|   | 
Details
   web
Records
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 (down) Science of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 884 Issue 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 Alexander, A.C.; Ndambuki, J.M.
Title Impact of mine closure on groundwater resource: Experience from Westrand Basin-South Africa Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Abbreviated Journal
Volume 131 Issue Pages 103432
Keywords Acid mine drainage, Groundwater quality, Mine closure, Spatio-temporal variation, Westrand Basin
Abstract The mining sector is at the edge of expanding to cater for natural resources that are much needed for technological development and manufacturing. Mushrooming of mines will consequently increase the number of mines closure. Moreover, mines closure have adverse impact on the environment at large and specifically on water resources. This study analyses historical groundwater quality parameters in mine intensive basin of Westrand Basin (WRB) to understand the status of groundwater quality in relation to mining activities and mine closure. Geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the spatio-temporal variation of groundwater quality in the basin and groundwater quality index (GQI) to evaluate its status. The coefficient of variation (CV) was applied to understand the stability of groundwater quality after the mine closure. Results indicated unstable and altered trend with increasing levels of acidity and salts concentration around the mines vicinity following the mine closure. The resultant maps indicated a significant deterioration of groundwater quality around the WRB with concentrations decreasing downstream. Obtained average GQI for the study period of 1996–2015 suggested a moderate groundwater quality at a range of GQI = 64–73. The CV indicated varying water quality at CV \textgreater 30% suggesting presence of source of contamination. Observed groundwater quality trends in Westrand basin suggested that mines closure present potential threat on groundwater quality and thus, a need for a robust mine closure plan and implementation.
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 1474-7065 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ alexander_impact_2023 Serial 134
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hall, S.M.; Gosen, B.S.V.; Zielinski, R.A.
Title Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits of the Colorado Plateau, USA Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Ore Geology Reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 155 Issue Pages 105353
Keywords Colorado, Plateau, Uranium, Vanadium
Abstract More than 4,000 sandstone-hosted uranium occurrences host over 1.2 billion pounds of mined and in situ U3O8 throughout the Colorado Plateau. Most of the resources are in two distinct mineral systems with deposits hosted in the Triassic Chinle and Jurassic Morrison Formations. In the Chinle mineral system, base metal sulfides typically accompany mineralization. The Morrison mineral system is characterized by V/U ratios up to 20. The uranium source was likely volcanic ash preserved as bentonitic mudstones in the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation, and lithic volcanic clasts, ash shards, and bentonitic clay in the lower part of the Chinle Formation. Vanadium originated from two possible sources: iron–titanium oxides that are extensively altered in bleached rock near deposits or from similar minerals in variably bleached red beds interbedded with and beneath the Morrison. In Chinle-hosted deposits, in addition to volcanic ash, a contributing source of both vanadium and uranium is proposed here for the first time to be underlying red beds in the Moenkopi and Cutler Formations that have undergone a cycle of reddening-bleaching-reoxidation. Transport in both systems was likely in groundwater through the more permeable sandstones and conglomerate units. The association of uranium minerals with carbonate and more rarely apatite, suggests that transport of uranium was as a carbonate or phosphate complex. The first comprehensive examination of paleoclimate, paleotopography, and subsurface structure of aquifers coupled with analysis of the geochronology of deposits suggests that that there were distinct pulses of uranium mineralization/redistribution during the period from about 259 Ma to 12 Ma when oxidized mineralizing fluids were intermittently rejuvenated in the Plateau in response to changes in tectonic regime and climate. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that deposits formed at ambient temperatures of about 25 °C to no greater than about 140 °C. In both systems, deposits formed where groundwater flow slowed and was subject to evaporative concentration. Stagnant conditions allowed for prolonged interaction of U- and V-enriched groundwater with ferrous iron-bearing reductants, such as illite and iron–titanium oxides, and more rarely organic material such as plant debris. Paragenetically late in the sequence, reducing fluids introduced additional organic matter to some deposits. Reducing fluids and introduced organic matter (now amorphous and altered by radiolysis) may originate from regional petroleum systems where peak oil and gas generation was from ∼ 82 to ∼ 5 Ma. Our novel analysis indicates that these reducing fluids bleached rock and protected affected deposits from remobilization during exposure and weathering that followed uplift of the Plateau (∼80 to 40 Ma).
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 0169-1368 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ hall_sandstone-hosted_2023 Serial 111
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Liu, Z.; Tan, K.; Li, C.; Li, Y.; Zhang, C.; Song, J.; Liu, L.
