Application of radon and radium isotopes to groundwater flow dynamics: An example from the Dead Sea

Kiro, Yael; Weinstein, Yishai; Starinsky, Abraham; Yechieli, Yoseph

doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2015.06.014

Cited by 36 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 44 publications

(106 reference statements)

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“…However, the change of Ra partitioning is caused by coprecipitations of Ra with Ba (mainly BaSO 4 ) instead of by competitive adsorption of Ba 2+ and Ra 2+ . This conclusion is supported by many other studies in the literature (Kiro et al, ; Paytan et al, ). Furthermore, the geochemical cycling of manganese and iron in the CGMZ significantly alters the solubility and amount of manganese and iron oxides in the aquifer (Roy et al, ), and plays an essential role in the partitioning of radium isotopes in coastal groundwater due to the strong affinity of radium isotopes to manganese and iron oxides (Charette & Sholkovitz, ; Gonneea et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (²²⁴Ra, ²²³Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Liu

Jiao

Liang

et al. 2018

Water Resources Research

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The reactive transport of radium isotopes (224Ra, 223Ra, and 228Ra) in coastal groundwater mixing zones (CGMZs) is sensitive to shifts of redox conditions and geochemical reactions induced by tidal fluctuation. This study presents a spatial distribution and temporal variation of radium isotopes in the CGMZ for the first time. Results show that the activity of radium isotopes in the upper saline plume (USP) is comparatively low due to a short residence time and mixing loss induced by the infiltration of low radium seawater whereas the activity of radium isotopes in the salt wedge (SW) is comparatively high due to a long residence time in the aquifer. The spatial distribution of radium isotopes is determined by the partitioning of radium isotopes, groundwater residence time, and relative ingrowth rates of radium isotopes. In addition, the variation of radium isotopes in the USP lags slightly (∼0 h) whereas the fluctuation of radium isotopes in the SW lags significantly (∼12 h) behind sea level oscillation. Tidal fluctuation affects the partitioning of radium isotopes through controlling seawater infiltration and subsequently influences the dynamics of radium isotopes in the USP. Concurrently, seawater infiltration significantly affects geochemical processes such as the production of nutrients and total alkalinity. Therefore, radium dynamics in the USP have implications for these geochemical processes. The variation of radium isotopes in the USP also has potential implications for transformation of trace metals such as iron and manganese because of the close affinity of radium isotopes to manganese and iron oxides.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (²²⁴Ra, ²²³Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Liu

Jiao

Liang

et al. 2018

Water Resources Research

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“…Ground ice 226 Ra/ 224 Ra ratios are between 0.8 and 3.9 (Figure a), while in the active layer they are mostly ≤1.0. Similarly, although less prominent, 226 Ra/ 223 Ra ratios in the permafrost are between 7 and 47, similar to those found in “old” groundwater, while in active layer water these ratios are ≤10 (Figure b). One active layer water sample, taken during the September 2016 campaign from the Polygons site, shows higher ratios ( 226 Ra/ 223 Ra = 20, Figure b), possibly of permafrost origin due to the extensive rains that flooded the area prior to this campaign.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 71%

Radium isotope fingerprinting of permafrost ‐ applications to thawing and intra‐permafrost processes

Weinstein

Rotem

Kooi

et al. 2019

Permafrost & Periglacial

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Permafrost in circum‐polar regions has been recently undergoing thawing, with severe environmental consequences, including the release of greenhouse gases and amplification of global warming. Although highly important, direct methods of tracking thawing hardly exist. In a research study conducted at Adventdalen, Svalbard, we identified a permafrost radioisotope fingerprint, and show that it can be used to track thawing. Ratios of long‐ to the shorter‐lived radium isotopes are higher in ground ice than in active layer water, which we attribute to the permafrost closed system and possibly to the long residence time of ground ice in the permafrost. Also, daughter–parent 224Ra/228Ra ratios are lower in permafrost than in the active layer. These fingerprints were also identified in a local stream, confirming the applicability of this tool to tracing thawed permafrost in periglacial watersheds. A combination of radium isotope ratios and 3H allowed the identification of recent intra‐permafrost segregation processes. The permafrost radium fingerprint should be applicable to other permafrost areas, which could assist in regional quantification of the extent of permafrost thawing and carbon emissions to the atmosphere.

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“…Hence, the main precipitated salts may be CaSO 4 and MgSO 4 or with their chemical congeners such as Ba, Sr, and Ra. This behavior is described by Kiro et al [43]; the authors showed that 226 Ra is removed from water by the co-precipitation process with barite. Therefore, dissolved radium present in groundwater upon reaching the surface is precipitated as oxisalt, which contributes to producing 222 Rn concentrations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…However, radon concentrations in groundwater are around 50 Bq/L in saturated soils with a porosity of 20%, with 226 Ra concentrations of 40 Bq/kg (world average in the earth crust), and are under conditions of equilibrium [5]. In addition, in the sandstone rock with U concentration of 0.5-1 mg/Kg (<12 Bq/Kg, to 238 U) and porosity of 20%, the 222 Rn activity that could be produced by the rocks is no more than 6000 dpm/L (tens of Bq/L) [43], which is 10% of the radon effectively ejected to the pore space fluid.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrochemistry and 222Rn Concentrations in Spring Waters in the Arid Zone El Granero, Chihuahua, Mexico

et al. 2017

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Abstract:Water in arid and semi-arid environments is characterized by the presentation of complex interactions, where dissolved chemical species in high concentrations have negative effects on the water quality. Radon is present in areas with a high uranium and radium content, and it is the main contributor of the annual effective dose received by humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate concentrations of 222 Rn and the water quality of spring waters. Water was classified as calcium sulfated and sodium sulfated. Most of the water samples with high radon concentrations presented higher concentrations of sulfates, fluorides, and total dissolved solids. 222 Rn concentrations may be attributed to possible enhancement of 226 Ra due to temperature and salinity of water, as well as evaporation rate. In 100% of the sampled spring waters the 222 Rn levels exceeded the maximum acceptable limit which is proposed by international institutions. Aridity increases radiological risk related to 222 Rn dose because spring waters are the main supply source for local populations. The implementation of environmental education, strategies, and technologies to remove the contaminants from the water are essential in order to reduce the health risk for local inhabitants.

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Application of radon and radium isotopes to groundwater flow dynamics: An example from the Dead Sea

Cited by 36 publications

References 44 publications

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (²²⁴Ra, ²²³Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (²²⁴Ra, ²²³Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Radium isotope fingerprinting of permafrost ‐ applications to thawing and intra‐permafrost processes

Hydrochemistry and 222Rn Concentrations in Spring Waters in the Arid Zone El Granero, Chihuahua, Mexico

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Application of radon and radium isotopes to groundwater flow dynamics: An example from the Dead Sea

Cited by 36 publications

References 44 publications

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (224Ra, 223Ra, and 228Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (224Ra, 223Ra, and 228Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Radium isotope fingerprinting of permafrost ‐ applications to thawing and intra‐permafrost processes

Hydrochemistry and 222Rn Concentrations in Spring Waters in the Arid Zone El Granero, Chihuahua, Mexico

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Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (²²⁴Ra, ²²³Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone

Using Tidal Fluctuation‐Induced Dynamics of Radium Isotopes (²²⁴Ra, ²²³Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) to Trace the Hydrodynamics and Geochemical Reactions in a Coastal Groundwater Mixing Zone