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Uranium in German Tap and Groundwater – Occurrence and Origins

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The New Uranium Mining Boom

Part of the book series: Springer Geology ((SPRINGERGEOL))

Abstract

This study presents data of uranium (U) concentrations in groundwater (N = 155) and tap water (N = 4092) to which 76% of the entire German population has access. The mean U concentration was 0.68 μg/l, the median 0.50 μg/l. 3.7% of all samples had U concentrations below the detection limits, which accounts for water to which 11.7% of the entire population has access. 14.3% of samples were above 2 μg/l U, 3.3% above 10 μg/l U, representing an exposed population of 10.5 and 1.31% respectively. The regional distribution of U concentrations largely agrees with the geological setting reported for mineral waters, however, in addition clear evidence for anthropogenic influence through agricultural activities were found in certain areas.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Integrated Environmental Studies Program, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany

    Geerd A. Smidt

  2. Faculty 2 Life Sciences, Technical University Braunschweig, Pockelsstraße 14, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany

    Rula Hassoun & Ewald Schnug

  3. Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Lothar Erdinger & Mathias Schäf

  4. GeoPark Harz, Braunschweiger Land, Ostfalen Network, Grummetwiese 16, 38640, Goslar, Germany

    Friedhart Knolle

  5. Federal Environmental Agency, Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany

    Jens Utermann

  6. Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Stilleweg 2, 30655, Hannover, Germany

    Wilhelmus H.M. Duijnisveld & Manfred Birke

Authors
  1. Geerd A. Smidt
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  2. Rula Hassoun
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Geology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Gustav-Zeuner-Straße 12, 09596, Freiberg, Germany

    Broder Merkel  & Mandy Schipek  & 

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Smidt, G. et al. (2011). Uranium in German Tap and Groundwater – Occurrence and Origins. In: Merkel, B., Schipek, M. (eds) The New Uranium Mining Boom. Springer Geology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22122-4_93

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