Abstract
The234U and230Th radionuclides are highly retarded by factors of 104 to 105 in basalt groundwater (Hanford) and briny groundwaters from Texas, and geothermal brine from the Salton Sea Geothermal Field (SSGF). In basalt groundwaters (low ionic strength), Ra is highly sorbed, while in brines (high ionic strength), Ra is soluble. This is probably because the sorption sites are saturated with Na+ and Cl− ions, and RaCl2 is soluble in brines.210Pb is soluble in SSGF brine, probably as a chloride complex. The234U/230Th ratios in basalt groundwaters and brines from Texas and SSGF are nearly unity, indicating that U is in the +4 state, suggesting a reducing environment for these aquifers.
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Laul, J.C. Natural radionuclides in groundwaters. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Articles 156, 235–242 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02038341
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02038341