. The minimum values of ADER and RFD were observed mainly on the eastern slopes of mt. Beshtau in places where low radioactive sedimentary rocks \u0026ndash; limestone, marls and sandstones \u0026ndash; are exposed (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The highest RFD and ADER values are observed in the outcrops of highly radioactive beshtaunites, somewhat lesser ones \u0026ndash; in the areas composed of slope sediments (grus). The high values of radon flux density are likely due to a combination of high radium content, high fracturing and high permeability of these rocks. Finely dispersed chernozem and loamy soils do not contain beshtaunite fragments, and are characterized by intermediate values of radionuclide content, as well as ADER and RFD (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis of measurement results obtained in different seasons of the year (see Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) shows that in summer the radon flux density is usually higher than in winter, which is probably explained by the fact that soils are drier and more permeable in summer. However, there are exceptions. In the areas of beshtaunite outcrops, the winter and summer median values of RFD are almost the same (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). This can be explained by the advective radon transport through relatively large cracks in beshtaunite. The large cracks are not saturated with water, and remain permeable for most of the winter. Interestingly, at the sites 4 and 4a the winter values of RFD are even higher than summer ones. This is probably due to the appearance of advective radon transport from rocks to atmosphere in winter and its absence or transport in the opposite direction in summer.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults of radionuclides content measurements on Mt. Beshtau (abnormalities are highlighted in bold)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeas. Site\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of ground\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eContent of radionuclides, Bq/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e232\u003c/sup\u003eTh\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e488\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e112\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e695\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments, fault zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1538\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;210\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3а\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite, fault zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e203\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e193\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1420\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;296\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e132\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1134\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4а\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e196\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1231\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;140\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e829\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e193\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1420\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;296\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e199\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1313\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;301\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e170\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1276\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;304\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e178\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1166\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;248\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e9\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2753\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;293\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1258\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;307\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e956\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;256\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e280\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e272\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1725\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;457\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1138\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;240\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e172\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1315\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;335\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e201\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e159\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1382\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;421\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e185\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1499\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;490\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e16\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1287\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;137\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e335\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1869\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;680\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e17\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTailing dump site soil of adit # 31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1026\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;137\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e145\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1622\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;510\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17а\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtective clay layer on the dump surface\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e484\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e173\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1201\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;385\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSandstones\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e196\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSandstones\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimestone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimstone soils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e385\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimestone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e854\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e741\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;260\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25а\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (next to the crack from which the groundwater seeps out), fault zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1805\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;303\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e116\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e907\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;328\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite, fault zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e285\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e261\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1601\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;299\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e854\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;266\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e123\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1243\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;250\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e824\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;297\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e987\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;223\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e912\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;198\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e182\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1066\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;180\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e790\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;136\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e745\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarls\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e852\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;256\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e169\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1221\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;190\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e216\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e123\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e996\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeometric mean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e783\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedian\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e112\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSD (GSD)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e466 (3.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73 (2.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e481 (2.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMin \u0026ndash; Max\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u0026ndash;2753\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u0026ndash;335\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40-1869\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage (SD), excluding anomalous sites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e103 (69)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e123 (73)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e996 (481)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults of RFD and ADER measurements on Mt. Beshtau (abnormalities are highlighted in bold)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeas. Site\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of ground\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRFD, mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e694\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e120\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4850\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;720\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3а\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2735\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;556\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5856\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;927\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e406\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2613\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;465\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4а\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e377\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1693\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2090\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;910\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e420\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e531\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;158\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e269\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e9\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4200\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;630\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1926\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;322\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e409\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e298\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1460\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1360\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1330\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e711\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1560\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;230\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1250\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;214\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e16\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRoadside soil contaminated as a result of mine activity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1562\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e17\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTailing dump site soil of adit # 31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1950\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;290\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1118\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;365\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.4\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17а\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtective clay layer on the dump surface\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e304\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e530\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSandstones\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSandstones\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimestone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimstone soils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e194\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimestone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e247\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e310\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e25а\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (next to the crack from which the groundwater seeps out), fault zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e8336\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1481\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e667\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;159\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e504\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e27\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite, fault zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e7926\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1200\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e137\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e226\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2350\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;503\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e807\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;181\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e867\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;214\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e419\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e398\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e256\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarls\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoils (Chernozem)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e485\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e113\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus with beshtaunite fragments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e784\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;120\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e643\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;172\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1187\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e824\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGeometric avg.