Title Geochemical and S isotopic studies of pollutant evolution in groundwater after acid in situ leaching in a uranium mine area in Xinjiang Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 55 Issue 4 Pages 1476-1484
Keywords Acid in situ leaching of uranium, Pollution evolution, Sulfate elimination, Sulfur isotopes analysis
Abstract Laboratory experiments and point monitoring of reservoir sediments have proven that stable sulfate reduction (SSR) can lower the concentrations of toxic metals and sulfate in acidic groundwater for a long time. Here, we hypothesize that SSR occurred during in situ leaching after uranium mining, which can impact the fate of acid groundwater in an entire region. To test this, we applied a sulfur isotope fractionation method to analyze the mechanism for natural attenuation of contaminated groundwater produced by acid in situ leaching of uranium (Xinjiang, China). The results showed that δ34S increased over time after the cessation of uranium mining, and natural attenuation caused considerable, area-scale immobilization of sulfur corresponding to retention levels of 5.3%–48.3% while simultaneously decreasing the concentration of uranium. Isotopic evidence for SSR in the area, together with evidence for changes of pollutant concentrations, suggest that area-scale SSR is most likely also important at other acid mining sites for uranium, where retention of acid groundwater may be strengthened through natural attenuation. To recapitulate, the sulfur isotope fractionation method constitutes a relatively accurate tool for quantification of spatiotemporal trends for groundwater during migration and transformation resulting from acid in situ leaching of uranium in northern China.
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 1738-5733 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ liu_geochemical_2023 Serial 192
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wang, W.; Liang, X.; Niu, Q.; Wang, Q.; Zhuo, J.; Su, X.; Zhou, G.; Zhao, L.; Yuan, W.; Chang, J.; Zheng, Y.; Pan, J.; Wang, Z.; Ji, Z.
Title Reformability evaluation of blasting-enhanced permeability in in situ leaching mining of low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 55 Issue 8 Pages 2773-2784
Keywords Analytic hierarchy process-entropy method, Fuzzy mathematics method, Mechanical property, Mineral composition, Pore structure, Split Hopkinson pressure bar
Abstract It is essential to evaluate the blasting-enhanced permeability (BEP) feasibility of a low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit. In this work, the mineral composition, reservoir physical properties and rock mechanical properties of samples from sandstone-type uranium deposits were first measured. Then, the reformability evaluation method was established by the analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EWM) and the fuzzy mathematics method. Finally, evaluation results were verified by the split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experiment and permeability test. Results show that medium sandstone, argillaceous sandstone and siltstone exhibit excellent reformability, followed by coarse sandstone and fine sandstone, while the reformability of sandy mudstone is poor and is not able to accept BEP reservoir stimulation. The permeability improvement and the distribution of damage fractures before and after the SHPB experiment confirm the correctness of evaluation results. This research provides a reformability evaluation method for the BEP of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit, which contributes to the selection of the appropriate regional and stratigraphic horizon of the BEP and the enhanced ISL of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit.
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 1738-5733 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ wang_reformability_2023 Serial 194
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zeng, S.; Song, J.; Sun, B.; Wang, F.; Ye, W.; Shen, Y.; Li, H.
Title Seepage characteristics of the leaching solution during in situ leaching of uranium Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 55 Issue 2 Pages 566-574
Keywords In situ leaching, Leaching solution viscosity, Seepage characteristics, Seepage pressure, Uranium-bearing sandstone
Abstract Investigating the seepage characteristics of the leaching solution in the ore-bearing layer during the in situ leaching process can be useful for designing the process parameters for the uranium mining well. We prepared leaching solutions of four different viscosities and conducted experiments using a self-developed multifunctional uranium ore seepage test device. The effects of different viscosities of leaching solutions on the seepage characteristics of uranium-bearing sandstones were examined using seepage mechanics, physicochemical seepage theory, and dissolution erosion mechanism. Results indicated that while the seepage characteristics of various viscosities of leaching solutions were the same in rock samples with similar internal pore architectures, there were regular differences between the saturated and the unsaturated stages. In addition, the time required for the specimen to reach saturation varied with the viscosity of the leaching solution. The higher the viscosity of the solution, the slower the seepage flow from the unsaturated stage to the saturated stage. Furthermore, during the saturation stage, the seepage pressure of a leaching solution with a high viscosity was greater than that of a leaching solution with a low viscosity. However, the permeability coefficient of the high viscosity leaching solution was less than that of a low viscosity leaching solution.
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 1738-5733 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ zeng_seepage_2023 Serial 211
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Asare, P.; Atun, F.; Pfeffer, K.
