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Author Priestley, S.C.; Payne, T.E.; Harrison, J.J.; Post, V.E.A.; Shand, P.; Love, A.J.; Wohling, D.L. url  openurl
  Title Use of U-isotopes in exploring groundwater flow and inter-aquifer leakage in the south-western margin of the Great Artesian Basin and Arckaringa Basin, central Australia Type Journal Article
  Year 2018 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 98 Issue Pages 331-344  
  Keywords Activity ratios, Central Australia, Great Artesian Basin, Hydrogeology, Sequential extraction, Uranium isotopes  
  Abstract The distribution of uranium isotopes (238U and 234U) in groundwaters of the south-western margin of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), Australia, and underlying Arckaringa Basin were examined using groundwater samples and a sequential extraction of aquifer sediments. Rock weathering, the geochemical environment and α-recoil of daughter products control the 238U and 234U isotope distributions giving rise to large spatial variations. Generally, the shallowest aquifer (J aquifer) contains groundwater with higher 238U activity concentrations and 234U/238U activity ratios close to secular equilibrium. However, the source input of uranium is spatially variable as intermittent recharge from ephemeral rivers passes through rocks that have already undergone extensive weathering and contain low 238U activity concentrations. Other locations in the J aquifer that receive little or no recharge contain higher 238U activity concentrations because uranium from localised uranium-rich rocks have been leached into solution and the geochemical environment allows the uranium to be kept in solution. The geochemical conditions of the deeper aquifers generally result in lower 238U activity concentrations in the groundwater accompanied by higher 234U/238U activity ratios. The sequential extraction of aquifer sediments showed that α-recoil of 234U from the solid mineral phases into the groundwater, rather than dissolution of, or exchange with the groundwater accessible minerals in the aquifer, caused enrichment of groundwater 234U/238U activity ratios in the Boorthanna Formation. Decay of 238U in uranium-rich coatings on J aquifer sediments caused resistant phase 234U/238U activity ratio enrichment. The groundwater 234U/238U activity ratio is dependent on groundwater residence time or flow rate, depending on the flow path trajectory. Thus, uranium isotope variations confirmed earlier groundwater flow interpretations based on other tracers; however, spatial heterogeneity, and the lack of clear regional correlations, made it difficult to identify recharge and inter-aquifer leakage.  
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  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 @ priestley_use_2018 Serial 115  
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Author Mühr-Ebert, E.L.; Wagner, F.; Walther, C. url  openurl
  Title Speciation of uranium: Compilation of a thermodynamic database and its experimental evaluation using different analytical techniques Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 100 Issue Pages 213-222  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Environmental hazards are caused by uranium mining legacies and enhanced radioactivity in utilized groundwater and surface water resources. Knowledge of uranium speciation in these waters is essential for predicting radionuclide migration and for installing effective water purification technology. The validity of the thermodynamic data for the environmental media affected by uranium mining legacies is of utmost importance. Therefore, a comprehensive and consistent database was established according to current knowledge. The uranium data included in the database is based on the NEA TDB (Guillaumont et al., 2003) and is modified or supplemented as necessary e.g. for calcium and magnesium uranyl carbonates. The specific ion interaction theory (Brönsted, 1922) is used to estimate activity constants, which is sufficient for the considered low ionic strengths. The success of this approach was evaluated by comparative experimental investigations and model calculations (PHREEQC (Parkhurst and Appelo, 1999)) for several model systems. The waters differ in pH (2.7–9.8), uranium concentration (10−9-10−4 mol/L) and ionic strength (0.002–0.2 mol/L). We used chemical extraction experiments, ESI-Orbitrap-MS and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) to measure the uranium speciation. The latter method is nonintrusive and therefore does not change the chemical composition of the investigated waters. This is very important, because any change of the system under study may also change the speciation.  
