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Alexander, A.C.; Ndambuki, J.M. |
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Title |
Impact of mine closure on groundwater resource: Experience from Westrand Basin-South Africa |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C |
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131 |
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103432 |
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Acid mine drainage, Groundwater quality, Mine closure, Spatio-temporal variation, Westrand Basin |
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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. |
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1474-7065 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ alexander_impact_2023 |
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134 |
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Mathuthu, M.; Uushona, V.; Indongo, V. |
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Title |
Radiological safety of groundwater around a uranium mine in Namibia |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C |
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122 |
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102915 |
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Groundwater, ICP-MS, Radiological hazard, Uranium mining |
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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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1474-7065 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ mathuthu_radiological_2021 |
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160 |
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Uugulu, S.; Wanke, H. |
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Title |
Estimation of groundwater recharge in savannah aquifers along a precipitation gradient using chloride mass balance method and environmental isotopes, Namibia |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C |
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116 |
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102844 |
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Chloride mass balance, Groundwater recharge, Isotopic values, Precipitation gradient |
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The quantification of groundwater resources is essential especially in water scarce countries like Namibia. The chloride mass balance (CMB) method and isotopic composition were used in determining groundwater recharge along a precipitation gradient at three sites, namely: Tsumeb (600 mm/a precipitation); Waterberg (450 mm/a precipitation) and Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer (240 mm/a precipitation). Groundwater and rainwater were collected from year 2016–2017. Rainwater was collected monthly while groundwater was collected before, during and after rainy seasons. Rainwater isotopic values for δ18O and δ2H range from −10.70 to 6.10‰ and from −72.7 to 42.1‰ respectively. Groundwater isotopic values for δ18O range from −9.84 to −5.35‰ for Tsumeb; from −10.85 to −8.60‰ for Waterberg and from −8.24 to −1.56‰ for Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer, while that for δ2H range from −65.6 to −46.7‰ for Tsumeb; −69.4 to −61.2‰ for Waterberg and −54.2 to −22.7‰ for Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer. Rainwater scatters along the GMWL. Rainwater collected in January, February and March are more depleted in heavy isotopes than those in November, December, April and May. Waterberg groundwater plots on the GMWL which indicates absence of evaporation. Tsumeb groundwater plots on/close to the GMWL with an exception of groundwater from the karst Lake Otjikoto which is showing evaporation. Groundwater from Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer shows an evaporation effect, probably evaporation occurs during infiltration since it is observed in all sampling seasons. All groundwater from three sites plot in the same area with rainwater depleted in stable isotopic values, which could indicates that recharge only take place during January, February and March. CMB method revealed that Waterberg has the highest recharge rate ranging between 39.1 mm/a and 51.1 mm/a (8.7% – 11.4% of annual precipitation), Tsumeb with rates ranging from 21.1 mm/a to 48.5 mm/a (3.5% – 8.1% of annual precipitation), and lastly Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer from 3.2 mm/a to 17.5 mm/a (1.4% – 7.3% of annual precipitation). High recharge rates in Waterberg could be related to fast infiltration and absence of evaporation as indicated by the isotopic ratios. Differences in recharge rates cannot only be attributed to the precipitation gradient but also to the evaporation rates and the presence of preferential flow paths. Recharge rates estimated for these three sites can be used in managing the savannah aquifers especially at Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer where evaporation effect is observed that one can consider rain harvesting. |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ uugulu_estimation_2020 |
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99 |
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Hamutoko, J.; Mapani, B.; Ellmies, R.; Bittner, A.; Külls, C. |
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Title |
A fingerprinting method for the identification of uranium sources in alluvial aquifers: An example from the Khan and Swakop Rivers, Namibia |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2014 |
Publication |
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C |
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72 |
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34-42 |
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Pergamon |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Hamutoko2014fingerprinting |
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19 |
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Schwiede, M.; Duijnisveld, W.H.M.; Böttcher, J. |
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Investigation of processes leading to nitrate enrichment in soils in the Kalahari Region, Botswana |
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Journal Article |
