The Journal of Engineering Geology (지질공학)

The Korean Society of Engineering Geology (대한지질공학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Geological Review on the Distribution and Source of Uraniferous Grounwater in South Korea

국내 고함량 우라늄 지하수의 분포와 기원에 관한 지질학적 고찰

  • Hwang, Jeong (Department of Construction Safety and Disaster Prevention Engineering, Daejeon University)
  • 황정 (대전대학교 건설안전방재공학과)
  • Received : 2018.10.15
  • Accepted : 2018.12.12
  • Published : 2018.12.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

The most of groundwater with high U-concentration occur in the Jurassic granite of Gyeonggi massif and Ogcheon belt, and some of them occur in the Cretaceous granite of Ogcheon belt. On the contrary, they do not occur in the Jurassic granite of Yeongnam massif and the Cretaceou granite of Gyeongsang basin. The Jurassic and Cretacous granite, the host rock of high U-groundwater, were resulted from parental magma with high ratio of crustal material and highly differentiated product of fractional crystalization. These petrogenetic characteristics explain the geological evidence for preferential distribution of uraniferous groundwater in each host rock. It were reported recently that high U-content, low Th/U ratio and soluble mineral occurrence of uraninite in the two-mica granite of Daejeon area which have characteristics of S-type peraluminous and highly differntiated product. It is the mineralogical-geochemical evidences supporting the fact that the two-mica granite is the effective source of uranium in groundwater. The biotite granite and two-mica granite of Jurassic age were reported as biotite granite in many geological map even though two-mica granite occur locally. This fact suggest that the influence of two-mica granite can not be ignored in uraniferous groundwater hosted by biotite granite.

고함량 우라늄 지하수의 대부분은 경기육괴와 옥천대의 쥬라기 화강암 지질에서 그리고 일부는 옥천대의 백악기 화강암 지질에서 산출되며, 영남육괴의 쥬라기 화강암 지질과 경상분지의 백악기 화강암 지질에서는 거의 산출되지 않는다. 경기육괴와 옥천대의 쥬라기 화강암과 옥천대의 백악기 화강암은 근원 마그마내 지각물질의 비율이 높고 고분화된 특성을 보이는데, 이러한 암석-성인적 특성은 고함량 우라늄 지하수가 해당 암상에서 우선적으로 산출되는 지질학적 주요 요인이다. S-type의 과알루미너질의 고분화 암상인 대전지역의 복운모 화강암에서는 높은 U-함량과 낮은 Th/U ratio 그리고 용해성 광물인 우라니나이트가 산출된다. 이러한 특성은 복운모 화강암이 지하수 내 우라늄의 유용한 공급원임을 지시하는 광물-지구화학적 주요 요인이다. 여러 지역의 지질도폭에서 쥬라기의 흑운모 화강암과 복운모 화강암을 서로 구분하지 않고 흑운모 화강암으로 기재한 경우가 많음을 고려하면, 고함량 우라늄 지하수가 산출되는 흑운모 화강암 지질에서도 복운모 화강암의 영향이 있을 것으로 추정된다.

Keywords

JJGHBG_2018_v28n4_593_f0001.png 이미지

Fig. 1. Spatial distributions of the representative sites in which uraniferous groundwater occur shown on Mesozoic granite lithology and tectonic map.

JJGHBG_2018_v28n4_593_f0002.png 이미지

Fig. 2. Molar A/NK vs. A/CNK diagram showing the peraluminous character of the two-mica granite in Daejeon area (data from Hwang and Moon, 2018).

JJGHBG_2018_v28n4_593_f0003.png 이미지

Fig. 3. Plot for U value vs. Th/U ratio of the two-mica granite in Daejeon area (data from Hwang and Moon, 2018).

JJGHBG_2018_v28n4_593_f0004.png 이미지

Fig. 4. The backscattered electron image and microprobe X-ray spectra showing the U-mineral occurrence and identification of Uraninite (a) and coffinite(b) in the two- mica granite of Daejeon area (after Hwang et al., 2014).

Table 1. Summary of characteristics on the representative sites in which the highest U-concentrations were reported in groundwater according to host rock type.

