|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Shayakhmetov, N.M.; Alibayeva, K.A.; Kaltayev, A.; Panfilov, I.
Title Enhancing uranium in-situ leaching efficiency through the well reverse technique: A study of the effects of reversal time on production efficiency and cost Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Hydrometallurgy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 219 Issue (down) Pages 106086
Keywords Economic evaluation, Hydrodynamic enhancement of mineral production, In-situ leaching, Mineral recovery, Optimal reversal time, Well reversing technique
Abstract In this study, the application of the Well Reversal Technique (WRT) and the impact of reversal time on the efficiency of uranium mining via In-Situ Leaching (ISL) were investigated. A prevalent issue in ISL mineral extraction is the formation of stagnant zones caused by limited access of the lixiviant, which leads to increased operating expenditures. The WRT, which involves altering the function of some wells from injection to production or vice versa, is a potential solution to this problem. The efficiency of WRT is heavily dependent on the well pattern and reversal time. Two commonly used well patterns in ISL are the 9-spot (row arrangement) and 7-spot (hexagonal arrangement). The objective of this study was to determine the optimal reversal time for a 9-spot well pattern through mathematical modeling of hydrodynamic and physico-chemical processes and subsequent economic assessment. A mathematical model of uranium extraction processes was developed using the principles of mass conservation, Darcy’s, and mass action laws. The results obtained for a 9-spot well pattern without reversal, with two reversal options, and a 7-spot scheme were analyzed comparatively. The 7-spot scheme without reversal was found to be the most effective of the options examined. The application of WRT on a 9-spot well pattern allows to enhance production efficiency to a level comparable to that of a 7-spot well pattern. Additionally, the effect of reversal time on recovery was studied based on two well reversal options. The results from calculation revealed that the optimal scenario was when the well reversal is conducted immediately after the time point at which the average concentration of the pregnant solution in the production wells reaches its peak value. The overall efficiency of WRT application was determined through economic calculations of capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) expenditures. Based on economic calculations, it was determined that the utilization of WRT results in a 3–18% increase in mineral production efficiency for a 9-point scheme, depending on the chosen reversal method.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0304-386x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ shayakhmetov_enhancing_2023 Serial 203
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Qiu, W.; Yang, Y.; Song, J.; Que, W.; Liu, Z.; Weng, H.; Wu, J.; Wu, J.
Title What chemical reaction dominates the CO2 and O2 in-situ uranium leaching?: Insights from a three-dimensional multicomponent reactive transport model at the field scale Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 148 Issue (down) Pages 105522
Keywords Carbonate minerals, In-situ leaching (ISL) of uranium, Pyrite oxidation, Reactive transport modeling (RTM)
Abstract The complex behavior of uranium in recovery is mostly driven by water-rock interactions following lixiviant injection into ore-bearing aquifers. Significant challenges exist in exploring the geochemical processes responsible for uranium release and mobilization. Herein this study provides an illustration of a ten-year field scale CO2 and O2 in-situ leaching (ISL) process at a typical sandstone-hosted uranium deposit in northern China. We also conducte a three-dimensional (3-D) multicomponent reactive transport model to assess the effects of potential chemical reactions on uranium recovery, in particular, to focus on the role of sulfide mineral pyrite (FeS2). Numerical simulations are performed considering three potential ISL reaction pathways to determine the relative contributions to uranium release, and the results indicate that bicarbonate promotes the oxidative dissolution of uranium-bearing minerals and further accelerates the uranium leaching in a neutral geochemical system. Moreover, the presence of FeS2 exerts a strong competitive role in the uranium-bearing mineral dissolution by increasing oxygen consumption, favoring the formation of iron oxyhydroxide, and therefore causing an associated decrease in uranium recovery rates. The simulation model demonstrates that dissolution of carbonate neutralizes acidic water generated from pyrite oxidation and aqueous CO2 dissociation. In addition, the cation concentrations (i.e., Ca and Mg) are increasing in the pregnant solutions, showing that the recycling of lixiviants and kinetic dissolution of carbonate generates a larger number of dissolved Ca and Mg and inevitably triggers the secondary dolomite mineral precipitation. The findings improve our fundamental understanding of the geochemical processes in a long-term uranium ISL system and provide important environmental implications for the optimal design of uranium recovery, remediation, and risk exposure assessment.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0883-2927 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ qiu_what_2023 Serial 207
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, B.; Luo, Y.; Qian, J.-zhong; Liu, J.-hui; Li, X.; Zhang, Y.-hong; Chen, Q.-qian; Li, L.-yao; Liang, D.-ye; Huang, J.