Title Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in spatial planning for urban flood mitigation: The perspective of flood management experts in Accra Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Land Use Policy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 133 Issue Pages 106865
Keywords Naure-Based Solutions, Urban expansion, Urban floods, Urban flood management, Spatial planning, NBS integration
Abstract The rapid rate of urban expansion with its associated physical development in recent years conflicts with the urban ecosystem and the services it provides. In most Sub-Saharan African cities, rapid urban expansion often does not conform to existing spatial plans. Physical developments are sometimes carried out in unauthorized areas, contributing to urban floods. The Sub-Saharan African regions’ flood management strategies mainly focus on engineering solutions but have not been fully functional in mitigating urban floods. There is a scarcity of knowledge on how urban flood-related NBS measures can be part of the spatial development in Sub-Saharan African cities for effective flood management. In order to address this gap, this study employed content and text analysis of policy documents and interviews to understand how current spatial and flood mitigation schemes in Accra, Ghana reflect possible NBS applicability and identify possible approaches to integrating NBS into existing planning schemes to prevent urban floods. The study found that Accra’s spatial plans and flood mitigation schemes reflect a possibility of NBS integration. Additionally, the study unveiled techniques for integrating NBS measures and possible implementation barriers and facilitation in the Ghanaian context, which can be linked to combating the challenges that the Ghanaian spatial planning and flood management authorities face. The research, therefore, contributes to knowledge of how NBS can be integrated into spatial planning systems and flood mitigation schemes in Sub-Saharan African regions.
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 0264-8377 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Asare2023106865 Serial 236
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhao, Y.; Li, X.; Lei, L.; Chen, L.; Luo, Z.
Title Permeability evolution mechanism and the optimum permeability determination of uranium leaching from low-permeability sandstone treated with low-frequency vibration Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 10 Pages 2597-2610
Keywords Chemical reactive rate, Low-frequency vibration, Low-permeability sandstone, Optimum permeability, Permeability evolution mechanism, Uranium migration
Abstract Low-frequency vibrations can effectively improve natural sandstone permeability, and higher vibration frequency is associated with larger permeability. However, the optimum permeability and permeability evolution mechanism for uranium leaching and the relationship between permeability and the change of chemical reactive rate affecting uranium leaching have not been determined. To solve the above problems, in this study, identical homogeneous sandstone samples were selected to simulate low-permeability sandstone; a permeability evolution model considering the combined action of vibration stress, pore water pressure, water flow impact force, and chemical erosion was established; and vibration leaching experiments were performed to test the model accuracy. Both the permeability and chemical reactions were found to simultaneously restrict U6+ leaching, and the vibration treatment increased the permeability, causing the U6+ leaching reaction to no longer be diffusion-constrained but to be primarily controlled by the reaction rate. Changes of the model calculation parameters were further analyzed to determine the permeability evolution mechanism under the influence of vibration and chemical erosion, to prove the correctness of the mechanism according to the experimental results, and to develop a new method for determining the optimum permeability in uranium leaching. The uranium leaching was found to primarily follow a process consisting of (1) a permeability control stage, (2) achieving the optimum permeability, (3) a chemical reactive rate control stage, and (4) a channel flow stage. The resolution of these problems is of great significance for facilitating the application and promotion of low-frequency vibration in the CO2 + O2 leaching process.
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 1674-7755 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ zhao_permeability_2023 Serial 198
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 (down) Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Abbreviated Journal
Volume 50 Issue 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 Ibrahim, A.S.; Zayed, I.S.A.; Abdelhaleem, F.S.; Afify, M.M.; Ahmed, A.; Abd-Elaty, I.
Title Identifying cost-effective locations of storage dams for rainfall harvesting and flash flood mitigation in arid and semi-arid regions Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Abbreviated Journal
Volume 50 Issue Pages 101526
Keywords Flash flood, Morphometric parameters, GIS, Cost-effective, Wadi Tayyibah, Dams
Abstract Study region Wadi Tayyibah is located in south Sinai, Egypt, in a region called Abou Zenima, and it is used to develop this study. Study focus Flash floods tremendously impact many facets of human life due to their destructive consequences and the costs associated with mitigating efforts. This study aims to evaluate the harvesting of Runoff by delineating the watersheds using the Hydrologic Engineering Center-1 (HEC-1) model and ArcGIS software in trying to benefit from it in different ways. All morphometric parameters of the basin were considered, and the risk degree of the different sub-basins was determined. The suitable locations of dams were identified using a Geographical Information System (GIS) using the basin’s morphometric characteristics. New hydrological insights for the region The study proposed a total number of eight dams, including five dams that were recommended for sub-basin (1) and three dams in sub-basin (4), while sub-basins (2) and (3) are not suitable locations to build dams according to the contour map of Wadi Tayyibah. Results indicate that, based on the constructed flash flood hazard maps and the basin’s detailed morphometric characteristics, the best locations of dams are Dam (3) in sub-basin (1) and Dam (7) in sub-basin (4), where the runoff volume reached 3.13 million cubic meters (Mm3) and 5.56 Mm3 for return period 100, respectively. This study is useful for decision-makers and designers for using morphometric parameters and flash flood hazard degree maps to select dam locations. Also, the cost-benefit analysis for using the morphometric parameters is required to be investigated.
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 @ Ibrahim2023101526 Serial 238
Permanent link to this record