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2005 |
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Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C |
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30 |
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11 |
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712-716 |
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Nitrate, Arenosol soils, Semi-arid, Kalahari, Cattle, Chloride, Travel time |
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In Southern Africa elevated nitrate concentrations are observed in mostly uninhabited semi-arid areas. In the Kalahari of Botswana groundwater locally exhibits concentrations up to 600mg/l. It is assumed, that nitrate found in the groundwater originates mainly from nitrogen input and transformations in the soils. Our investigations in the Kalahari between Serowe and Orapa show that cattle raising is an important source for enhanced nitrate concentrations in the soils (Arenosols). But also in termite mounds very high nitrate stocks were found, and under natural vegetation (acacia trees and shrubs) nitrate concentrations were mostly unexpectedly high. This nitrate enrichment in the soils poses a serious threat to the groundwater quality. However, calculated soil water age distributions in the unsaturated zone clearly show that today’s nitrate pollution of the groundwater below the investigation area could originate from natural sources, but cannot be caused by the current land use for cattle raising. |
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1474-7065 |
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Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the Millennium Development Goals: Managing Water for Peace and Prosperity |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Schwiede2005712 |
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276 |
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Jana, A.; Unni, A.; Ravuru, S.S.; Das, A.; Das, D.; Biswas, S.; Sheshadri, H.; De, S. |
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Title |
In-situ polymerization into the basal spacing of LDH for selective and enhanced uranium adsorption: A case study with real life uranium alkaline leach liquor |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2022 |
Publication |
Chemical Engineering Journal |
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428 |
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131180 |
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In-situ polymerization, Layered double hydroxide, Leach liquor, Uranium adsorption, Uranium recovery |
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Uranium is used as a fuel for nuclear power plant and can be extracted from different ores, mainly acidic (silicious ore) and alkaline (carbonate ore). Recovery of uranium through acid leaching from silicious ore is well established, whereas, alkaline leaching from carbonate ore is challenging due to the excessive salinity of leach liquor and high concentration of carbonate, bicarbonate and sulphate. Herein, two monomers, acrylic acid (AA) and N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (BAM), selective towards uranyl were intercalated in-situ into the interlayer, followed by their polymerization and cross-linking to form novel polymer intercalated hybrid layered double hydroxide (LDH). The LDH acts as a backbone to overcome coiling and swelling of polymer and anchors them as free-standing. Various parameters, like, the type of metal ions, monomer ratio (AA: BAM) and metal ion ratio (M2+:M3+), were studied to determine the optimum conditions for effective intercalation and polymerization of monomers. Magnesium aluminum (MgAl) LDH with a cross-linked polymer having a monomer ratio of 3:2 (AA: BAM) as intercalating species showed maximum efficiency of uranyl adsorption (1456 mg/g at 30 °C) with highest capacity so far. The distribution coefficient (Kd, l/mg) in the order of 105 suggested that the adsorbent was highly selective for uranyl in the presence of different cations, anions and humic acid. The adsorbent extracts uranium effectively and selectively from a real-life alkaline leach liquor with an efficiency of 96% at 5 g/l dose. Uranium can be recovered from the adsorbent in the form of sodium di-uranate using 2(M) NaOH and was reused for eight cycles. |
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1385-8947 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ jana_-situ_2022 |
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209 |
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Rossetto, R.; Filippis, G.D.; Borsi, I.; Foglia, L.; Cannata, M.; Criollo, R.; Vázquez-Suñé, E. |
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Integrating free and open source tools and distributed modelling codes in GIS environment for data-based groundwater management |
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Journal Article |
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2018 |
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Environmental Modelling & Software |
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107 |
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210-230 |
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Free and Open Source Software, FREEWAT, Groundwater management, ICT, MODFLOW, QGIS |
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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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1364-8152 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ rossetto_integrating_2018 |
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92 |
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Martínez-Santos, P.; Martínez-Alfaro, P.E. |
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A priori mapping of historical water-supply galleries based on archive records and sparse material remains. An application to the Amaniel qanat (Madrid, Spain) |
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Journal Article |
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2014 |
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Journal of Cultural Heritage |
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15 |
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6 |