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e467\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e218\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedian\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e420\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSD (GSD)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1894 (4.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1370 (6.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44(2.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26 (1.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMin \u0026ndash; Max\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u0026ndash;8336\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;5856\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026ndash;2.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u0026ndash;1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage (SD), excluding anomalous sites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e589 (587)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e465 (605)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.38(0.17)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35(0.19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePearson correlation coefficients between the measured parameters are given in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. In the study areas close direct correlations between the content of \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa in soils, RFD and ADER are observed. In winter, the correlations between these the parameters are significantly lower than in summer. It is most likely due to the interfering effects of snow cover and the heterogeneous space distribution of soil moisture in winter.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond radon abnormal areas, air \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration in the open air at a height of 1 m from the ground lies in the range of 17\u0026ndash;130 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e with an average of 65 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e, EEC values lie in range of 8\u0026ndash;42 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e with an average of 32 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e. There are no significant differences between summer and winter values. The values of air \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC in the open air depend to a greater extent on weather conditions and wind exposure of the area rather than on the type of rock.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcluding obviously abnormal values, the following values can be considered the upper limit of the natural background range\u003ca class=\"FNLink\" href=\"#Fn1\" id=\"#FNLinkFn1\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e: \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa content in soils and bedrocks \u0026ndash; 310 Bq/kg, ADER \u0026ndash; 0.90 \u0026micro;Sv/h; RFD \u0026ndash; 2350 mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es), air \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration \u0026ndash; 130 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e. It should be noted that these values significantly exceed the world average and the established regulatory limits. The specific activity values of radium in these soils are several times higher than the global average of 39.2 and 32 Bq/kg respectively, and generally correspond to the upper range of values typical for acidic igneous rocks (IAEA 2014). The radon flux density values in most cases are 10 times higher than those recommended in Russia for construction sites (80 mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es)), and correspond to the RFD from the surface of uranium tailings (Schl\u0026auml;ger at al. 2016). However, high background radiation levels are caused by the increased natural content of uranium series radionuclides in the igneous rocks of Beshtau and are not associated with technogenic activities of the extraction of uranium ores.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe median values and range of \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa content, RFD and ADER in summer and winter for different types of ground (excluding abnormal sites).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of ground\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber of sites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eContent of \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBq/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRFD, mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeshtaunite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e198\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(151\u0026ndash;285)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1560\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(377\u0026ndash;7926)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1472\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(137\u0026ndash;5856)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.36\u0026ndash;0.90)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.33\u0026ndash;0.67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(63\u0026ndash;201)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e748\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(26\u0026ndash;4850)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(15\u0026ndash;2613)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.23\u0026ndash;0.69)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.14\u0026ndash;0.58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChernozem \u0026amp; Loamy Soils\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(52\u0026ndash;94)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e354\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(50\u0026ndash;8330)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(22\u0026ndash;677)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.22\u0026ndash;0.56)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.18\u0026ndash;0.41)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimestone \u0026amp; Sandstones\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;8\u0026ndash;19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(40\u0026ndash;194)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(16\u0026ndash;34)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.07\u0026ndash;0.14)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.10\u0026ndash;0.12)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePearson correlation coefficients between content of \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa is soils, RFD and ADER for different seasons (excluding abnormal sites).