Research articles
ScienceAsia 48 (2022):ID 443-451 |doi:
10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2022.058
Hydrogeochemical characteristics and terrestrial radiation of
geothermal spring attractions in Central and Western
Thailand
Wipada Ngansoma, Prapat Mahapattanathaia, Atirat Maksuwanb, Dumrongsak Rodphothonga,*
ABSTRACT: The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the geochemical characteristics, reservoir temperatures
(related to the natural ambient gamma radiation levels), and natural background radiation levels of the geothermal
spring attractions in Central and Western Thailand. The hydrochemical properties of the geothermal waters revealed
that K+
-Na+ bicarbonate dominates the geochemistry of these hot spring waters. Due to their chemical characteristics,
the geothermal waters reflect the homogeneity of the geological formations, which indicates that limestone originated
and mixed with shallow groundwater/freshwater. On the other hand, no significant correlations were found between
the reservoir temperatures and naturally occurring background radiation levels. The natural background radiation
levels were investigated at the main pool and 10 m from the main pool. In addition, the annual effective dose equivalent
(AEDE) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) would be considered in the areas with low natural background radiation
levels. The highest averages for the AEDEs and the ELCRs were discovered in the Ratchaburi Hot Spring (RB1), at
approximately 0.48 and 1.90 mSv/year, respectively. Although the ELCR is slightly higher than the annual average
effective dose (1.45 mSv/year) due to the natural background radiation, a preventive strategy should be considered to
protect the effects on visitors? health.
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| a |
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok 10240 Thailand |
| b |
Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Pathumwan Institute of Technology, Bangkok 10330 Thailand |
* Corresponding author, E-mail: dumrongsak.r@rumail.ru.ac.th
Received 26 Apr 2021, Accepted 24 Jan 2022
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