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http://dx.doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2014.4.535

Geochemical Origins and Occurrences of Natural Radioactive Materials in Borehole Groundwater in the Goesan Area  

Kim, Moon Su (soil and Groundwater Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research)
Yang, Jae Ha (Soil and Groundwater Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research)
Jeong, Chan Ho (Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Daejeon University)
Kim, Hyun Koo (Soil and Groundwater Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research)
Kim, Dong Wook (Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Daejeon University)
Jo, Byung Uk (Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources)
Publication Information
The Journal of Engineering Geology / v.24, no.4, 2014 , pp. 535-550 More about this Journal
Abstract
The origins and varieties of natural radioactive materials, including uranium and radon-222, were examined in a drilled borehole extending to a depth of 120 m below the surface in the Goesan area. In addition to core samples, eight groundwater samples were collected at different depths, using a double packer system and bailer, and their geochemical characteristics were determined. Most of the rock samples from the drilled core consisted of granite porphyry, with sedimentary rocks (slate, carbonate, or lime-silicates) and pegmatite occurring in certain sections. The pH of samples varied from 7.8 to 8.4, and the groundwater was of a Na-$HCO_3$type. Uranium and thorium concentrations in the core were < 0.2-14.8 ppm and 0.56-45.0 ppm, respectively. Observations by microscope and an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) showed that the mineral containing the natural radioactive materials was monazite contained in biotite crystals. The uranium, which substituted for major elements in the monazite, appeared to have dissolved and been released into the groundwater in a shear zone. Concentrations of Radon-222 in the borehole showed no close relationship with levels of uranium. The isotopes of noble gases, such as helium and neon, would be useful for analyzing the origins and characteristics of the natural radioactive materials.
Keywords
uranium; radon-222; natural radioactive materials; drilled core; granite porphyry; groundwater;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 6  (Citation Analysis)
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