Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1002/hyp.7872
Title (Primary) Flow dynamics of groundwater and soil water in the former heap Gessenhalde at the uranium mining area of Ronneburg: a stable isotope approach
Author Lonschinski, M.; Knöller, K.; Merten, D.; Büchel, G.
Source Titel Hydrological Processes
Year 2011
Department ISOHYD; CATHYD
Volume 25
Issue 6
Page From 861
Page To 872
Language englisch
Keywords ble isotopes of water; d18Osulphate; d34Ssulphate; retention time; Gessenhalde
Abstract Stable isotopes, 2Hwater, 18Owater as well as 18Osulphate and 34Ssulphate, were used to study the flow system of shallow groundwater and soil water at the base area of a former leaching heap at the uranium mining area of Ronneburg, Germany. The flow paths and water-retention times were estimated by comparison of d2H and d18O values in groundwater and soil water to the d2H and d18O signature of precipitation, giving distinctive inputs of summer or winter precipitation. The points of measuring the groundwater were divided into three categories with different flow conditions: rapid flow, stagnant conditions and a transition zone by hierarchical cluster analysis of d2H and d18O values of groundwater. The transit time of groundwater in the rapid flow area is less than 6 months, whereas water in the stagnant zone is stored for at least 1 year. In soil water, a clear response to different input signals is detectable only in the 30-cm horizon (retention time is about 6 months), whereas at deeper levels a mixing with older water is taking place. The isotopic composition of the dissolved sulphate was used to identify oxidation of sulphides as the source of sulphate.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=10796
Lonschinski, M., Knöller, K., Merten, D., Büchel, G. (2011):
Flow dynamics of groundwater and soil water in the former heap Gessenhalde at the uranium mining area of Ronneburg: a stable isotope approach
Hydrol. Process. 25 (6), 861 - 872 10.1002/hyp.7872