222Ra and 226Ra in geothermal waters of Bayındır-Izmir (Turkey)

The radioactivity levels (222Rn and 226Ra) and physico-chemical properties of geothermal waters from two spas of Bayindir are investigated. Radon and radium measurements were made with collector chamber method. The radon concentrations range from 3.0 to 13.3 Bq/l, whereas the radium varies from 0.35 to 1.71 Bq/l. It has been observed that radon levels increase in winter and decrease in summer. The 222Rn/226Ra ratio was found to range from 4.91 to 30.53. Physico-chemical properties of water samples were also analysed. Water samples have considerably stable total dissolved solids values, slight acidity, low electrical conductivity, and temperature (42–48 °C).