Determination of radon in water by argon purging and alpha counting with a proportional counter

Abstract A method has been developed for the determination of radon in water. It is based on the purging of radon from water with argon, and α counting of radon and its decay products in a proportional counter. The method is characterized by a very low background (0.18 counts/min) and very low detection limit (0.02 Bq/L). It is also relatively simple, fast and interference-free.