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Author Mathuthu, M.; Uushona, V.; Indongo, V.
Title Radiological safety of groundwater around a uranium mine in Namibia Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Abbreviated Journal
Volume 122 Issue Pages 102915
Keywords Groundwater, ICP-MS, Radiological hazard, Uranium mining
Abstract Uranium mining activities produce the main element used in nuclear energy production. However, it can also negatively affect the environment including groundwater by release of residues or effluent containing radioactive elements. The study investigated the concentration and radiological hazard of uranium in groundwater and seepage water from the tailings of a uranium mine in Namibia. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess the concentration of uranium in the groundwater and seepage water and the radiological hazards were determined. The radiological hazard indices Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), Absorbed dose (D), Annual Effective Dose equivalent (AEDE), External hazard index (Hex) and Internal hazard index (Hin) were determined and compared to limits recommended by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The calculated average value of D and Hin of groundwater is 108.11nGyh−1 and 1.26, respectively and are above the UNSCEAR values (55 nGyh−1 and 1). Further, the average values of Raeq, AEDE and Hex were below the recommended values. The isotopic ratio of uranium radionuclides in groundwater indicates that the uranium in the sampled groundwater is below 1 suggesting it is not natural uranium present but a possible contamination from the mine seepage. The radiological hazard parameters of the seepage water were above the recommended values and thus pose a radiation risk to human and environment.
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ISSN (up) 1474-7065 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ mathuthu_radiological_2021 Serial 160
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Author Zeng, S.; Shen, Y.; Sun, B.; Zhang, N.; Zhang, S.; Feng, S.
Title Pore structure evolution characteristics of sandstone uranium ore during acid leaching Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 53 Issue 12 Pages 4033-4041
Keywords Acid method, In situ leaching, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Pore characteristic, Sandstone uranium ore
Abstract To better understand the permeability of uranium sandstone, improve the leaching rate of uranium, and explore the change law of pore structure characteristics and blocking mechanism during leaching, we systematically analyzed the microstructure of acid-leaching uranium sandstone. We investigated the variable rules of pore structure characteristics based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results showed the following: (1) The uranium concentration change followed the exponential law during uranium deposits acid leaching. After 24 h, the uranium leaching rate reached 50%. The uranium leaching slowed gradually over the next 4 days. (2) Combined with the regularity of porosity variation, Stages I and II included chemical plugging controlled by surface reaction. Stage I was the major completion phase of uranium displacement with saturation precipitation of calcium sulfate. Stage II mainly precipitated iron (III) oxide-hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Stage III involved physical clogging controlled by diffusion. (3) In the three stages of leaching, the permeability of the leaching solution changed with the pore structure, which first decreased, then increased, and then decreased.
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ISSN (up) 1738-5733 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ zeng_pore_2021 Serial 199
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Author Kharazi, P.; khazaeli, E.A.; Heshmatpour, A.
Title Delineation of suitable sites for groundwater dams in the semi-arid environment in the northeast of Iran using GIS-based decision-making method Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Groundwater for Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue Pages 100657
Keywords Subsurface dam, Hybrid decision-making method, Geographic information system, Analytical hierarchy process, EDAS, TOPSIS1
Abstract Competing commercial demands on water resources need to be balanced as the world’s population rises. Generally, groundwater is raised by subsurface dams. In this paper, the geographic information system (GIS) software and a decision-making method were applied. As the first step, the limitations that affect the establishment of the subsurface dam were identified using eliminating criteria by the Boolean logic. Regarding the second step, the most appropriate axis was determined for subsurface dam construction in each of the limits. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was applied according to the evaluation criteria in this study. The aim of using AHP was to weigh and prioritize the criteria of the groundwater dam for recognizing appropriate sites. Among various places and regarding the subsurface dam construction, AHP was conducted using a hierarchy process for finding the most suitable sites in the third stage of the decision-making method. Finally, among the ten appropriate sites, cross comparison was drawn by using Decision Expert (DEX), Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Compared together (as a process of decision-making), DEX, TOPSIS, and EDAS methods assisted in ranking the most appropriate sites in the final step of subsurface dam pre-selection. A and C axes obtained scores between 1 and 2, among 10 axes according to the numerically ranked locations. Regarding the water shortage issue and better management of the underground water at certain levels, the findings of this study could be useful for the residents of Kajbid-Balaqly Watershed in the dry season. Further, water managers can use the above-mentioned methods for their decisions regarding the proper subsurface dam establishment.
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ISSN (up) 2352-801x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Kharazi2021100657 Serial 250
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Author Musy, S.; Meyzonnat, G.; Barbecot, F.; Hunkeler, D.; Sültenfuss, J.; Solomon, D.K.; Purtschert, R.
Title In-situ sampling for krypton-85 groundwater dating Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Journal of Hydrology X Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue Pages 100075
Keywords Noble gases, Tracers, Groundwater, Dating, Sampling Methodology
Abstract Krypton-85 and other radioactive noble gases are widely used for groundwater dating purposes. 85Kr analysis require large volumes of water to reach the analytical requirements. Conventionally, this water is pumped to the surface to be degassed with a gas extraction system. The large pumping rate may disturb the natural flow field and requires substantial field logistics. Hence, we propose a new in-situ degassing method, in which membrane contactors are used to degas the groundwater directly in the well and gas is collected at the surface. This way, field work is facilitated, groundwater system disturbance is minimized, and the gas sample is collected at a specific depth. We demonstrate the tightness of the system regarding atmospheric air contamination for a collection times of 24 h, which is sufficient for both low-level counting and laser-based counting methods for 85Kr. The minimal borehole diameter is 7.5 cm for the prototype presented in this research but can easily be reduced to smaller diameters. In a case study, we compare the results obtained with the new passive method with those from a conventional packer setup sampling. Additionally, 3H/3He samples were collected for both sampling regimes and the dating results were compared with those from 85Kr. A good agreement between tracer ages is demonstrated and the age stratigraphy is consistent with the expected age distribution for a porous unconfined aquifer. In addition, our study emphasizes the differences between the age information sampled with various methods. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the new in situ quasi-passive method provides a more representative age stratigraphy with depth in most cases.
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ISSN (up) 2589-9155 ISBN Medium
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Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Musy2021100075 Serial 215
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