Origin and mobility of humic colloids in the Gorleben aquifer system

Abstract

The origin and mobility of humic colloids in the Gorleben aquifer system have been examined. For this purpose, the distribution of humic colloids and relevant hydrological and geochemical parameters were examined. An investigation area was selected where sediments have been disturbed by salt dome uplift and glacial events. It is shown that, on a local scale, considerable groundwater movement and intermixing takes place from the surface down to the salt dome. Consequently no effective separation of groundwater layers occurs. Two different humic colloid sources are identified: influx from the humus horizon with recharge water and continuous in situ generation via mineralization of sedimentary organic carbon (SOC). The in situ generation leads to groundwaters with humic colloid concentrations approaching 0.4 g/L, compared to concentrations of less than 0.005 g/L in recharge waters. Young groundwaters (no 14C decay detected) between approximately 50 and 200 m depth exhibit these highly elevated humic colloid concentrations. At greater depth, salt brines are found with low humic colloid concentrations. This can be attributed to precipitation of humic acid and/or hampering of the in situ generation process due to the high salt content. There is no indication of retention or decomposition of humic colloids. The fate of in situ generated humic colloids cannot be precisely evaluated due to analytical limitations and insufficient understanding of groundwater movement.