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Vulnerability of headwater catchment resources to incidences of 210Pb excess and 137Cs radionuclide fallout

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Recent identification of elevated excess 210Pb (≤302.6 mBq L−1) and 137Cs (≤111.3 mBq L−1) activity in drinking water wells up to 20 m depth indicates some transport of airborne radionuclide fallout beyond soils in the Shaker Village catchment, Maine. Estimated airborne mass loading 210Pbex fluxes of about 0.9 mBq m−3, canvass this headwater catchment and may be sufficient to pose risks to unprotected shallow wells. Inventories of 210Pbex and 137Cs in pond sediments indicate maximum median activities of 943 mBq g−1 and 40.0 mBq g−1, respectively. Calculated 210Pbex fluxes in the catchment soils range from 0.62–0.78 Bq cm−2 year−1 and yield a mean residence time of near 140 years. Measured 137Cs activity up to 51.1 mBq g−1 occurs in sediments at least to 5 m depth. Assumed particle transport in groundwater with apparent 85Kr ages less than 5 years BP (2005) may explain the correlation between these particle-reactive radionuclides and elevated activity in some drinking water wells.

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Acknowledgments

Without the full and gracious cooperation of homeowners and businesses in the region, this research would not be possible. Special thanks are given to the field crews through the years to complete an uninterrupted sampling record through all seasons. The cooperation of Maine Public Health is appreciated. Thanks to the USEPA Isotope Hydrology Laboratory (Cincinnati); D. Andrews, Dartmouth College; B. Craig, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and R. Kolmar, Groundwater Research, Oxford, Ohio. Any opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not, necessarily, reflect the official positions and policies of the USEPA. Any mention of products or trade names does not constitute recommendation by the USEPA.

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  1. Water Supply and Water Resources, USEPA, 26 West Martin Luther King Dr, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, USA

    William Sidle

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Correspondence to William Sidle.

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Sidle, W. Vulnerability of headwater catchment resources to incidences of 210Pb excess and 137Cs radionuclide fallout. Environ Geol 57, 377–388 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1306-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1306-0

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