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa \u0026ndash; ADER\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa \u0026ndash; RFD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER \u0026ndash; RFD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeason\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePearson correlation coefficient\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn in spring waters\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, all springs used by the local population for drinking during recreational activities in the Beshtaugorskiy Park were examined. All of the examined springs concentrated along the periphery of the igneous massif, most of them are confined to the ring faults. The \"Monastyrsky\" and \"Gremuchka\" springs drain fault systems contain uranium ores. The spring \"Gremuchka\" and \"Orlinye Skaly\" are located on an elevation and the water is discharged through them only in spring and early summer, during periods of a temporary rise in groundwater levels. The concentration of radon in spring water was determined periodically in different seasons of the year in the period from 2018 to 2024. The results are given in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadon is present in significant quantities in \"Gremuchka\" and \"Monastyrsky\" springs discharged in the southwestern parts of the massif, which is a consequence of the contact of groundwater with uranium ores as mentioned above. The radon levels in these springs are lower than the highest known \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentrations in waters directly washing uranium ores and uranium-rich rocks (Skeppstr\u0026ouml;m and Olofsson \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e), but exceed the typical value range for uranium mines and magmatic massif groundwater (Beg et al. 2021; Duong et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Giammanco et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The activity of radon in these waters is several times higher than the corresponding intervention level, which in Russia is 60 Bq/l. The \"Pod Topolem\" and especially \"Dobriy\" springs do not seems to directly contact uranium ores, and therefore, \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentrations in them are lower, although they also exceed the intervention level.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadon activity concentrations in spring waters of the Beshtau area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite #\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eName of the spring\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration, Bq/l\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvg.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay 2018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOct 2018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAug 2019\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSep 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeb 2024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMonastyrskiy\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e236\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e255\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e220\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e218\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e253\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDobriy (Kind)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePod Topolem (Under poplar)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e161\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e140\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e182\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGremuchka\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eRattling)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e464\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e464\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNadezhda (Hope)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrlinye Skaly\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eEagle Rocks)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlatanoviy (Plane tree)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrachyte\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e140\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e156\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e- no measurements were carried out\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e-- there was no water in the spring (dried up)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the springs of the northern part of the study area, \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentrations are comparatively low, especially in the water of the \u0026ldquo;Nadezhda\u0026rdquo; spring. Apparently, the waters, which are not in contact with uranium ores, are discharged here directly from a fault. The relatively high radon concentration in the \u0026ldquo;Trachyte\u0026rdquo; spring, located lower on the slope, is most likely due to the filtration of water downhill through a layer of grus soil with a high content of radium and a high radon emanating ability, which leads to the enrichment of water with radon as it filters towards the discharge zone.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll of the springs show an amazing temporal consistency of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration. The radon concentration in water does not depend on the sampling season and actually does not change within the measurement error range during the entire observation period. This indicates a sufficiently large circulation depth of discharging groundwater, mostly because how atmospheric precipitation does not dilute the concentration of radon in the springs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThus, the main problem of Beshtau groundwater is the high \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration exceeding the intervention level in the western and southern parts of the massif. According to work (Sokolova et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), the waters in this area also exceed the permissible levels for U, Be and Li. In the area of the \u0026ldquo;Gremuchka\u0026rdquo; spring waters exceed an even bigger number of permissible levels for elements including Th, Tl, Mn, Fe, As, rare earth elements and others, which is associated with their active leaching in the oxidation zone of uranium ores. At the same time, the waters of the springs \u0026ldquo;Nadezhda\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Platanoviy\u0026rdquo; located in the northeastern part of Beshtau are quite suitable for drinking.