The occurrences of Ca2UO2(CO3)3 in Fe(II) containing deep groundwater at Forsmark, eastern Sweden.


The occurrences of Ca2UO2(CO3)3 in Fe(II) containing deep groundwater at Forsmark, eastern Sweden.

Tullborg, E.-L.; Suksi, J.; Geipel, G.; Krall, L.; Auqué, L.; Gimeno, M.; Puigdomenech, I.

Elevated U concentrations, most evident in a section ~500 mbsl, have been measured in deep Fe(II)-containing groundwater at Forsmark, eastern Sweden and have prompted detailed geochemical and isotopic investigations. The highest U contents (up to 175µg/L) are associated with HCO3- of 120-135 mg/L and Ca2+ of 900-1050 mg/L. Geochemical modelling shows that elevated dissolved U can be stabilized by Ca-uranyl-carbonate complexes. Indeed, time resolved luminescence spectrometry confirmed the Ca2UO2(CO3)3^0 complex, which is identified in deep reducing groundwater for the first time. U isotopes have been monitored in several sections with high U, and show stable but fracture specific activity ratios (ARs) around 1.5 to 2, although the U concentration varies. This is explained by mobilization of a solid phase with the same AR present in the fracture system close to the sampled sections. The AR >1 in this solid phase indicates a Quaternary age.

Keywords: Ca-uranyl-carbonate complexes; groundwater; uranium, luminescence spectrometry, 234U/238U AR; reducing condtions

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Publ.-Id: 24974