Title Machine learning–based optimal design of the in-situ leaching process parameter (ISLPP) for the acid in-situ leaching of uranium Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 626 Issue (down) Pages 130234
Keywords In-situ leaching, Injection rate design, Lixiviant concentration design, Machine learning, Simulation-optimisation, Uncertainty
Abstract The migration process of leached uranium in the in-situ leaching of uranium is considered a typical reactive transport problem. During this process, the lixiviant concentration and injection rate are important in-situ leaching process parameters (ISLPP) to efficiently recover uranium. However, several uncertain factors affect the outcomes of the ISLPP design. In addition, the repeated use of the reactive transport model (RTM) for investigating the acid in-situ leaching of uranium with the application of the Monte Carlo method leads to a substantial computational load. For this reason, a machine learning (ML)–based surrogate model was developed with the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) method to replace the RTM under the condition of uncertain parameters. Moreover, the simulated annealing optimisation model for ISLPP was created based on the proposed surrogate model. The optimal ISLPP was achieved that generated maximum profits from uranium recovery under different lixiviant prices, uranium prices and exploitation times. The optimal design framework of ISLPP based on the proposed ML algorithm was then applied in the Bayan-Uul sandstone-type uranium deposit in Inner Mongolia, China. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that the ML-based surrogate model exhibited great fitness with the RTM. The optimal results of the ISLPP indicated that the lixiviant concentration and injection rate could be adjusted based on the fluctuations in lixiviant price, uranium price and exploitation time. If the prices of sulphuric acid were high, a specific concentration of hydrogen peroxide could be injected into the injection well to promote the oxidation and dissolution of the uranium ore to increase the income from the uranium recovery. The optimisation model can also use the ISLPP scheme to boost the revenues from different lixiviant prices, uranium prices and exploitation times under the uncertainty of porosity, illustrating the applicability of the ML-based optimal design method of ISLPP in ISL mining. A general framework for developing surrogate models, as well as for conducting uncertainty analyses for a wide range of groundwater models was proposed here yielding valuable insights.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ wang_machine_2023 Serial 210
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Li, J.; Pang, Z.; Liu, Y.; Hu, S.; Jiang, W.; Tian, L.; Yang, G.; Jiang, Y.; Jiao, X.; Tian, J.
Title Changes in groundwater dynamics and geochemical evolution induced by drainage reorganization: Evidence from 81Kr and 36Cl dating of geothermal water in the Weihe Basin of China Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Earth and Planetary Science Letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 623 Issue (down) Pages 118425
Keywords Kr dating, Cl dating, Geothermal water, Groundwater dynamics, Weihe basin
Abstract 81Kr and 36Cl can both be used to date groundwater beyond the dating range of 14C. 81Kr usually provides reliable groundwater ages because it has uniform initial distribution and negligible subsurface generation, while 36Cl is commonly influenced by subsurface sources or “dead” chloride dissolution. Therefore, the combined use of 81Kr and 36Cl could provide clues on the evolution history of groundwater. In the present study, we performed 36Cl and 81Kr dating of geothermal water in Weihe Basin of China and interpreted the possible cause of disagreement. Two distinct water masses were identified with distinctive isotopic signals: groundwater with significant δ18O shifts (up to −2.0‰), dissolved dead Cl and ages < 1.0 Ma (Cluster A), and older water with little δ18O shifts, negligible dissolved Cl and ages >1.0 Ma (Cluster B). The results confirm the eastward flow path of Cluster B to the Ancient Sanmen Lake with an increasing trend of Cl concentration and age. Modern recharge from the mountains flows to the basin center with intense interaction between water and carbonate under respective reservoir temperatures (100 ∼ 130 °C). These waters flow through the saline stratum emerging from the spillover of the Ancient Sanmen Lake, resulting in higher dead Cl dissolution. A significant linear relationship is observed with the older end-member of ∼1.3Ma under the topographically-driven faster circulation effect. 81Kr ages seem to support the hypothesis that the birth of the modern Yellow River was at about 1.0–1.3 Ma. We inferred the drainage reorganization from the Ancient Sanmen Lake to the modern Yellow River since the Mid-Pleistocene Transition induced the change in groundwater dynamics as well as its chemical evolution. The excavation of the Ancient Sanmen Lake and the accentuated incision of the Weihe River induced groundwater gradient, and therefore the recharge from precipitation from both slopes of the Qinling Mountains in the south and the Beishan Mountains in the north. Our results highlight the effects of dead Cl on 36Cl dating and demonstrate the significant impact of catchment reorganization on groundwater dynamics and its chemistry.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0012-821x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Li2023118425 Serial 212
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Musy, S.; Purtschert, R.
