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Distribution and Relationship of Uranium and Radium Along an Allochthonously Dominated Wetland Gradient.

Authors :
Nassour, Mohammad
Weiske, Arndt
Schaller, Jörg
Brackhage, Carsten
Gert Dudel, E.
Source :
Archives of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology; Feb2015, Vol. 68 Issue 2, p317-322, 6p
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Uranium mining may pose a large threat for freshwater ecosystems, caused by elevated concentrations of metals/radionuclides in drainage water. Important pollutants of such waters are uranium (U) and radium (Ra), because of their impact due to both radio- as well as chemo-toxicity. Despite the comprehensive knowledge about specific element speciation as well as fixation processes, less is known about the retention of U and Ra at a higher level of complexity (within allochthonous ecosystems as predominant for low order streams). Consequently, we investigated the distribution and retention potential of allochthonous ecosystems regarding U and Ra as well as changing U/Ra ratios. We found U predominantly transported over long distances, whereas Ra mainly precipitates immediately after reaching the surface, i.e. in the spring area. Although high U accumulation in organic rich sediments is found, still high transport rates are detected. Low overall fixation of U within the allochthonously dominated wetland results in an U transport over long distances. Consequently, large areas are affected by U mining activities and its post-mining impact, with U being more relevant compared to Ra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00904341
Volume :
68
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Archives of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
100490596
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-014-0117-4