Mitigating gas emissions from permafrost via the concrete-filled geosynthetic technology

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As permafrost thaws, it releases radon and greenhouse gases and contaminants stored in and below the surface. Radon is part of the natural breakdown of uranium that exists in a gas form, which eases its circulation in soil pores. Frozen conditions do not hinder the breakdown of uranium but permafrost acts like a cap and prevents radon gas generated in the underlying bedrock from reaching the surface. The geology of the northern Arctic regions is predominantly composed of metamorphic and plutonic terranes that contain raised levels of U238 and its decay products, exacerbating the risk. Communities in regions home to uranium-rich soils and permafrost layers are most vulnerable to thawing. In a recent study, it was shown that the average radon level of a new Canadian home will increase another 25 percent over current levels by 2050. The average radon level in 20% of Canadian houses exceeds 200 Bq/m3, which is what Health Canada sets as the maximum tolerated radon exposure limit while a cancer risk starts at 100 Bq/m3. This partnership aims to assess the effectiveness of Concrete Canvas® in mitigating the radioactive radon gas exposure and methane gas intrusion from degrading permafrost in northern houses. The outcomes of this research can provide northern communities with a relatively low-cost climate adaptation strategy to deal with toxic soil gas exposure and extremely dangerous hazards due to methane's high flammability in northern buildings. Furthermore, the application of geosynthetics can provide the stakeholders with a promising technology to mitigate the hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions from permafrost, sewage systems, and landfills on small/local scales and assist Canada in meeting its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The outcomes of this research project can enhance societal benefits in northern communities by improving public health and housing.