Anomalously High Levels of Uranium and Other Naturally Occurring Radionuclides in Private Wells in the Piedmont Region of South Carolina

Abstract

Anomalously high levels of uranium and 210Pb have been detected in untreated domestic groundwater wells near Simpsonville/Fountain Inn, South Carolina. Nine wells were sampled from the affected area and analyzed for total uranium, 234, 235, 238U, 226, 228Ra, 222Rn, and 210Pb as well other water quality parameters. These data augment other uranium concentration measurements and limited 226, 228Ra and 222Rn concentration measurements collected on private and public wells by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The observed radionuclide data were compared to maximum levels published in several national surveys from the past 30 years. The total uranium concentration in the groundwater ranged from 44.3 to 5,570 microg L(-1), with one well having the second highest published concentration in the U.S. The U/U activity ratio ranged from 1.1 to 2.5. 226Ra concentrations ranged from less than the minimum detectable concentration (< MDC) to 1,154 mBq L(-1) while the 228Ra concentration ranged from < MDC to 532.8 mBq L(-1) and the 222Rn levels ranged from 62 to 1,510 Bq L(-1). The 210Pb concentrations ranged from < MDC to 844 mBq L(-1).

Elevated concentrations of primordial radionuclides in sediments from the Reedy River and surrounding creeks in Simpsonville, South Carolina

“…These data augment existing measurements of uranium and other naturally occurring radionuclides in water from private wells in the same area (Hughes et al, 2005;SC DHEC 2004). Primordial radionuclide concentrations were determined in river sediments collected from the Reedy River and surrounding creeks near Simpsonville, SC, USA.…”

“…These monazite placers reported by Mertie (1953) and Overstreet et al, (1986) are presumed to be the source of anomalously high levels of uranium and other naturally occurring radionuclides measured in several private wells in the area surrounding Simpsonville, SC (Price, 2006). Total uranium concentrations in the well water ranged from 44.3 to 5570 μg L -1 (Hughes et al, 2005). Measurements of the isotopic ratios of the uranium isotopes in water samples from the effected wells indicate that the uranium comes from a natural source (Hughes et al, 2005).…”

“…Total uranium concentrations in the well water ranged from 44.3 to 5570 μg L -1 (Hughes et al, 2005). Measurements of the isotopic ratios of the uranium isotopes in water samples from the effected wells indicate that the uranium comes from a natural source (Hughes et al, 2005).…”

Natural radioactivity in Brazilian groundwater

“…In particular, some spas in the GermaneCzech border are well known due to the presence of radon rich springs as the Curie source in Joachimstal with a radon content of 12 kBq L ÿ1 (http://www.wellness-kuren-online.de/tschechien/st.joachimstal/ index.htm). On the other hand, fewer publications concerning the 210 Pb content in groundwater are available (as, e.g., Aellen et al, 1993;Hughes et al 2005;Kralik et al, 2003;Nieri Neto and Mazilli, 1998;Ortega et al 1996). The highest values were reported by Ortega et al (1996), up to 1130 mBq L ÿ1 in thermal bottled water from the Caldes de Malavella area (Spain).…”

Drinking Water From Private Wells and Risks to Children

“…There have been reports of high uranium concentrations in waters of Connecticut and South Carolina. 19,20 Those who drink uranium-containing water absorb and then excrete it; urinary concentrations as high as 25% of peak can be present 6 months after exposure has ceased. 19 Exposures likely to be encountered in drinking water have not resulted in acute toxicity.…”