Geochemical Study on the Uranium Anormaly around the Shinbo Talc Mine (I) -In the Light of Hydrochemical Properties-

신보활석광산 주변에 형성된 우라늄 이상치에 관한 지화학적 연구 (I) -수리화학적 특성을 중심으로-

  • Chung, Jae-Il (Department of Earth and Environmental Sci., Chonbuk National University) ;
  • Lee, Mu-seong (Department of Environmental Eng., Mokpo National University) ;
  • Na, Choon-Ki (Department of Environmental Eng., Mokpo National University)
  • 정재일 (전북대학교 지구환경과학과) ;
  • 이무성 (목포대학교 환경공학과) ;
  • 나춘기 (목포대학교 환경공학과)
  • Received : 1998.01.08
  • Published : 1998.04.30

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the source of U anormaly formed in stream water of the drainage system around the Shinbo talc mine area based on the hydrochemical properties of water masses including surface water and groundwater. The hydrochemical properties of water masses in the Shinbo talc mine area are divide into three types; Type I : $Ca(Mg)SO_4$ type with high U content as shown in the stream water flowout from the mine, Type II : $Ca(HCO_3)_2$ type with high U content as in deep groundwater, Type III : $Ca(HCO_3)_2$, type with low U content as in the other stream water and shallow groundwater. It is necessary to emphasize that in deducing the uranium source, a distinct discrimination between type I and type II is showed in their hydrothermal properties in spite of commonly having a high uranium content, which in turn means the occurrence of a different water-rock interaction processes between both type. All evidences suggest that type II groundwater have acted as a primary media in the transport of uranium and that, as the groundwater flows through the talc mineralization zone, water composition of type II was transformed into that of type I water as the results of a secondary water rock interaction process, caused by imposition of new mineralogically controlled thermodynamic constraints. Consequently, in the viewpoint of hydrochemical exploration, the investigation of the hydrologic circulation system and the hydrogeologic properties for the aquifer of type II groundwater shall be done first of all and will provide a crucial clue on tracing the uranium mineralization zone occurred in the Shinbo talc mine area.

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Acknowledgement

Supported by : 한국과학재단, 기초과학연구소