Radionuclides in the waters of the Bükk region, Hungary

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to characterize the distribution of the 238U decay series radionuclides, focusing on uranium, radium, in the cold, lukewarm and thermal karst waters in the Bukk region. This is a novel approach to characterize fluids and understand their mixing in regional discharge zones of carbonate aquifers. Based on the measurements, simple flow system, without mixing, is supposed, and the elevated radium content might be connected to hydrocarbon reservoir fluids. The results may support the improvement of protection strategies of springs and wells involved in water supply.