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  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 @ muhr-ebert_speciation_2019 Serial 142  
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Author Stone, A.E.C.; Edmunds, W.M. url  openurl
  Title Naturally-high nitrate in unsaturated zone sand dunes above the Stampriet Basin, Namibia Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Journal of Arid Environments Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 105 Issue Pages 41-51  
  Keywords Kalahari, Namibia, Nitrate in the unsaturated zone, Stampriet Basin, Transboundary basin, Unsaturated zone recharge  
  Abstract Elevated groundwater nitrate levels are common in drylands, often in excess of WHO guidelines, with concern for human and animal health. In light of recent attempts to identify nitrate sources in the Kalahari this paper presents the first unsaturated zone (USZ) nitrate profiles and recharge rate estimates for the important transboundary Stampriet Basin, alongside the first rainfall chemistry records. Elevated subsurface nitrate reaches 100–250 and 250–525 mg/L NO3–N, with NO3–N/Cl of 4–12, indicating input above evapotranspiration. Chloride mass balance recharge rates range from 4 to 27 mm/y, indicating a vertical movement of these nitrate pulses toward the water table over multi-decadal timescales. These profiles are sampled from dune crests, away from high concentrations of animals and without termite mounds. Given low-density animal grazing is unlikely to contribute consistent spot-scale nitrate over decades, these profiles give an initial estimate of naturally-produced concentrations. This insight is important for the management of the Stampriet Basin and wider Kalahari groundwater. This study expands our knowledge about elevated nitrate in dryland USZs, demonstrating that it can occur as pulses, probably in response to transient vegetation cover and that it is not limited to long-residence time USZs with very limited downward moisture flux (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 0140-1963 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ stone_naturally-high_2014 Serial 91  
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Author Stone, A.E.C.; Edmunds, W.M. url  openurl
  Title Naturally-high nitrate in unsaturated zone sand dunes above the Stampriet Basin, Namibia Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Journal of Arid Environments Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 105 Issue Pages 41-51  
  Keywords Kalahari, Namibia, Nitrate in the unsaturated zone, Stampriet Basin, Transboundary basin, Unsaturated zone recharge  
  Abstract Elevated groundwater nitrate levels are common in drylands, often in excess of WHO guidelines, with concern for human and animal health. In light of recent attempts to identify nitrate sources in the Kalahari this paper presents the first unsaturated zone (USZ) nitrate profiles and recharge rate estimates for the important transboundary Stampriet Basin, alongside the first rainfall chemistry records. Elevated subsurface nitrate reaches 100–250 and 250–525 mg/L NO3–N, with NO3–N/Cl of 4–12, indicating input above evapotranspiration. Chloride mass balance recharge rates range from 4 to 27 mm/y, indicating a vertical movement of these nitrate pulses toward the water table over multi-decadal timescales. These profiles are sampled from dune crests, away from high concentrations of animals and without termite mounds. Given low-density animal grazing is unlikely to contribute consistent spot-scale nitrate over decades, these profiles give an initial estimate of naturally-produced concentrations. This insight is important for the management of the Stampriet Basin and wider Kalahari groundwater. This study expands our knowledge about elevated nitrate in dryland USZs, demonstrating that it can occur as pulses, probably in response to transient vegetation cover and that it is not limited to long-residence time USZs with very limited downward moisture flux (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 0140-1963 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Stone201441 Serial 218  
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Author Stone, A.E.C.; Edmunds, W.M. url  openurl
  Title Naturally-high nitrate in unsaturated zone sand dunes above the Stampriet Basin, Namibia Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Journal of Arid Environments Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 105 Issue Pages 41-51  
  Keywords Kalahari, Namibia, Nitrate in the unsaturated zone, Stampriet Basin, Transboundary basin, Unsaturated zone recharge  
  Abstract Elevated groundwater nitrate levels are common in drylands, often in excess of WHO guidelines, with concern for human and animal health. In light of recent attempts to identify nitrate sources in the Kalahari this paper presents the first unsaturated zone (USZ) nitrate profiles and recharge rate estimates for the important transboundary Stampriet Basin, alongside the first rainfall chemistry records. Elevated subsurface nitrate reaches 100–250 and 250–525 mg/L NO3–N, with NO3–N/Cl of 4–12, indicating input above evapotranspiration. Chloride mass balance recharge rates range from 4 to 27 mm/y, indicating a vertical movement of these nitrate pulses toward the water table over multi-decadal timescales. These profiles are sampled from dune crests, away from high concentrations of animals and without termite mounds. Given low-density animal grazing is unlikely to contribute consistent spot-scale nitrate over decades, these profiles give an initial estimate of naturally-produced concentrations. This insight is important for the management of the Stampriet Basin and wider Kalahari groundwater. This study expands our knowledge about elevated nitrate in dryland USZs, demonstrating that it can occur as pulses, probably in response to transient vegetation cover and that it is not limited to long-residence time USZs with very limited downward moisture flux (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 0140-1963 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Stone201441 Serial 279  