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Abnormal radon release in fault zones\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA few local spots were found in the study area, characterized by abnormally high values of radon flux density. There are also increased \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentrations and EEC in the open air at the anomalous spots. The results are shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Radon anomalies were recorded on the western slope of mt. Beshtau (Site # 3 and 3a), as well as on the northern slope near the springs \u0026ldquo;Orlinye Skaly\u0026rdquo; (Site # 27) and \u0026ldquo;Nadezhda\u0026rdquo; (Site # 25a). At the abnormal sites the maximal RFD values range from 4850 to 8336 Bq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es) (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e), air radon concentration values range from 50 to 876 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e and the EEC is 420\u0026ndash;1536 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e. At the same time, content of \u003csup\u003e226\u003c/sup\u003eRa in soils and the ADER in such areas does not exceed the local background levels (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). We have discovered one of these anomalies (Site # 3) on the side of the ring road back in 2017. Long-term monitoring studies were subsequently performed there. It was discovered, that abnormally high radon flux appears only in the warm season. In summer the RFD values range from 2000 to 20000 mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es), sometimes reaching 37000 mBq/(m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003es). In winter, radon flux density values were abnormally low due to the peculiarities of seasonal convective air circulation in the fault system. Due to the difference in internal and external temperatures, subsurface fault air is released in summer and atmospheric air is sucked into the fault zone in winter (Miklyaev at al. 2022). In this study, we confirmed the previously obtained data and discovered three more radon abnormal sites (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is important to note that radon anomalies in the northern part of the territory (site # 25a and # 27) also seem to be characterized by the highest values of RFD in summer and the lowest in winter. However, at site # 3a, contrarily, an abnormally high radon flux density was recorded in winter. This indicates some other mechanism of radon transport at site #3a. However, in order to make any assumptions about the mechanism of radon transport processes in anomalous sites, only few single measurements performed in summer and in winter are not enough. The results obtained should be considered as preliminary and in need of further clarification in the future.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll identified radon anomalies are associated with active ring-shaped fault zones confined to the boundaries between the igneous massif and the host sedimentary rocks, as well as to a diagonal fault separating the Small Tau from the main peak of Beshtau. All anomalies were recorded around the groundwater discharge areas. At the sites # 3 and #3a, seepage of groundwater was periodically recorded just below the anomalous zones during periods of heavy rains. The anomaly on the site # 25a is located approximately 50 m from the \u0026ldquo;Nadezhda\u0026rdquo; spring and is linked to a large crack from which groundwater seeps. A radon anomaly on the site # 27 was discovered in a crack just above the \u0026ldquo;Orlinye Skaly\u0026rdquo; spring. It is interesting, that as mentioned above, low values of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn activity concentration were registered in these springs. It does not allow us to associate abnormally high radon fluxes with radon release from the groundwater. It is likely that the connection between radon anomalies and springs is because both fluids\u0026rsquo; discharge is confined to permeable fault zones. The presence of powerful radon flux anomalies indicates the current tectonic activity of the northwestern segment of the Beshtau massif.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Radon release from the abandoned adits mouths\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt has recently been established that suffusion holes at the former mouths of the adits represent a significant source of radiation risk if people are nearby (Miklyaev at al. 2022). Due to the temperature difference between the mine air and the atmosphere outside, convection occurs. The phenomenon is similar to that observed in the fault zones mentioned above. In winter warmer mine air rises up and is discharged into the atmosphere through the adits of the upper horizons (with elevation above 900 m a.s.l.), while in the summer the mine air is colder and denser than the atmospheric air and thus moves down, displaces the warm atmospheric air and discharges through the lower adits. As a result, a powerful stream of mine air enriched with radon and its decay products periodically blows from the mouths of the adits, from the lower horizon adits in summer and from the adits of the upper horizon in the winter. This causes the area around the adits mouths to have extremely high air \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration, EEC and ADER values.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of the periodic measurements of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC in the air and the ADER at the mouths of the adits of the former Beshtaugorsky mine in different seasons (summer and winter) generalized for a period from 2018 to 2020 are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e. As can be seen, the maximum recorded values of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC in the open air were observed in the area of the mouth of adit #10 and at certain moments reached 594 865 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e and 89 020 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e respectively, and the gamma radiation dose rate reached 18.8 \u0026micro;Sv/h. Such a significant increase in ADER is due to the extremely high concentration of gamma-emitting short-lived radon decay products in the air. The values of observed parameters are determined by the direction and speed of the air flow, which in turn depends on the adit mouth elevation and on the temperature difference between the mine and atmospheric air. The highest values of air velocity and radon concentration in the air are observed at the mouths of adits #10 and #21b, which is apparently due to the peculiarities of the geometry of the mine space and other factors determining the natural ventilation of the mine. This process is described in more detail in our previous publication (Miklyaev et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeasonal average values and range of fluctuations (in parentheses) of ADER, as well as \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC of radon progeny in the air at the mouths of adits of the former Beshtaugorsky mine in different seasons of the year\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWinter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEastern ventilation shaft, mouth at 1001 m a.s.l.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.65 (1.54\u0026ndash;1.87)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9 (1.3\u0026ndash;2.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (10\u0026ndash;15)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026nbsp;750 (92\u0026ndash;13 937)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEC, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34 (17\u0026ndash;50)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u0026nbsp;494 (1\u0026nbsp;263\u0026ndash;65\u0026nbsp;591)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdit 21b, mouth at 943 m a.s.l.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68 (0.45\u0026ndash;0.93)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.74 (2.9\u0026ndash;15.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 (10\u0026ndash;28)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u0026nbsp;340 (14\u0026nbsp;502\u0026ndash;60 101)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEC, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33 (20\u0026ndash;50)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e212\u0026nbsp;356 (117\u0026nbsp;370\u0026ndash;383\u0026nbsp;220)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdit 13, mouth at 914 m a.s.l.