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Related Experiment Videos

Abnormal high natural radium concentration in surface waters.

D C Lauria1, J M Godoy

  • 1Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria, Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. dejanira@ird.gov.br

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|June 18, 2002
PubMed
Summary

High concentrations of radium (228Ra) in coastal lagoon waters were found to originate from natural springs, not industrial operations. These springs, rich in radium and light rare-earth elements (LREEs), indicate disturbed monazite stability due to low pH and high salinity.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Geochemistry
  • Radiochemistry

Background:

  • Coastal lagoons near industrial sites may exhibit elevated radionuclide concentrations.
  • Monazite sand separation plants process materials containing naturally occurring radioactive elements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the source of unexpectedly high 228Ra concentrations in a coastal lagoon.
  • Determine if elevated radium levels were due to industrial contamination or natural processes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of water samples for 228Ra and 226Ra concentrations.
  • Characterization of rare-earth element (REE) patterns in spring waters.
  • Assessment of the relationship between radium, LREEs, and environmental factors (pH, salinity).

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Main Results:

  • High 228Ra concentrations (up to 2 Bq L-1) were detected in lagoon waters.
  • Natural springs in the lagoon's head area showed elevated 228Ra and 226Ra levels.
  • A strong correlation between radium, LREEs, and specific REE patterns indicated monazite as the source.
  • Low pH and high salinity were identified as factors disturbing monazite stability, increasing radium and LREE mobility while limiting thorium mobility.

Conclusions:

  • The elevated radium concentrations in the lagoon were of natural origin, stemming from springs influenced by monazite.
  • Monazite chemical stability is compromised by combined low pH and high salinity, facilitating radium and LREE release.
  • Understanding these geochemical processes is crucial for managing radionuclide mobility in coastal environments.