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Author Rossetto, R.; Filippis, G.D.; Borsi, I.; Foglia, L.; Cannata, M.; Criollo, R.; Vázquez-Suñé, E. url  openurl
  Title Integrating free and open source tools and distributed modelling codes in GIS environment for data-based groundwater management Type Journal Article
  Year 2018 Publication Environmental Modelling & Software Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 107 Issue Pages 210-230  
  Keywords Free and Open Source Software, FREEWAT, Groundwater management, ICT, MODFLOW, QGIS  
  Abstract Integrating advanced simulation techniques and data analysis tools in a freeware Geographic Information System (GIS) provides a valuable contribution to the management of conjunctive use of groundwater (the world’s largest freshwater resource) and surface-water. To this aim, we describe here the FREEWAT (FREE and open source software tools for WATer resource management) platform. FREEWAT is a free and open source, QGIS-integrated interface for planning and management of water resources, with specific attention to groundwater. The FREEWAT platform couples the power of GIS geo-processing and post-processing tools in spatial data analysis with that of process-based simulation models. The FREEWAT environment allows storage of large spatial datasets, data management and visualization, and running of several distributed modelling codes (mainly belonging to the MODFLOW family). It simulates hydrologic and transport processes, and provides a database framework and visualization capabilities for hydrochemical analysis. Examples of real case study applications are provided.  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1364-8152 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ rossetto_integrating_2018 Serial 92  
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Author Hall, S.M.; Gosen, B.S.V.; Paces, J.B.; Zielinski, R.A.; Breit, G.N. url  openurl
  Title Calcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains, USA Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Ore Geology Reviews Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 109 Issue Pages 50-78  
  Keywords Calcrete, Carnotite, Finchite, Geochemistry, Uranium, Vanadium  
  Abstract The Southern High Plains (SHP) is a new and emerging U.S. uranium province. Here, uranyl vanadates form deposits in Pliocene to Pleistocene sandstone, dolomite, and limestone. Fifteen calcrete uranium occurrences are identified; two of these, the Buzzard Draw and Sulfur Springs Draw deposits, have combined in-place resources estimated at about 4 million pounds of U3O8. Ore minerals carnotite and finchite are hosted in dolomite at the Sulfur Springs Draw deposit, with accessory fluorite, celestine, smectite/illite, autunite, and strontium carbonate. Host carbonate at the Sulfur Springs Draw deposit is ∼190 ka and mineralization mobilized as recently as 3.8 ka. Ash collected near the deposit is 631 ka and erupted from the Yellowstone caldera complex. The Triassic Dockum Group that contains sandstone-hosted uranium deposits throughout the region and underlies the SHP is a potential source for uranium and vanadium. Regional uplift and dissection reintroduced oxygenated groundwater into the Dockum Group, mobilizing uranium. Additional uranium may have been contributed to groundwater by weathering of volcanic ash in Pliocene and Pleistocene host rocks. The locations of the uranium occurrences are mostly in modern drainage systems in the southeast portion of the SHP. Modelling of modern groundwater in the SHP carried out in a parallel study shows that a single fluid could form carnotite through evaporation, and that fluids of the requisite composition are more prevalent in the southern portion of the SHP. The southeastern portion of the SHP hosts more uranium occurrences due to a variety of factors including (1) upward transport of groundwater and connectivity between source and host rock, (2) higher uranium and vanadium content of groundwater, (3) higher rates of groundwater recharge in this region to drive the mineralizing system, and (4) shallower groundwater facilitating surface evaporation. Ongoing erosion of host rocks challenges preservation of deposits and may limit their size.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  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_calcrete_2019 Serial 124  
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Author Ruiz, O.; Thomson, B.; Cerrato, J.M.; Rodriguez-Freire, L. url  openurl
  Title Groundwater restoration following in-situ recovery (ISR) mining of uranium Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 109 Issue Pages 104418  
  Keywords Aquifer stabilization, Ground water restoration, In-situ leach mining, In-situ recovery, Uranium  