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.58 (0.41\u0026ndash;0.85)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.76 (0.82\u0026ndash;1.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (8\u0026ndash;28)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108 (41\u0026ndash;201)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEC, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (12\u0026ndash;31)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e317 (79\u0026ndash;620)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdit 27, mouth at 880 m a.s.l.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.93 (6.67\u0026ndash;14.73)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6 (0.55\u0026ndash;0.78)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEC, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdit 31 bis, mouth at 830 m a.s.l.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.97 (0.98\u0026ndash;7.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.66 (0.61\u0026ndash;0.73)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u0026nbsp;019 (16 390\u0026ndash;53\u0026nbsp;648)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29 (12\u0026ndash;58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEC, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u0026nbsp;635 (18 244\u0026ndash;83\u0026nbsp;025)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43 (13\u0026ndash;67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdit 10, mouth at 777 m a.s.l.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADER, \u0026micro;Sv/h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.60 (5.8\u0026ndash;18.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.73 (0.56\u0026ndash;1.41)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u0026nbsp;715 (28 335\u0026ndash;89\u0026nbsp;020)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32 (14\u0026ndash;62)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEC, Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e354\u0026nbsp;818 (226 515\u0026ndash;594 865)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 (16\u0026ndash;120)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe summer mode of natural ventilation is started when the outdoor air is steadily warmed up to 25 \u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC. The winter mode came when the outdoor temperature drops to 8 \u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC. It is difficult to predict how the system will work in the temperature range from +\u0026thinsp;8 to +\u0026thinsp;25 \u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC, because air movement due to natural convection is absent or very weak, factors such as wind, uneven heating of slopes of different exposures and changes in atmospheric pressure begin to play a significant role.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe obtained data allows us to estimate the equilibrium factor F, which is the ratio of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration and EEC. It has been established that in atmospheric air equilibrium factor F is about 0.6 while in the flow of mine air released into the atmosphere at adits mouth the equilibrium factor is significantly lower and is about 0.2, which completely coincides with the estimates given in the ICRP Publication 137 (Paquet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). A low F value indicates a significant degree of deposition of radon decay products on the walls of adits as mine air moves through them. The values of \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn concentration, EEC and ADER quickly decrease with distance from the adits mouths\u0026rsquo; holes, and at a distance of 5\u0026ndash;10 m, they usually no longer exceed local background values. Despite this, holes in the mouths of adits can still pose a danger if people remain near them for a prolonged time. It should be noted that during the periods when mine air blows from the adits, the EEC of radon progeny in the air near the adits does not only exceed the Russian permissible radon levels for operating residential and industrial buildings (200 and 300 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e, respectively), but also the permissible average annual EEC for uranium workspaces (1200 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5. Assessment of the dose received by population in case territory use for recreational purposes\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose loads were calculated according to (Assessment of individual\u0026hellip; 2002), keeping in mind the requirements of the ICRP Publication 137 (Paquet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). The radiation doses due to external gamma radiation and inhalation of radon and its daughter products were summed up. The radon in the springs has not been considered because the main route of irradiation of the population by radon contained in drinking water is its transfer into indoor air and the subsequent inhalation of radon daughter products, which is not relevant for springs in open air.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe effective dose was calculated according to the following expressions:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD\u003csub\u003etot\u003c/sub\u003e = D\u003csub\u003eγ\u003c/sub\u003e + D\u003csub\u003eRn\u003c/sub\u003e;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD\u003csub\u003eγ\u003c/sub\u003e = Hγ \u0026middot; t;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD\u003csub\u003eRn\u003c/sub\u003e = EEC \u0026middot; t \u0026middot; R,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewhere D\u003csub\u003etot\u003c/sub\u003e \u0026ndash; is the total effective dose [\u0026micro;Sv], which is the sum of the external dose of gamma radiation D\u003csub\u003eγ\u003c/sub\u003e and the internal dose due to radon inhalation D\u003csub\u003eRn\u003c/sub\u003e; Hγ \u0026ndash; is the gamma dose rate [\u0026micro;Sv/h]; EEC \u0026ndash; is the air radon equivalent equilibrium concentration [Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e]; R \u0026ndash; is nominal risk coefficient [mSv/(h*Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e)], t \u0026ndash; is time of exposure [h].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculations were performed for four hypothetical scenarios for recreational activities at the \u0026ldquo;Mount Beshtau\u0026rdquo; nature reserve in summer:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScenario 1 (background). A walk along the Beshtau ring. Travel time is about 6 hours. Using the geometric average values obtained above for the ADER and EEC on the ring road (0.37 \u0026micro;Sv/h and 32 Bq/m3, respectively), the nominal risk coefficient is 13*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e mSv/(h*Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) taking into account significant physical activity on tourist routes (Paquet et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Тaking into account irradiation due to \u003csup\u003e222\u003c/sup\u003eRn itself (coefficient of 1.05), we obtain the effective dose:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.37 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 6 h\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.2 \u0026micro;Sv\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e32 Bq/m · 6 h · 13*10 mSv/(h*Bq/m) · 1.05 = 0.0026 mSv = 2.6 µSv\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal effective dose: 4.8 \u0026micro;Sv.