JJGHBG_2018_v28n4_593_t0001.png 이미지

References

  1. Boyle, R.W., 1982. Geochemical prospecting for thorium and uranium deposits, Geological Survey Canada, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, 498p.
  2. CEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency), 2001, Public health goals for uranium in drinking water, CEPA, California, 30p.
  3. Cho, B.W., Choo, C.O., Yun, U., Lee, B.D., Hwang, J.H., Kim, M.S., 2014, Hydrogeochemical characteristics, occurrence, and distribution of natural radioactive materials (uranium and radon) in groundwater of Ggyeongnam and Gyeongbuk Provinces The Journal of Engineering Geology, 24(4), 551-574. https://doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2014.4.551
  4. Choo, C.O., 2002. Characteristics of uraniferous minerals in Daebo granite and significance of mineral species, Journal of Mineral Society of Korea, 15, 11-21. (in Korean with English abstract).
  5. Chough, S.K., Kwon, S., Ree, J.H., Choi, D.K., 2000, Tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the Korean peninsula: A review and new view, Earth-Science Reviews, 52, 175-235.
  6. Cuney, M., 2014, Felsic magmatism and uranium deposits, Bulletin-Societe geologique de France, 185(2), 75-92. https://doi.org/10.2113/gssgfbull.185.2.75
  7. Dahlkamp, F.J., 1993, Uranium Ore Deposits, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 499p.
  8. Dana, P.L., James, E.W., Douglas, J.C., 1988, Predicting the occurrence of radon in groundwater supplies, Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 10(2), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01758591
  9. Forster, H.J., 1999, The chemical composition of uraninite in Variscan granites of the Erzgebirge, Germany, Mineralogical Magazine, 63(2), 239-252. https://doi.org/10.1180/002646199548466
  10. Gwak, M., Song, Y., Park, K., 2017, Depositional age of the Bangnim Group, Pyeongchang, Korea constrained by SHRIMP U-Pb age of the detrital zircons, The Journal of Petrological Society of Korea, 26(1), 73-82. (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.7854/JPSK.2017.26.1.73
  11. Hwang, J., 2013, Occurrence of U-minerals and source of U in Groundwater in Daebo granite, Daejeon area, The Journal of Engineering Geology, 23(4), 399-407. (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2013.4.399
  12. Hwang, J., Moon, S.H., 2018, Geochemical evidence for K-metasomatism related to uranium enrichment in Daejeon granitic rocks near the central Ogcheon Metamorphic Belt, Korea, Geosciences Journal, 22(6), 1001-1013.
  13. Hwang, J., Moon, S.H., Ripley, E.M., Kim, Y.H., 2014, Determining uraniferous host rocks and minerals as a source of dissolved uranium in granite aquifers near the central Ogcheon metamorphic belt, Korea, Environmental Earth Science, 72, 4035-4046. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3293-7
  14. Ibrahim, M.E., Saleh, G.M., Abd El-Naby, H.H., 2002, Uranium mineralization in the two mica granite of Gabal Ribdab area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt, Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 55(6), 861-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-8043(01)00122-1
  15. Jeong, C.H., Kim, D.W., Kim, M.S., Lee, Y.J., Kim, T.S., Han, J.S., Joe, B.U., 2012, Occurrence of natural radioactive materials in borehole groundwater and rock core in the Icheon area, The Journal of Engineering Geology, 22(1), 95-111. (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2012.22.1.095
  16. Jeong, C.H., Kim, M.S., Lee, Y.J., Han, J.S., Jang, H.G., Joe, B.U., 2011, Hydrochemistry and occurrence of natural radioactive materials within borehole groundwater in the Cheongwon area, The Journal of Engineering Geology, 21, 163-178. (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2011.21.2.163
  17. Jin, M. S., 1998, Igneous activity, In: Cheong et al. (Editors), Teh Geology of Korea, Sigma Press, 5, 385-465.
  18. Jwa, Y., 2008, A Preliminary study on granite suite and supersuite for the Jurassic granites in South Korea, The Journal of Petrological Society of Korea, 17(4), 222-230. (in Korean with English abstract).
  19. Kee, W.S., Cho, D.L., Kim, B.C., Jin, K., 2005, Geological report of the Pocheon sheet, Pocheon Sseet(1:50,000), Korea Research Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.
  20. Kim, K.H., 1992, Geochemical study of some mesozoic granitic rocks in South Korea, Jour. Korean Inst. Mining Geology, 25(4), 435-446. (in Korean with English abstract).
