RETARDATION OF U-238 AND TH-232 DECAY CHAIN RADIONUCLIDES IN LONG-ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT AQUIFERS
Copenhaver, SA; Krishnaswami, S; Turekian, KK; Epler, N; Cochran, JK
| HERO ID | 1438337 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 1993 |
| Title | RETARDATION OF U-238 AND TH-232 DECAY CHAIN RADIONUCLIDES IN LONG-ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT AQUIFERS |
| Authors | Copenhaver, SA; Krishnaswami, S; Turekian, KK; Epler, N; Cochran, JK |
| Journal | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Page Numbers | 597-603 |
| Abstract | Knowledge of the ability of an aquifer to retard the groundwater transport of toxic or radioactive ions can be inferred from the analysis of groundwater for the radionuclides of the U-238- and Th-232-decay chains. Groundwaters of varying chemical composition were analyzed from wells in Long Island, New York, and Connecticut. Aquifer lithologies are arkose, quartz sandstone, granite, and glacial drift. Adsorption (k1) and desorption (k2) coefficients for Ra and Pb were calculated using Rn-222 activity as a measure of the supply of other alpha-recoil nuclides. Laboratory tests of the validity of this assumption were made by measuring the flux of Ra-224 and Rn-222 from aquifer solids. The ratio k1/k2 is the distribution coefficient, K, which is effectively equal to R(f), the retardation factor. The average value of K for Ra is 6 x 10(2) in Long Island aquifers and 5 x 10(4) in Connecticut. The distribution coefficient for Pb is 10(4) in Long Island and 10(5) in Connecticut. Results from this and other studies reveal a strong dependence of retardation on pH, f(O2), and ionic strength that tends to overwhelm any dependence of retardation on lithology. |
| Wosid | WOS:A1993KM50800008 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | Source: Web of Science WOS:A1993KM50800008 |
| Is Public | Yes |