Disequilibrium of uranium isotopes in some Syrian groundwater.
Uranium concentration in groundwater samples from three areas of Syria was determined using alpha-spectrometry and INAA. It was in the range of 0-6.13 microg/l in the phosphate areas, and lower than 1 ppb in the volcanic areas. The activity ratio of 234U/238U was investigated, and disequilibrium of uranium isotopes was found to occur (234U/238U = 0.52-2.02). The excess of 234U was calculated. This excess can be interpreted by higher mobility of 234U, which more readily forms the soluble (UO2)2+ ion in comparison with 238U, most of which remains in the insoluble 4+ state. This excess increases with increase in uranium concentration. Thorium concentration was measured using INAA, it was found to be in the rang 0-1.15 microg/l.
Abdul-Hadi
A
A
Chemistry Department, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus. atomic@net.sy
Alhassanieh
O
O
Ghafar
M
M
D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D005844:Geology / Q000379:methods; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013593:Syria; D013910:Thorium; D014501:Uranium / Q000032:analysis*; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis*; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*
D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive; D014867:Water; D014501:Uranium; D013910:Thorium