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Behavior of Natural Uranium, Thorium and Radium Isotopes in The Wolfcamp Brine Aquifers, Palo Duro Basin, Texas

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Abstract

Previously reported results for Palo Duro deep brines show that Ra is highly soluble and not retarded. Relative to Ra, U and Th are highly sorbed. Uranium, like thorium, is in the +4 valence state, indicating a reducing environment. Additional data reported here support these results. However, one Wolfcamp brine sample gives somewhat different results. Radium appears to be somewhat sorbed. Uranium is largely in the +6 valence state, indicating a less reducing condition. In all brines, kinetics for sorption (228Th) and desorption (224Ra) are rapid. This Wolfcamp brine was tested for the effects of colloids for Ra, U, and Th concentrations. No effects were found.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P. O. Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA

    J. C. Laul & M. R. Smith

  2. Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA

    N. Hubbard

Authors
  1. J. C. Laul
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  2. M. R. Smith
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  3. N. Hubbard
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Laul, J.C., Smith, M.R. & Hubbard, N. Behavior of Natural Uranium, Thorium and Radium Isotopes in The Wolfcamp Brine Aquifers, Palo Duro Basin, Texas. MRS Online Proceedings Library 44, 475–482 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-44-475

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-44-475

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