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Isotopic analysis of radium geochemistry at discrete intervals in the Midwestern Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system

May 10, 2022

Radium (Ra) is a geogenic radioactive contaminant that frequently occurs at elevated levels in the Midwestern Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system (MCOAS). Geochemical indicators (e.g., redox conditions or total dissolved solids) can broadly characterize conditions associated with elevated Ra levels in groundwater, but do not consistently correlate to elevated Ra within specific stratigraphic horizons. A coupled geochemical and isotopic study of groundwater and aquifer solids for major and trace elements, Ra, and uranium (U) at discrete intervals in the MCOAS was used to elucidate processes that may be responsible for this disconnect, via analysis of groundwater as well as extracted and digested solid aquifer samples. We find that the potential for Ra mobilization varies by stratigraphic unit, as observed by whole-rock 226Ra/238U (dis)equilibrium. Overall, the examined aqueous geochemical characteristics (e.g., redox conditions, total dissolved solids) do not explain Ra concentrations within the system, suggesting that alternative factors, like solid-phase associations or the extent of alpha recoil damage, may be more important. A relation between aqueous 87Sr/86Sr and 226Ra suggests that minerals with radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr are more likely to release 226Ra to the aqueous system. Overall, the release of U and Ra due to water-rock interaction varies with discrete stratigraphy, depending on aqueous geochemistry and available mineral associations. Due to complex Ra-rock interactions and the heterogeneous geology of the MCOAS, aqueous geochemistry does not fully predict the mobilization and concentration of Ra in groundwater. As sources and sinks of Ra within the MCOAS vary across stratigraphy, knowledge of aqueous geochemistry, available solid-phase associations, and nuclide leachability all are important to consider for understanding elevated Ra occurrence in aquifer systems.

Publication Year 2022
Title Isotopic analysis of radium geochemistry at discrete intervals in the Midwestern Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system
DOI 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2022.105300
Authors Madeleine J Mathews, Sean R Scott, Madeline B Gotkowitz, Randall J. Hunt, Matthew Ginder-Vogel
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Applied Geochemistry
Index ID 70231918
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Upper Midwest Water Science Center