Distribution of uranium isotopes in surface water of the Llobregat river basin (Northeast Spain)

A study is presented on the distribution of 234U, 238U, 235U isotopes in surface water of the Llobregat river basin (Northeast Spain), from 2001 to 2006. Sixty-six superficial water samples were collected at 16 points distributed throughout the Llobregat river basin. Uranium isotopes were measured by alpha spectrometry (PIPS detectors). The test procedure was validated according to the quality requirements of the ISO17025 standard. The activity concentration for the total dissolved uranium ranges from 20 to 261 mBq L−1. The highest concentrations of uranium were detected in an area with formations of sedimentary rock, limestone and lignite. A high degree of radioactive disequilibrium was noted among the uranium isotopes. The 234U/238U activity ratio varied between 1.1 and 1.9 and the waters with the lowest uranium activity registered the highest level of 234U/238U activity ratio. Correlations between uranium activity in the tested water and chemical and physical characteristics of the aquifer were found.

Research highlights
► Uranium and 234U/238U activity ratio within the catchment of the Llobregat River are presented.
► Uranium activity varies between 20 and 261 mBq L−1 and it is higher than the global average river value.
► A high degree of radioactive disequilibrium was noted among the uranium isotopes.
► Correlations between uranium activity and the characteristics of the aquifer were found.