• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.847-870
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• 2023

The safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste requires accurate predictions of the long-term geochemical behavior of radionuclides. To achieve this, the present study was conducted to model geochemical behaviors of uranium (U), plutonium (Pu), and palladium (Pd) under different hydrogeochemical conditions that represent deep groundwater in Korea. Geochemical modeling was performed for five types of South Korean deep groundwater environment: high-TDS saline groundwater (G1), low-pH CO₂-rich groundwater (G2), high-pH alkaline groundwater (G3), sulfate-rich groundwater (G4), and dilute (fresh) groundwater (G5). Under the pH and Eh (redox potential) ranges of 3 to 12 and ±0.2 V, respectively, the solubility and speciation of U, Pu, and Pd in deep groundwater were predicted. The result reveals that U(IV) exhibits high solubility within the neutral to alkaline pH range, even in reducing environment with Eh down to -0.2 V. Such high solubility of U is primarily attributed to the formation of Ca-U-CO₃ complexes, which is important in both G2 located along fault zones and G3 occurring in granitic bedrocks. On the other hand, the solubility of Pu is found to be highly dependent on pH, with the lowest solubility in neutral to alkaline conditions. The predominant species are Pu(IV) and Pu(III) and their removal is predicted to occur by sorption. Considering the migration by colloids, however, the role of colloid formation and migration are expected to promote the Pu mobility, especially in deep groundwater of G3 and G5 which have low ionic strengths. Palladium (Pd) exhibits the low solubility due to the precipitation as sulfides in reducing conditions. In oxidizing condition, anionic complexes such as Pd(OH)₃^-, PdCl₃(OH)₂^-, PdCl₄^2-, and Pd(CO₃)₂^2- would be removed by sorption onto metal (hydro)oxides. This study will improve the understanding of the fate and transport of radionuclides in deep groundwater conditions of South Korea and therefore contributes to develop strategies for safe high-level radioactive waste disposal.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.517-532
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• 2021

Safe geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) requires knowledge of the deep hydrochemical characteristics of the repository site. Here, we conducted a set of deep hydrochemical investigations using a 750-m borehole drilled in a model granite system in Wonju, South Korea. A closed investigation system consisting of a double-packer, Waterra pump, flow cell, and water-quality measurement unit was used for in situ water quality measurements and subsequent groundwater sampling. We managed the drilling water labeled with a fluorescein dye using a recycling system that reuses the water discharged from the borehole. We selected the test depths based on the dye concentrations, outflow water quality parameters, borehole logging, and visual inspection of the rock cores. The groundwater pumped up to the surface flowed into the flow cell, where the in situ water quality parameters were measured, and it was then collected for further laboratory measurements. Atmospheric contact was minimized during the entire process. Before hydrochemical measurements and sample collection, pumping was performed to purge the remnant drilling water. This study on a model borehole can serve as a reference for the future development of deep hydrochemical investigation procedures and techniques for siting processes of SNF repositories.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2006.04a
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• pp.303-306
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• 2006

Using a variety of chemical geothermometers we estimate the temperature of a deep geothermal reservoir in relation to thermal groundwater in the Bugok area, southern Korea, in order to assess the potential use of geothermal energy in South Korea. Thermal water at Bugok has been exploited down to about 400 m below the land surface and shows the highest outflow temperatures (up to $78{\circ}C$) in South Korea. Based on the hydrochemical data and occurrence, groundwater in Bugok can be classified into three groups: $Na-SO_4$ type thermal groundwater (CTGW) occurring in the central part (about 0.24 $km^2$) $Ca-HCO_3$ type cold groundwater (SCGW) occurring in shallow peripheral parts of CTGW; and the intermediate type groundwater (STGW). CTGW waters are typical of thermal water in the area, because they have the highest outflow temperatures and contain very high concentrations of Na, K and $SiO_2$ due to the sufficient reaction with silicate minerals in deep reservoir. Their enriched $SO_4$ was likely formed by gypsum dissolution. The major ion composition of CTGW shows the general approach to a partial equilibrium state with rocks at depth. The application of various alkali ion geothermometers yields temperature estimates in the range of 88 to $198{\circ}C$ for the thermal reservoir. Multiple mineral equilibrium calculation indicates asimilar but narrower temperature range between about 100 and $155{\circ}C$. These temperature estimates are not significantly higher than the measured outflow temperatures for CTGW Considering the heat loss during the ascent- of thermal waters, this fact may suggest that a thermal reservoir in the study area is likely located at relatively shallow depths (possibly close to the depth of preexisting wells). Therefore, we suggest a high potential for geothermal energy development around the Bugok area in southern Korea.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.211-220
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• 2021

