On October 21, 2025, Anita Erőss, a member of our research group, gave a presentation at the meeting of the 10th Earth Sciences Section of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The presentation focused on uranium, radium, and radon isotopes found in groundwater, which are not only important from a radiation protection perspective, but also play a key role as natural tracers in the exploration of water flow systems.
Among other things, the research presented:
🔹 studies of the Buda thermal karst system, where isotopes were used to separate the lukewarm and thermal water components and to explore the mixing and cave formation processes taking place in the Molnár János Cave,
🔹 the natural discharge zone of Gellért Hill, where iron oxyhydroxide precipitates influence the binding of radium and the radon content of thermal waters,
🔹 as well as research in the Lake Velence area, where uranium and radon serve as natural tracers in the investigation of the lake’s groundwater supply.
The natural radionuclide content of drinking water was also discussed, the examination of which is essential for the protection of water resources and the maintenance of a safe water supply.
The research is being carried out with the support of the “Multidisciplinary National Laboratory on Climate Change” project and the MTA Bolyai János Research Scholarship, in domestic and international collaborations (NNGYK, HUN-REN CSFK, JRC-Geel, University of Hawaii, water utilities). 🌍🔬
🎓 The presentation highlighted that natural radioactive isotopes represent not only a challenge but also a valuable opportunity for understanding the flow paths of groundwater and protecting future water resources.