Title Reviewing 39Ar and 37Ar underground production in shallow depths with implications for groundwater dating Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Science of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 884 Issue (down) Pages 163868
Keywords Subsurface production, Argon-39, Argon-37, Muons, Isotope hydrology, Tracers
Abstract Argon-37 (37Ar) and Argon-39 (39Ar) are used for groundwater dating on timescales from weeks to centuries. For both isotopes, the quantification of underground sources is essential to accurately infer water residence times from sampled dissolved activities. Subsurface production resulting from interactions with neutrons from the natural radioactivity in rocks and with primary cosmogenic neutrons has been known for a long time. More recently, the capture of slow negative muons and reactions with muon-induced neutrons were documented for 39Ar subsurface production in the context of underground particle detectors (e.g. for Dark Matter research). However, the contribution from these particles was never considered for groundwater dating applications. Here, we reevaluate the importance of all potential depth-related production channels at depth ranges relevant for 39Ar groundwater dating [0 − 200 meters below the surface (m.b.s)]. The production of radioargon by muon-induced processes is considered in this depth range for the first time. The uncertainty on the total depth-dependent production rate is estimated with Monte Carlo simulations assuming a uniform distribution of the parameter uncertainties. This work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for interpreting 39Ar activities in terms of groundwater residence times and for exposure age dating of rocks. The production of 37Ar is also addressed since this isotope is relevant as a proxy for 39Ar production, for the timing of river-groundwater exchanges, and in the context of on-site inspections (OSI) within the verification framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). In this perspective, we provide an interactive web-based application for the calculation of 37Ar and 39Ar production rates in rocks.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Musy2023163868 Serial 217
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rusli, S.R.; Weerts, A.H.; Mustafa, S.M.T.; Irawan, D.E.; Taufiq, A.; Bense, V.F.
Title Quantifying aquifer interaction using numerical groundwater flow model evaluated by environmental water tracer data: Application to the data-scarce area of the Bandung groundwater basin, West Java, Indonesia Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Abbreviated Journal
Volume 50 Issue (down) Pages 101585
Keywords Aquifer interaction, Multi-layer groundwater abstraction, Environmental water tracers, Groundwater flow model, Bandung groundwater basin
Abstract Study Region: Bandung groundwater basin, Indonesia. Study focus: Groundwater abstraction of various magnitudes, pumped out from numerous depths in a multitude of layers of aquifers, stimulates different changes in hydraulic head distribution, including ones under vertical cross-sections. This generates groundwater flow in the vertical direction, where groundwater flows within its storage from the shallow to the underlying confined aquifers. In the Bandung groundwater basin, previous studies have identified such processes, but quantitative evaluations have never been conducted, with data scarcity mainly standing as one of the major challenges. In this study, we utilize the collated (1) environmental water tracer data, including major ion elements (Na+/K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−,HCO3−), stable isotope data (2H and δ18O), and groundwater age determination (14C), in conjunction with (2) groundwater flow modeling to quantify the aquifer interaction, driven mainly by the multi-layer groundwater abstraction in the Bandung groundwater basin, and demonstrate their correspondence. In addition, we also use the model to quantify the impact of multi-layer groundwater abstraction on the spatial distribution of the groundwater level changes. New hydrological insights for the region: In response to the limited calibration data availability, we expand the typical model calibration that makes use of the groundwater level observations, with in-situ measurement and a novel qualitative approach using the collated environmental water tracers (EWT) data for the model evaluation. The analysis in the study area using EWT data and quantitative methods of numerical groundwater flow