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656-664 |
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Hydraulic heritage, Qanat, Groundwater, Foggara, Water-supply, Amaniel, Madrid |
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Engineering heritage refers to a broad variety of items of social, economic, aesthetic or historic relevance, including roads, dams, buildings and supply networks. Due to their utilitarian nature, their heritage value is often overlooked. This occurs even with those infrastructures that have played an essential role in underpinning the daily existence of entire civilizations. Underground water-supply networks provide an excellent example. Although there are exceptions, water networks tend to be functional in design, rather than monumental. Moreover, they present intricate linear layouts that often span several kilometres. This means they are costly to maintain once their operational life is over, and that they are prone to abandonment and destruction. Devising a priori protection strategies is important to preserve these valuable cultural assets. The following pages present a method to map linear structures based on archive records and sparse material remains. The method is illustrated through its application to the Amaniel qanat, a water-supply gallery built in Madrid, Spain, in the early 17th Century. An appraisal of the known remains was carried out first, leading to an inventory of galleries, shafts, shaft caps and deposits. This was followed by a thorough survey of over one thousand handwritten manuscripts, including physical descriptions of the aqueduct, budget accounts or water metering campaigns, among other documents. Known remains and written evidence were matched against original and auxiliary maps to reconstruct the itinerary of the aqueduct. This led to the identification of sectors where it is still possible to find remains in good condition. Thus, a priori mapping is advocated a valuable technique to locate and preserve these remains, as well as to devise non-invasive surveys and establish heritage protection zones. |
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1296-2074 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Martinezsantos2014656 |
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270 |
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Author |
Ammar, F.H.; Deschamps, P.; Chkir, N.; Zouari, K.; Agoune, A.; Hamelin, B. |
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Title |
Uranium isotopes as tracers of groundwater evolution in the Complexe Terminal aquifer of southern Tunisia |
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Journal Article |
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2020 |
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Quaternary International |
Abbreviated Journal |
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547 |
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33-49 |
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CT southern Tunisia, Holocene, Mixing, Radicarbon, Uranium isotopes, Water-rock interaction |
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The Complexe Terminal (CT) multi-layer aquifer is formed by Neogene/Paleogene sand deposits, Upper Senonian (Campanian-Maastrichtian limestones) and Turonian carbonates. The chemical composition and isotopes of carbon and uranium were investigated in groundwater sampled from the main hydrogeological units of the (CT) aquifer in southern Tunisia. We paid special attention to the variability of uranium contents and isotopes ratio (234U/238U) to provide a better understanding of the evolution of the groundwater system. Uranium concentrations range from 1.5 to 19.5 ppb, typical of oxic or mildly reducing conditions in groundwaters. The lowest concentrations are found southeast of the study area, where active recharge is supposed to take place. When looking at the isotope composition, it appears that all the samples, including those from carbonate levels, are in radioactive disequilibrium with significant 234U excess. A clear-cut distinction is observed between Turonian and Senonian carbonate aquifers on the one hand, with 234U/238U activity ratios between 1.1 and 1.8, and the sandy aquifer on the other hand, showing higher ratios from 1.8 to 3.2. The distribution of uranium in this complex aquifer system seems to be in agreement with the lithological variability and are ultimately a function of a number of physical and chemical factors including the uranium content of the hosting geological formation, water-rock interaction and mixing between waters having different isotopic signatures. Significant relationships also appear when comparing the uranium distribution with the major ions composition. It is noticeable that uranium is better correlated with sulfate, calcium and magnesium than with other major ions as chloride or bicarbonate. The 14C activities and δ13C values of DIC cover a wide range of values, from 1.1 pmc to 30.2 pmc and from −3.6‰ to −10.7‰, respectively. 14C model ages estimated by the Fontes and Garnier model are all younger than 22 Ka and indicate that the recharge of CT groundwater occurred mainly during the end of the last Glacial and throughout the Holocene. |
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1040-6182 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ ammar_uranium_2020 |
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119 |
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Author |
Stone, A. |
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Recharge investigations above the Stampriet Aquifer in semi-arid Namibia using geochemical methods and environmental tracers; sand, salt and water |
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Journal Article |
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2012 |
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Quaternary International |
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279-280 |
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470-471 |
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1040-6182 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ stone_recharge_2012 |
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108 |
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