Radium and radon content in the carbonate-rock aquifer of the southern Italian region of Apulia |
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| Authors: | Michele Spizzico |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy |
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| Abstract: | High concentrations of 222Rn have been found throughout the waters of the coastal carbonate-rock Mesozoic aquifer located in the region of Apulia in southern Italy. Studies undertaken have determined that such concentrations are due to the radioisotopic features of terra rossa, a type of paleosol that is generated as a residual byproduct of carbonate dissolution and is found to be widespread throughout the aquifer s fissures and karst cavities.These special types of soil feature a rather high clay content (80–95%) and, although variable, their specific 226Ra activity (70–147 Bq/kg) is nonetheless considerably greater than that of limestone (~50 Bq/kg). In fact, there are substantial differences in 222Rn concentrations found in waters that come into contact with this type of rock and paleosol.The partial dissolution of some carbonate rock samples in the laboratory confirmed that the 226Ra released by the dissolved rock primarily accumulates in the residual soil deposits, especially in ones containing finer granules. This has also been the result of experiments conducted on 15 terra rossa samples collected from the region, which indicates that there is a close correlation between the specific 226Ra activity and the clay content of such paleosols, which varies with the stage of weathering.It has been found that the 222Rn concentrations in the regions waters, depend on the specific terra rossa 226Ra activity rather than on the quantity of terra rossa.Field checks have confirmed the possibility of using 226Ra and 222Rn as natural tracers in order to define hydrogeological problems in special environments such as karst. They can be used to distinguish the different water bearing zones in the carbonate-rock aquifer; analyze the influence of tides on coastal springs; determine the flow direction in the proximity of a well; recognize, recharge and the progressive decline of the groundwater level; derive indications of underground flow paths; and the occurrence of fissures and karstic cavities in the carbonate-rock aquifer. |
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| Keywords: | Hydrogeology Carbonate karst aquifer Terra Rossa Radium Radon |
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