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

摘要

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 ( sup 228 Th) and desorption ( sup 224 Ra) are rapid. This Wolfcamp brine was tested for the effects of colloids for Ra, U, and Th concentrations. No effects were found. (ERA citation 10:015798)