  21. Kim, M.S., Kim, T.S., Kim. H.K., Kim, D.S., Jeong, D.H., Ju, B.K., Hong, J.K., Kim, H.J., Park, S.H., Jeong, C.H., Cho, B.W., Han, J.S., 2013, Study on temporal decay characteristics of naturally occurring radionuclides in groudwater in two mica granite area, Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment, 18(4), 19-31. (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.7857/JSGE.2013.18.4.019
  22. Kwon, C.S., 1988, Abundances of trace elements of the granitic rocks and their tectonic implications in Daejeon-Gongju area, Journal of the Geological Society of Korea, 24(special issue), 147-162.
  23. Kwon, Y.I., Jin, M.S., 1974, Geologic map of Cheongju sheet. Cheongju sheet(1:50,000). Korea Research Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.
  24. Langmuir, D., 1978, Uranium solution-mineral equilibria at low temperatures with applications to sedimentary ore deposits, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 42(6), 547-669. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(78)90001-7
  25. Lee, M.S., 1978, Geochemical study of granite intrusions in the area of uranium bearing formation of the Ogcheon system, Journal of the Geological Society, 14(3), 113-119. (in Korean with English abstract).
  26. Lee, S.G., Shin, S.C., Kim, K.H., Lee, T., Koh, H., Song, Y.S., 2010, Petrogenesis of three Cretaceous granites in the Okcheon metamorphic belt, south Korea: geochemical and Nd-Sr-Pb isotopic constraints, Gondwana Research, 17, 87-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2009.04.012
  27. Lee, S.M., Kim, H.S., Na, K.C., 1980, Geologic map of Daejeon sheet. Daejeon sheet (1:50,000). Korea Research Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.
  28. Min, M., Fang, C., Fayek, M., 2005, Petrography and genetic history of coffinite and uraninite from the Liueryiqi granite-hosted uranium deposit, SE China, Ore Geology Reviews, 26, 187-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2004.10.006
  29. Moon, S.H., Hwang, J., Lee, J.Y., Hyun, S.P., Bae, B.K., Park, Y., 2013, Establishing the origin of elevated uranium concentrations in groundwater near the central Ogcheon metamorphic belt, Korea, Journal of Environmental Quality, 42, 118-128. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2012.0044
  30. NIER, 2001, Study on the radionuclide concentrations in groundwater, NIER Report (in Korean).
  31. NIER, 2006, An investigation on the radion radionuclide concentrations in groundwater, NIER Report (in Korean).
  32. NIER, 2008, Occurrences of radionuclides in groundwater of the 4 high potential areas (I), NIER Report (in Korean).
  33. NIER, 2009, Occurrences of radionuclides in groundwater of the 4 high potential areas (II), NIER Report (in Korean).
  34. NIER, 2010, Occurrences of radionuclides in groundwater of the 4 high potential areas ('10), NIER Report (in Korean).
  35. Park, H.I., Lee, J.D., Cheong, J.G., 1977, Geologic map of Korea, Yuseong sheet (1:50,000). Korea Research Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.
  36. Park, K., Lee, T., 2014, Characteristics of Nd isotopic compositions of the Phanerozoic granitoids of Korea and their genetic significance, The Journal of Petrological Society of Korea, 23(3), 279-292, (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.7854/JPSK.2014.23.3.279
  37. Plant, J.A., Simpson, P.R., Smith, B., Windley, B.F., 1999. Uranium ore deposits: products of the radioactive earth, Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 38, 255-319.
  38. Rene. M., 2005, Geochemical constraints of hydrothermal alterations of two-mica granites of the Moldanubian batholith at the Okrouhla Radoun uranium deposit, Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia, 2(4), 63-79.
  39. Rudnick, R.L., Gao, S., 2003, Composition of the continental crust, In The Crust, In: Karl, D.H., and Rudnick, R.L., (Editors), Treatise On Geochemistry Heinrich, Elsevier Science, 3, 1-64.
  40. Sun, S.S., McDonough, W.F., 1989. Chemical and isotope systematics of oceanic basalts: implications for mantle composition and processes. In: Saunders A.D. and Norry M.J., (Editors), Magmatism in the Ocean Basins, Geological Society of London Special Paper 42, 313-345.
  41. Uchida, E., Choi, S.G., Baba1, D., Wakisaka, U., 2012, Petrogenesis and solidification depth of the Jurassic Daebo and Cretaceous Bulguksa granitic rocks in South Korea, Resource Geology, 62(3), 281-295. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-3928.2012.00195.x
  42. Yeo, S.C., Lim, J.H., 1974, Geologic map of Icheon sheet. Icheon sheet (1:50,000). Korea Research Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.
  43. Yun, S.W., Lee, J., Park Y., 2016, Occurrence of radionuclides in groundwater of Korea according to geologic condition, The Journal of Engineering Geology, 26(1), 71-78. (in Korean with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2016.1.71