Uranium is one of the emerging geogenic contaminants in groundwater. Its concentration in groundwater is complex and function of several water quality parameters such as ORP, DO, Nitrate, sulphate, TOC, temperature, etc. The prominent release mechanisms are oxidative dissolution or redox assisted. But this is not universal. For example, oxic condition is not prequisite for elevated concentration or vice versa. Similarly, the positive correlation between nitrate and dissolved uranium is not observed always. Anyone can explain these deviations and possible scenario which can explain elevated content of U in groundwater.
pH and the redox potential affect uranium mobility in groundwater.
How these parameters, pH, and ORP influence uranium mobility in groundwater?
I hope the question is not clear to all. We all know that these are the parameters that influence the solubility of uranium in groundwater. Whether positive ORP and acidic pH are always associated with elevated U content. There are many contradicting observations in the literature. It is a scientific discussion on the parameters control the U content in groundwater.
On the basis of our multivariate statistical analysis n correlation study.. we found that the ORP and pH of that particular spot are enough able to control/influenced the mobility of water. Further studies are needed in this regard. May be other geological/geomorphological parameters are influenced the solubility of U in groundwater.
Maybe this book will help.
EPA 402-R-99-004B August 1999
UNDERSTANDING VARIATION IN PARTITION COEFFICIENT, Kd, VALUES
Volume II: Review of Geochemistry and Available Kd Values for Cadmium, Cesium, Chromium, Lead, Plutonium, Radon, Strontium, Thorium, Tritium (3H), and Uranium
Dera Sunil Sahoo many thanks for your important technical question which is certainly of broad general interest to many RG members. First of all, we should not forget that uranium is a naturally occurring chemical element. According the the link cited below, it's the natural weathering of rocks such as granite that leads to dissolution of natural uranium which then goes into the groundwater. Once the uranium is dissolved in the water it cannot be transferred into the air.
URANIUM IN DRINKING WATER
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/waterres-cycle-groundwater-well-uraniuminfo.pdf
This article can be freely downloaded as public full text from the general internet.
Also please have a look at the following relevant article:
Three Case Studies of Elevated Uranium Concentrations in Groundwater
https://wcponline.com/2015/01/10/three-case-studies-of-elevated-uranium-concentrations-in-groundwater/
Here are two other freely accessible articles which are potentially useful with respect to your question:
Calculated uranium solubility in groundwater: implications for nuclear fuel waste disposal
Article Calculated uranium solubility in groundwater Implications fo...
(see attached pdf file)
and
Geochemical Behavior of Uranium and Radon in Groundwater of Jurassic Granite Area, Icheon, Middle Korea
(also see attached)
Good luck with your research! 👍
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