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScenario 2 (increased air radon exposure). A walk along the ring for 2 hours, plus a picnic for 4 hours at the site near the \u0026ldquo;Orlinye Skaly\u0026rdquo; spring (site # 27). Taking into account the values of EEC and ADER, which were measured at this site the effective dose, will be equal to:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.37 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 2 h) + (0.52 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 4 h)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.8 \u0026micro;Sv\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(32 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026middot; 2 h \u0026middot; 13*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e mSv/(h*Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026middot; 1.05) + (876 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026middot; 4 h \u0026middot; 13*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e mSv/(h*Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026middot; 1.05)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05 mSv\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;50 \u0026micro;Sv\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal effective dose: 53 \u0026micro;Sv.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScenario 3 (increased gamma dose rate). A walk along the ring for 2 hours plus a picnic for 4 hours at the observation deck located on the adit # 31 dump (site # 17). An effective dose would be equal to:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.37 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 2 h) + (1.4 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 4 h)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.3 \u0026micro;Sv\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e32 Bq/m · 6 h · 13*10 mSv/(h*Bq/m) · 1.05 = 0.0026 mSv = 2.6 µSv.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal effective dose: 9 \u0026micro;Sv.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScenario 4 (increased exposure due to radon release from the adits mouth). A walk along the ring for 2 hours plus a picnic for 4 hours at the mouth of adit # 10 in the hot summer with an air temperature above +\u0026thinsp;25 \u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eС, when radon is released from the adit. Taking into account the data in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e an effective dose would be equal to:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.37 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 2 h) + (9.6 \u0026micro;Sv/h \u0026middot; 4 h)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;39 \u0026micro;Sv\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(32 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026middot; 2 h \u0026middot; 13*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e mSv/(h*Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026middot; 1.05) + (43715 Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026middot; 4 h \u0026middot; 13*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e mSv/(h*Bq/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) \u0026middot; 1.05)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.4 mSv\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2400 \u0026micro;Sv\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal effective dose: 2440 \u0026micro;Sv.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results obtained show that in the case of walking and picnicking at the Beshtaugorskiy park away from the adits mouths radiation doses can exceed 1 mSv/year (the level of intervention when using the territory as a recreation area after rehabilitation) only in the case of regular 6-hour walks 2\u0026ndash;3 times a week throughout the year. Despite the popularity of these places among tourists, such frequency and intensity of visits to Mount Beshtau is unlikely. At the same time, even a single short stay in the immediate vicinity of the mouths of compromised adits during the periods of time when the mine air is being released can lead to an almost instantaneous receival of a dose exceeding the level of 1 mSv/year. In case of 5\u0026ndash;7 such excursions over the summer, the resulting radiation dose may exceed the level of 10 mSv/year above which means, according to national legislation, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the exposure of the population to natural radiation sources. Thus, the mouths of compromised and not fully blocked adits on the lower horizons of the mine, which are located in places easily accessible to tourists and characterized by the release of radioactive air in the summer, can pose a danger not only to local residents, but also to guests vacationing at the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters region. The findings will be relevant for similar former uranium mines in other regions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe conducted studies shown that the former uranium mine site can characterized of abnormally high radon release even after several stadies of rehabilitation. Radon is a very mobile gas and remediation measures of mines, which are quite effective in terms of avoiding the spread of radionuclides with water and dust, proved insufficient to prevent the release of gaseous radon. The high radon exhalation from the uranium mine site is associated not only former mining operation, but also with naturally factors such as an increased content of radionuclides in igneous rocks or modern tectonic movenent of faults. The most significant radon sources are the former mouths of adits from where mine air is periodically blows as well as radon anomalies in permiable fault zones. For example the territory of the Beshtau massif, composed of high radioactivity igneous rocks, is characterized by very high background levels of radon flux densities, more than 10 times higher than the permissible levels for building sites. These values are comparable or even exceed the typical levels of radon exhalation from the uranium tailings. Taking also in account the abnormally high radon release from the adits and faults, the uranium mining sites should be considered as a significant global scale source of radon emission.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoth the radon exhalation from the ground surface, fracture zones and radon release from the adits are characterized by significant seasonal variability. Outside of faults and fracture zones, the seasonal variability of RFD appears to be due to a decrease in soil permeability in winter, when soils are wetter. However, radon release from faults and adits can reach abnormally high values in both summer and winter. As previously shown (Miklyaev et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e), this can be the result of \u0026ldquo;mountain breathing\u0026rdquo;, caused by the thermally induced convective air circulation in shallow parts of the mountain range. In winter, the mine air is warmer than the outside air, which leads to an updraft of mine air and its release to the atmosphere at an upper part of the mountain. While, at the foot, atmospheric air is sucked into the mountain through fissures and mouths of adits. In summer, the air in the mine becomes colder than in the atmosphere, and the mine air downbursts and is discharged at the adits mouths and faults at the foot of the slopes. Strong seasonal variations in radon emissions should be taken into account when planning measurements for environmental and hygienic assessment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh radon concentrations have also been recorded in groundwater at the former uranium mine site. The highest concentrations of radon, significantly exceeding the permissible level, are observed in springs located in the areas, where groundwater is in contact with uranium ores. The radon content in groundwater shows an amazing temporal constancy on a seasonal scale and from year to year. The studied springs, as well as the revealed radon anomalies, are confined to the fault zones, however, the lowest radon concentrations were found in the springs located next to the radon anomalies. All these facts indicate that the high radon release is in no way related to radon transport by groundwater.