Abstract
The activity concentration of 238 Ua nd 234 U has been determined in groundwater samples of hot springs and deep wells from the region of Northern Greece. The analysis was performed by alpha spectroscopy after pre-concentration and separation of uranium by cation exchange (Chelex 100 resin) and finally its electro-deposition on stainless steel discs. The uranium concentration in deep wells and springs varies strongly between 0.15 and 7.66 μ gl −1 . Generally the springs present higher uranium concentration than the deep wells, except of the Apollonia spring, which has shown the lowest value of 0.15 mg l −1 . 238 U and 234 U activity concentration ranged between 1.8-95.3 mBq l −1 and 1.7-160.1 mBq l −1 , respectively. The obtained isotopic ratio 234 U/ 238 U varies between 0.95 and 1.74 which means that the two isotopes are not in radioactive equilibrium. The highest 234 U/ 238 U activity ratio values correspond to the Langada springs, indicating most probably old-type waters. On the other hand, ground waters from wells with relatively low uranium activity concentration and low 234 U/ 238 U isotopic ratios, point to the presence of younger waters with a stronger contribution of a local recharge component to the groundwater.
Highlights
Uranium is a ubiquitous, primordial radionuclide, the concentration of which in the environment strongly depends on the geological matrix and varies between 0.1 and 500 ppm Uranium in water results from the weathering of rocks and soil
The analysis was performed by alpha spectroscopy after pre-concentration and separation of uranium by cation exchange (Chelex 100 resin) and its electro-deposition on stainless steel discs
The springs present higher uranium concentration than the deep wells, except of the Apollonia spring, which has shown the lowest value of 0.15 mg l−1. 238U and 234U activity concentration ranged between 1.8-95.3 mBq l−1 and 1.7-160.1 mBq l−1, respectively
Summary
Primordial radionuclide, the concentration of which in the environment strongly depends on the geological matrix and varies between 0.1 and 500 ppm Uranium in water results from the weathering of rocks and soil. The nuclide activities are governed by a number of processes, including recoil supply and absorption-desorption [1]. This results in isotopic fractionation of this element, which is unique among the heavy elements, and has been useful in identifying waters, tracing them in the hydrologic cycle and estimating mixing ratios when surface waters merge. Accurate knowledge of uranium isotopic ratios in natural systems is of particular interest regarding geochronology, paleothermometry and pollution budgets. Knowledge of the uranium concentration in ground and surface waters is important in performing radiological impact assessment of various anthropogenic activities and aims to secure the increased standard of life in modern societies. The analysis was performed by alpha spectroscopy after pre-concentration and separation of uranium by cation exchange and its electro-deposition on stainless steel discs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
