Hydrogeochemical investigation of the influence of natural radionuclides on the environment, NW Backa, Serbia

Abstract

© SGEM 2019. In the research phase of nuclear materials from the Backa area (NW of Serbia), hydrogeochemical prospecting was applied, which covers an area of about 500 km2. Samples were collected from surface water, from sources and wells, and bores. Combined hydrogeochemical methods included the examination of U, Ra, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mo, Li, Sr; anions HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-; cations Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, as well as the determination of SiO2, Eh, Ep and pH values. Additional testing determined the water content: NO3, F, Br, J, P. Value content of uranium (U) varied in the range of 0.1-125 ppb; Ra 0.026-0.33 Bq/l; Rn 1.45-32.63 Bq/l. At selected locations the uranium content in the A-horizon (15-20 cm) were determined. According to the geological and structural characteristics of the research area, results are shown on the maps in scale of 1:50000 and on appropriate diagrams and tables. The aim of this study was the application of geochemical prospecting method for the identification of geopathogenic zones of the influence of natural radionuclides in the rural settlements environment.