Distribution characteristics of radionuclides (226Ra, 234U, and 238U) and ratios (226Ra/234U, 226Ra/238U, and 234U/238U) in quarry lake environment: experimental and model assessment
Van Thang Nguyen, Cong Hao Le
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
Abstract:
The abandonment of stone quarries establishes a quarry lake ecosystem that includes soil, water, fish, and vegetarian cover. The activity concentrations (ACs) of natural radionuclides in the waters of several quarry lakes worldwide have not been investigated. In addition, the features of radionuclides, such as distribution, seasonal variability, and health risks, have not been studied. In this study, the ACs of 226Ra, 234U, and 238U were measured in a typical quarry lake in Vietnam with an area of approximately 4000 m2. The average ACs of 226Ra, 234U, and 238U were 8.3, 13.8, and 17.7 mBq L−1, respectively. The ratios of 226Ra/234U, 226Ra/238U, and 234U/238U were 0.47, 0.6, and 0.79, respectively. A linear correlation was found between ACs and water depth. The ACs predicted by the QWASI (Quantitative Water, Air, Sediment Interaction) model agree with the measured values.
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