Spatial and temporal variability of 234U/238U activity ratios in the Shu River, Central Asia

B. Uralbekov, M. Burkitbayev, B. Satybaldiyev, I. Matveyeva, T. Tuzova, D. Snow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study presents the temporal and spatial variability of 234U/238U activity ratios in the Shu River and provides interpretation to explain the downstream changes of uranium and the 234U/238U activity ratios in the study area. The positive linear correlation (R2 = 0.98, p < 0.001) between uranium concentration and specific electrical conductance is consistent with rock weathering and leaching as the major contributor of dissolved uranium in the studied area of the river. The 234U/238U activity ratio ranged between ~1.6 in the upper reaches of the river to ~1.15 furthest downstream. Activity ratios at specific sampling points do not show significant seasonal variability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3635-3642
Number of pages8
JournalEnvironmental Earth Sciences
Volume72
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 11 2014

Keywords

  • The Shu River
  • U/U activity ratios
  • Uranium contamination
  • Uranium sources

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Soil Science
  • Pollution
  • Geology
  • Earth-Surface Processes

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