Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-gb8f7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T13:17:10.231Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Use of Natural Uranium Decay Series Studies in Support of Understanding Redox Conditions at Potential Radioactive Waste Disposal Sites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Eva-Lena Tullborg
Affiliation:
Terralogica AB, Gråbo, Sweden
John A. T. Smellie
Affiliation:
Conterra AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Angus B. MacKenzie
Affiliation:
SURRC, East Kilbride, UK
Get access

Abstract

Uranium is a redox-sensitive element which occurs naturally in the bedrock and groundwaters in Fennoscandia, and can be used, in conjunction with its decay series descendants, to indicate groundwater redox conditions. Not only can contemporary conditions be characterised, but evidence of past changes (e.g. during the last glaciation some 10 ka ago) can be preserved in minerals which coat the fracture walls along groundwater pathways. Uranium decay series data for groundwaters and solid fracture phases from the site of the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory and its near vicinity are presented and discussed in the context of redox conditions.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2004

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Landström, O., Tullborg, E.-L., Eriksson, G. and Sandell, Y.. SKB Report No. R-01–37 (1995).Google Scholar
2. Banwart, S., Gustafsson, E. and Laaksoharju, M.. Appl. Geochem., 14, 873892 (1999).Google Scholar
3. Smellie, J.A.T, MacKenzie, A.B. and Scott, R.D.. Chem. Geol., 55, 23254 (1996).Google Scholar
4. Pedersen, K.. SKB Report No. TR-00–04 (2000).Google Scholar
5. Guimerá, J., Duro, L., Jordána, S. and Bruno, J.. SKB Report No. TR-99–19 (1999).Google Scholar