modeling is found to collaborate with each other. Both methods show agreement in their assessment of (1) the groundwater recharge spatial distribution, (2) the regional groundwater flow direction, (3) the groundwater age estimates, and (4) the identification of aquifer interaction. On average, the downwelling to the deeper aquifer is quantified at 0.110 m/year, which stands out as a significant component compared to other groundwater fluxes in the system. We also determine the unconfined aquifer storage volume decrease, calculated from the change in the groundwater table, resulting in an average declining rate of 51 Mm3/year. This number shows that the upper aquifer storage is dwindling at a rate disproportionate to its groundwater abstraction, hugely influenced by losses to the deeper aquifer. The outflow to the deeper aquifer contributes to 60.3% of the total groundwater storage lost, despite representing only 32.3% of the total groundwater abstraction. This study shows the possibility of quantification of aquifer interaction and groundwater level change dynamics driven by multi-layer groundwater abstraction in a multi-layer hydrogeological setting, even in a data-scarce environment. Applying such methods can assist in deriving basin-scale groundwater policies and management strategies under the changing anthropogenic and climatic factors, thereby ensuring sustainable groundwater management.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2214-5818 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Rusli2023101585 Serial 222
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bresinsky, L.; Kordilla, J.; Hector, T.; Engelhardt, I.; Livshitz, Y.; Sauter, M.
Title Managing climate change impacts on the Western Mountain Aquifer: Implications for Mediterranean karst groundwater resources Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology X Abbreviated Journal
Volume 20 Issue (down) Pages 100153
Keywords Groundwater recharge, Storage, Hydrogeological droughts, Climate change effects, Groundwater management, Mitigation of climate change effects
Abstract Many studies highlight the decrease in precipitation due to climate change in the Mediterranean region, making it a prominent hotspot. This study examines the combined impacts of climate change and three groundwater demand scenarios on the water resources of the Western Mountain Aquifer (WMA) in Israel and the West Bank. While commonly used methods for quantifying groundwater recharge and water resources rely on regression models, it is important to acknowledge their limitations when assessing climate change impacts. Regression models and other data-driven approaches are effective within observed variability but may lack predictive power when extrapolated to conditions beyond historical fluctuations. A comprehensive assessment requires distributed process-based numerical models incorporating a broader range of relevant physical flow processes and, ideally, ensemble model projections. In this study, we simulate the dynamics of dual-domain infiltration and precipitation partitioning using a HydroGeoSphere (HGS) model for variably saturated water flow coupled to a soil-epikarst water balance model in the WMA. The model input includes downscaled high-resolution climate projections until 2070 based on the IPCC RCP4.5 scenario. The results reveal a 5% to 10% decrease in long-term average groundwater recharge compared to a 30% reduction in average precipitation. The heterogeneity of karstic flow and increased intensity of individual rainfall events contribute to this mitigated impact on groundwater recharge, underscoring the importance of spatiotemporally resolved climate models with daily precipitation data. However, despite the moderate decrease in recharge, the study highlights the increasing length and severity of consecutive drought years with low recharge values. It emphasizes the need to adjust current management practices to climate change, as freshwater demand is expected to rise during these periods. Additionally, the study examines the emergence of hydrogeological droughts and their propagation from the surface to the groundwater. The results suggest that the 48-month standardized precipitation index (SPI-48) is a suitable indicator for hydrogeological drought emergence due to reduced groundwater recharge.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2589-9155 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Bresinsky2023100153 Serial 223
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Arya, S.; Kumar, A.
