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Behavior of Natural Uranium, Thorium and Radium Isotopes in The Wolfcamp Brine Aquifers, Palo Duro Basin, Texas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

J. C. Laul ,
M. R. Smith  and
N. Hubbard
J. C. Laul
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P. O. Box 999, Richland, WA 99352
M. R. Smith
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P. O. Box 999, Richland, WA 99352
N. Hubbard
Affiliation:
Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH 43201
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Abstract

Previously reported results for Palo Duro deep brines show that Ra is highly soluble and not retarded. Relative to Ra, U and Th are highly sorbed. Uranium, like thorium, is in the +4 valence state, indicating a reducing environment. Additional data reported here support these results. However, one Wolfcamp brine sample gives somewhat different results. Radium appears to be somewhat sorbed. Uranium is largely in the +6 valence state, indicating a less reducing condition. In all brines, kinetics for sorption (228Th) and desorption (224Ra) are rapid. This Wolfcamp brine was tested for the effects of colloids for Ra, U, and Th concentrations. No effects were found.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 44: Symposium N – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management VIII , 1984 , 475
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

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References

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