  Abstract From 1950 through the early 1980’s New Mexico accounted for roughly half of domestic uranium (U) production for the nuclear power industry and the nation’s weapon programs. Increased interest in nuclear energy has led to proposals for renewed development using both underground mining and uranium in situ recovery (ISR). When feasible, ISR greatly reduces waste generated by the mining and milling processes, however, the ability to restore ground water to acceptable quality after ISR ends is uncertain. This research investigated two methods of stabilizing an aquifer following ISR. Batch and column studies were performed to evaluate chemical and biological methods of stabilization. Columns packed with ore were first leached with an aerated NaHCO3 ground water solution to simulate ISR. Constituents present at elevated concentrations after leaching included molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), U, and vanadium (V). Chemical stabilization was studied by passing a phosphate (PO43-) amended solution through the ore to achieve passivation of mineral surfaces by P precipitates. Microbial stabilization was studied by passing a lactate solution through the ore to stimulate growth of anaerobic metal- and sulfate-reducing organisms to reduce U and other elements to less soluble phases. Analyses of the solids from the columns after completion of these experiments by X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) identified phosphate on samples near the column inlet of the chemically stabilized columns. Microbial populations were characterized by Illumina DNA sequencing and confirmed the presence of metal- and sulfate-reducing organisms. Neither chemical nor microbial stabilization method achieved contaminant immobilization, which is believed due to limited mixing of the stabilization solutions with the contaminated leach solutions. These results emphasize that ground water hydrodynamics, especially mixing, must be considered in aquifer restoration of soluble constituents.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  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 @ ruiz_groundwater_2019 Serial 153  
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Author Shams, A. url  openurl
  Title A rediscovered-new ‘Qanat’ system in the High Mountains of Sinai Peninsula, with Levantine reflections Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Journal of Arid Environments Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 110 Issue Pages 69-74  
  Keywords Foggara, Irrigation, Levant, Qanat, Sinai Peninsula  
  Abstract Since the Achaemenid Empire in 532–332 BCE, the ‘Qanat’ became the central irrigation system in the arid and semi-arid lands. Several terms are used for ‘Qanat’ in different regions, including the Karez, Qanat, Falaj type Daudi, Qanat Romani, Fuqara (Foggara), or Khettara as known in Central Asia, Persia, Southeast Arabia, Levant, North Africa, or Morocco respectively. Typically, the ground, spring or surface water (i.e. seasonal floods or river-fed) sources feed similar irrigation system. Based on thirteen years of extensive survey and analysis work (i.e. Sinai Peninsula Research 2000–2013 CE), this paper presents a rediscovered-new Qanat system in the High Mountains of Sinai Peninsula (i.e. UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘WHS’ no. 954) under chronological open question with Levantine reflections. In 1970s CE, the present Sinaitic site of Farsh Abu A’lwan or the anciently known Farsh Shamma’a was archaeologically surveyed without a direct reference to the Qanat system in-situ. Scientifically, it is an argumentative and unique Qanat system in terms of chronology, location (region), site (local-setting), water source, size and household utility. It is the only discovered ‘Qanat’ across the Sinai, connecting the Near East and North Africa.  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0140-1963 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Shams201469 Serial 248  
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Author Pereira, A.J.S.C.; Neves, L.J.P.F. url  openurl
  Title Estimation of the radiological background and dose assessment in areas with naturally occurring uranium geochemical anomalies—a case study in the Iberian Massif (Central Portugal) Type Journal Article
  Year 2012 Publication Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (up) 112 Issue Pages 96-107  
  Keywords Background, Dose assessment, Geochemical anomalies, Mine remediation, Natural radioactivity, Uranium  
  Abstract Naturally occurring uranium geochemical anomalies, representative of the several thousand recognized in the Portuguese section of the Iberian Massif and outcropping in three target areas with a total of a few thousand square metres, were subjected to a detailed study (1:1000 scale) to evaluate the radiological health-risk on the basis of a dose assessment. To reach this goal some radioactive isotopes from the uranium, thorium and potassium radioactive series were measured in 52 samples taken from different environmental compartments: soils, stream sediments, water, foodstuff (vegetables) and air; external radiation was also measured through a square grid of 10×10m, with a total of 336 measurements. The results show that some radioisotopes have high activities in all the environmental compartments as well as a large variability, namely for those of the uranium decay chain, which is a common situation in the regional geological setting. Isotopic disequilibrium is also common and led to an enrichment of several isotopes in the different pathways, as is the case of 226Ra; maximum values of 1.76BqL−1 (water), 986Bqkg−1 (soils) and 18.9Bqkg−1 (in a turnip sample) were measured. On the basis of a realistic scenario combined with the experimental data, the effective dose from exposure to ionizing radiation for two groups of the population (rural and urban) was calculated; the effective dose is variable between 8.0 and 9.5mSvyear−1, which is 3–4 times higher than the world average. Thus, the radiological health-risk for these populations could be significant and the studied uranium anomalies must be taken into account in the assessment of the geochemical background. The estimated effective dose can also be used as typical of the background of the Beiras uranium metalogenetic province and therefore as a “benchmark” in the remediation of the old uranium mining sites.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0265-931x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ pereira_estimation_2012 Serial 129  
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