Title Evaluation of stormwater management approaches and challenges in urban flood control Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Urban Climate Abbreviated Journal
Volume 51 Issue (down) Pages 101643
Keywords Flood risk, Green infrastructure (GI), Stormwater management, Stormwater modelling, Vulnerability assessment, Urban floods
Abstract Across the globe, the damage caused by urban floods has increased manifold. The unchecked development has encroached the natural drainage, and the conventional drainage systems are inadequate in handling the augmented hydrological response. To counter this, a variety of approaches with the ability to adjust within the constraints of complex environments by managing surface runoff are being widely investigated and applied worldwide. These can put the flood water to better use, and the ecological balance may get restored. This review discusses recent progress made in the area of Green Infrastructure (GI), modelling tools that help in stormwater management, vulnerability analysis and flood risk assessment. Different ways of handling the problem are summarized through an extensive literature survey. The gaps and barriers that impede the implementation of stormwater management solutions and strategies for further improvement have also been presented. A case study of Gurugram city, India depicting the challenges being faced by urban flooding and the possible solutions through an expert survey is also presented.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-0955 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Arya2023101643 Serial 224
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Mekuria, W.; Tegegne, D.
Title Water harvesting Type Book Chapter
Year 2023 Publication Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment (Second Edition) Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue (down) Pages 593-607
Keywords Climate change, Ecosystem services, Environmental benefits, Population growth, Resilient community, Resilient environment, Socio-economic benefits, Urbanizations, Water harvesting, Water quality, Water security
Abstract Water harvesting is the intentional collection and concentration of rainwater and runoff to offset irrigation demands. Secondary benefits include decreased flood and erosion risk. Water harvesting techniques include micro- and macro-catchment systems, floodwater harvesting, and rooftop and groundwater harvesting. The techniques vary with catchment type and size, and the method of water storage. Micro-catchment water harvesting, for example, requires the development of small structures and targets increased water delivery and storage to the root zone whereas macro-catchment systems collect runoff water from large areas. The sustainability of water harvesting techniques at the local level are usually constrained by several factors such as labor, construction costs, loss of productive land, and maintenance, suggesting that multiple solutions are required to sustain the benefits of water harvesting techniques.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Academic Press Place of Publication Oxford Editor Goss, M.J.; Oliver, M.
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-0-323-95133-3 Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Mekuria2023593 Serial 225
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Heidari, B.; Prideaux, V.; Jack, K.; Jaber, F.H.
Title A planning framework to mitigate localized urban stormwater inlet flooding using distributed Green Stormwater Infrastructure at an urban scale: Case study of Dallas, Texas Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 621 Issue (down) Pages 129538
Keywords Green stormwater infrastructure, Localized inlet pluvial flooding, Opportunity subwatersheds, Stormwater investment prioritization, Resilient urban watershed planning
Abstract Mitigation of localized pluvial flooding is one of the major resiliency goals in urban environments, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) has the potential to deliver such an outcome. However, there is a lack of systematic approaches to prioritize investment in different candidate areas. This study provides a framework to identify vulnerable stormwater drainage inlets and their contributing areas, prioritize them, identify dominant factors in their selection, assess the potential of GSI in mitigating their overflows, and compare the impact and its cost to gray infrastructure upgrade alternatives. Using SWMM 5.1.013, decision trees, and a volumetric-based assessment of GSI overflow capture, we applied the framework to the City of Dallas, Texas, for three design storms with three GSI practices— bioretention cells, raingardens, and rainwater harvesting tanks. Results showed that there was a significant increase in the number of overflowing stormwater drainage inlets, referred to as hotspots, and their contributing subwatersheds, referred to as opportunity areas, with more intense storms especially in problematic watersheds. Also, prioritization results provided a series of maps to rank the opportunity areas based on overflow severity, recurrence of the overflows, and GSI availability. Moreover, classification results showed that inlet features, especially the inlet depth, were the dominant factors in the identification of the non-problematic inlets. Finally, the GSI impact assessment showed substantial overflow mitigation even at the “very high” severity levels when GSI is comprehensively deployed across opportunity areas. Despite gray infrastructure upgrades yielding higher reduction levels, their cost per cubic meter was higher than GSI. Therefore, a combination of GSI and gray results in maximum overflow reduction at a lower cost compared to common practices.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Heidari2023129538 Serial 226
Permanent link to this record