Distribution of radioactive constituents and dependence with chemical parameters in river water from Biscay (Spain)∗

This work was supported by Proyect 149345‐EA093/92 of Universidad del Pais Vasco.

Abstract

Radioactive constituents in water of the main rivers and hydrochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature, percentage of saturation in oxygen and main chemical components) were measured in situ or in the laboratory after preservation. Samples from the rivers Nervion (10), Ibaizabal (5), Cadagua (8) and one sample from five small basins (Barbadún, Butrón, Oca, Lea and Artibay) were investigated. Radioactive data include i) total alpha and beta indices and ii) gamma emitters from the 4 N and 4N+2 radioactive families, K.40 and an artificial nuclide, Cs. 137.

Chemical and radioactive results are discussed by conventional methods and multivariate statistical procedures. On the basis of average values, the studied rivers are characterized as follows: Nervion (important amounts of Cs. 137 and the greatest beta index), Ibaizabal (high K.40 contents), Cadagua (the biggest alpha index) and low radionuclides concentrations in the other rivers.

The content of the artificial nuclide Cs. 137 in Nervión river seems to be associated to the presence of soluble salts, as a consequence of the existence of a Keuper outcrop in that basin. No other significant relations among chemical and radioactive constituents were found.

Notes

This work was supported by Proyect 149345‐EA093/92 of Universidad del Pais Vasco.

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