Variations of uranium concentrations in a multi-aquifer system under the impact of surface water-groundwater interaction

Understanding uranium (U) mobility is vital to minimizing its concentrations in potential drinking water sources. In this study, we report spatial-seasonal variations in U speciation and concentrations in a multi-aquifer system under the impact of Sanggan River in Datong basin, northern Chine. Hydrochemical and H, O, Sr isotopic data, thermodynamic calculations, and geochemical modeling are used to Investigate the mechanisms of surface water-groundwater mixing-induced mobilization and natural attenuation of U. In the study site, groundwater U concentrations are up to 30.2 mu g/L, and exhibit strong spatial-seasonal variations that are related to pH and Eh values, as well as dissolved Ca2+, HCO3- and Fe(III) concentrations. For the alkaline aquifers of this site (pH 7.02-8.44), U mobilization is due to the formation and desorption of Ca2UO2(CO3)(3)(0) and CaUO2(CO3)(3)(2-) caused by groundwater Ca2+ elevation via mineral weathering and Na-Ca exchange, incorporated U(VI) release from calcite, and U(IV) oxidation by Fe(OH)(3). U immobilization is linked to the adsorption of CaUO2(CO3)(3)(2-) and UO2(CO3)(3)(4-) shifted from Ca2UO2(CO3)(3)(0) because of HCO3- elevation and CO2+ depletion, U(VI) co-precipitation with calcite, and U(VI) reduction by adsorbed Fe2+ and FeS. Those results are of great significance for the groundwater resource management of this and similar other surface water-groundwater interaction zones.