Radon Progeny Concentrations and Size Distributions in Urban and Alpine Environments

Radon progeny concentrations and size distributions in ambient air were collected with a High Volume Sampler (HVS) and a Low Pressure Cascade Impactor (LPCI), and subsequently analysed by alpha or gamma spectrometry. Corresponding data for the mass of atmospheric aerosols were obtained by weighing, and the data for the number concentrations were determined by a laser-based portable Dust Monitor. Measurements were performed at three locations in the Province of Salzburg, Austria: (i) Salzburg City, representing an urban environment (ii) Tamsweg, as an example of an alpine environment, and, (iii) Hallein, as an example of a rural area. As a result of their geographical differences, all three sites are exposed to a varying degree to anthropogenic and biogenic aerosols. In Salzburg City, the measurements were carried out at the Rudolfsplatz (altitude above see level: 425 m). This is a major road crossing in the old part of the city with a very high traffic density and a relatively low density of appartment houses. Tamsweg is a small town in the Lungau-district (altitude above see level: 1040 m). It is located in the inner alpine region (Hohe Tauern) of Austria. The measurement site was in a part of the town with a low traffic density and a relatively high density of appartment and single family houses. In Hallein (altitude above see level: 650 m), the measurements took place 200 m above the town on a hill. The traffic density was extremely low there and no buildings were around. However, during the time of the measurement of the samples, the farmers collected hay on the surrounding meadows.