Publication details
Geochemical model of leaching field groundwaters at the Stráž uranium deposit
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | MendelNet 2017 : Proceedings of 24th International PhD Students Conference |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://mnet.mendelu.cz/mendelnet2017/mnet_2017_full.pdf |
| Field | Geochemistry |
| Keywords | Bohemian Cretaceous Basin; geochemistry; groundwater; mining; in situ leaching |
| Description | The paper suggests a means of applying geochemical modelling in the prediction of groundwater chemistry development and the optimization of remediation. The Geochemist's Workbench programme was used to create a geochemical model based on field data gained from the Stráž deposit. Two waters were picked, both with low pH (1.1 and 3.6), and concentrations of main ions were used. The compositions were charge balanced and then gradual mixing was modelled. Synthetic waters with the same composition were prepared in a laboratory and mixed in mixing fractions 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 0.95, 0.99 and 1. Redox potential, pH, and electrical conductivity were measured and compared with the geochemical model. Both of the chosen waters were undersaturated with respect to minerals, and the ionic composition of the prepared waters and during mixing was driven only by dilution. Within the comparison of the modelled and synthetic water parameters, almost identical results were obtained for pH, while redox potential and electrical conductivity were different. The difference in the redox potentials was probably caused by the presence of oxygen in the case of the synthetic water. The electrical conductivities values were similar; however, the model values were lower with higher pH. It is thus necessary to correct the model before its application to extreme waters, such as leaching field groundwaters. The presented results may be of use in efforts to improve the modelling of very acid groundwaters and help in understanding changes in parameters which affect mineral precipitation and the dissolution of uranium compounds. |
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