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculations of the dose load on the population using the former mine area for recreational purposes show that the additional dose received due to external gamma irradiation and inhalation of radon daughter products does not exceed the intervention level for the territories of reclaimed uranium mines when walking along the Beshtaugorskiy ring less than 2 times a week. This would characterize the recreational activities as generally safe in terms of radiation exposure. However, the areas of periodic release of mine air from the compromised mouths of the adits would be the exception to that. During the periods of mine air discharge, the levels of radon and gamma radiation many times exceeding the permissible levels were recorded around the mouths of adits. A person\u0026rsquo;s stay in such an area for 4 or more hours may lead to them receiving a dose exceeding 2 mSv. In this regard, it is necessary to take measures to prevent people from staying near the adit mouths for any length of time. The obtained patterns and conclusions are valid not only for the region considered in this work, but also for similar territories, where both uranium ore rich areas and massifs of alkaline granite composition with an increased content of natural origin radionuclides exist.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis\u0026nbsp;work\u0026nbsp;was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, (Grant number 24-27-00028).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the study conception and design. Conceptualization, analysis and writing were performed by Petr Miklyaev and Tatiana Petrova. \u0026nbsp;Field investigations, material preparation and data collection were performed by Pavel Sidyakin, Dmitriy Shshitov, Murad Murzabekov, Dmitriy Tsebro, Sakhayaan Gavriliev and Elizaveta Mikliaeva. Aleksey Klimshin provided resource support, validation and verification of materials. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Petr Miklyaev and Tatiana Petrova and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. Sakhayaan Gavriliev translated the text into English. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssessment of individual effective doses of population exposure due to natural sources of ionizing radiation (2002) Methodological guidelines (MU 2.6.1.1088-02) \u0026mdash; Moscow. 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Nucl Instrum Methods Phys Res Sect Accel Spectr Detect Assoc Equip 275:163\u0026ndash;171\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-science-and-pollution-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"espr","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental Science and Pollution Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/11356)","snPcode":"11356","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11356/3","title":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"uranium mine, soils and rocks radioactivity, radon in groundwater, radon in air, radon flux density, dose assessment","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4266052/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4266052/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe article presents the results of the radon release studies at the rehabilitated uranium mine and an assessment of doses received by the population when using the territory for recreational purposes (the case of the former Beshtaugorsky uranium mine). The measurements of radon flux density from the ground surface, radon concentration in the atmospheric air and groundwater, as well as the gamma dose rate and content of natural radionuclides in soils and bedrocks were performed. It is established that abnormally high radon release associated with both a former uranium adits and natural factors such as tectonic faults. The abnormally high radon release is due to advective radon transport, mainly associated with convective thermally induced air convection in permeable zones of mountain massif; radon transport by groundwater does not affect radon emissions from the surface. The most significant source of radiation risk is the incompletely blocked adit mouths, from which mine air is periodically blown out. Radon concentration and gamma dose rate values many times exceed permissible levels in these locations. A person resting in such an area for 4 hours can lead to a dose exceeding 2 mSv. This is advisable to take measures to prevent or reduce the time people spend in the areas of former adit mouths.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Radon Release at a Rehabilitated Uranium Mine Site and Dose Assessment (Case of the Former Beshtaugorskiy Mine, North Caucasus)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-06-17 16:41:30","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4266052/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Major Revision","date":"2024-07-07T04:11:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2024-06-02T04:10:54+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2024-06-01T09:00:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","date":"2024-05-16T16:28:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-04-22T04:38:51+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","date":"2024-04-18T16:09:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-science-and-pollution-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"espr","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental Science and Pollution Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/11356)","snPcode":"11356","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11356/3","title":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"6600ec4f-7d13-4932-a43e-61d69d2b0885","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 17th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-12-16T16:02:31+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-4266052","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-35639-y","journal":{"identity":"environmental-science-and-pollution-research","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Environmental Science and Pollution Research"},"publishedOn":"2024-12-13 15:57:48","publishedOnDateReadable":"December 13th, 2024"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-06-17 16:41:30","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s11356-024-35639-y","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-35639-y","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4266052","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4266052","identity":"rs-4266052","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"WrCJVZZCHTDjtuVLN7oU0","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}