Tunnel collapse often occurs during deep underground tunneling (> 40 m depth) in South Korea. Natural cavities as well as water supply pipes, sewer pipes, electric power cables, artificial cavities created by subway construction are complexly distributed in the artificial ground in the shallow depths of the urban area. For deep tunnel excavation, it is necessary to understand the properties of the ground which is characterized by porous elements and various geological structures, and their influence on the stability of the ground. This study analyzed geological factors for risk assessment in deep excavation in South Korea based on domestic and overseas case study. As a result, a total of 7 categories and 38 factors were derived. Factors with high weights were fault and fault clay, differential stress, rock type, groundwater and mud inrush, uniaxial compressive strength, cross-sectional area of tunnel, overburden thickness, karst and valley terrain, fold, limestone alternation, fluctuation of groundwater table, tunnel depth, dyke, RQD, joint characteristics, anisotropy, rockburst and so forth.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.737-760
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• 2022

For the geological disposal of high-level radioactive wastes (HLW), an understanding of deep subsurface environment is essential through geological, hydrogeological, geochemical, and geotechnical investigations. Although South Korea plans the geological disposal of HLW, only a few studies have been conducted for characterizing the geochemistry of deep subsurface environment. To guide the hydrogeochemical research for selecting suitable repository sites, this study overviewed the status and trends in hydrogeochemical characterization of deep groundwater for the deep geological disposal of HLW in developed countries. As a result of examining the selection process of geological disposal sites in 8 countries including USA, Canada, Finland, Sweden, France, Japan, Germany, and Switzerland, the following geochemical parameters were needed for the geochemical characterization of deep subsurface environment: major and minor elements and isotopes (e.g., ³⁴S and ¹⁸O of SO₄^2-, ¹³C and ¹⁴C of DIC, ²H and ¹⁸O of water) of both groundwater and pore water (in aquitard), fracture-filling minerals, organic materials, colloids, and oxidation-reduction indicators (e.g., Eh, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, H₂S/SO₄^2-, NH₄⁺/NO₃^-). A suitable repository was selected based on the integrated interpretation of these geochemical data from deep subsurface. In South Korea, hydrochemical types and evolutionary patterns of deep groundwater were identified using artificial neural networks (e.g., Self-Organizing Map), and the impact of shallow groundwater mixing was evaluated based on multivariate statistics (e.g., M3 modeling). The relationship between fracture-filling minerals and groundwater chemistry also has been investigated through a reaction-path modeling. However, these previous studies in South Korea had been conducted without some important geochemical data including isotopes, oxidationreduction indicators and DOC, mainly due to the lack of available data. Therefore, a detailed geochemical investigation is required over the country to collect these hydrochemical data to select a geological disposal site based on scientific evidence.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.729-744
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• 2023

The value of lithium has significantly increased due to the rising demand for electric cars and batteries. Lithium is primarily found in pegmatites, hydrothermally altered tuffaceous clays, and continental brines. Globally, groundwater-fed salt lakes and oil field brines are attracting attention as major sources of lithium in continental brines, accounting for about 70% of global lithium production. Recently, deep groundwater, especially geothermal water, is also studied for a potential source of lithium. Lithium concentrations in deep groundwater can increase through substantial water-rock reaction and mixing with brines. For the exploration of lithim in deep groundwater, it is important to understand its origin and behavior. Therefore, based on a nationwide preliminary study on the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of thermal groundwater in South Korea, this study aims to investigate the distribution of lithium in the deep groundwater environment and understand the geochemical factors that affect its concentration. A total of 555 thermal groundwater samples were classified into five hydrochemical types showing distinct hydrogeochemical evolution. To investigate the enrichment mechanism, samples (n = 56) with lithium concentrations exceeding the 90th percentile (0.94 mg/L) were studied in detail. Lithium concentrations varied depending upon the type, with Na(Ca)-Cl type being the highest, followed by Ca(Na)-SO₄ type and low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type. In the Ca(Na)-Cl type, lithium enrichment is due to reverse cation exchange due to seawater intrusion. The enrichment of dissolved lithium in the Ca(Na)-SO₄ type groundwater occurring in Cretaceous volcanic sedimentary basins is related to the occurrence of hydrothermally altered clay minerals and volcanic activities, while enriched lithium in the low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type groundwater is due to enhanced weathering of basement rocks by ascending deep CO₂. This reconnaissance geochemical study provides valuable insights into hydrogeochemical evolution and economic lithium exploration in deep geologic environments.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Soil and Groundwater Environment Conference
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.101-104
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• 2005

To understand the geologic and hydrogeochemical controls on the occurrence of high fluoride concentrations in bedrock groundwaters in South Korea, we examined a total of 367 hydrochemistry data obtained from deep groundwater wells (avg, depth = 600 m) that were drilled for exploitation of hot springs. The fluoride concentrations were generally very high (avg. 5.65 mg/L) and exceeded the Drinking Water Standard (1.5 mg/L) in 72% of the samples, A significant geologic control of fluoride concentrations was observed: the highest concentrations occur in the areas of granitoids and granitic gneiss, while the lowest concentrations in the areas of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. In relation to the hydrochemical facies, alkaline $Na-HCO_3$ type waters had remarkably higher F concentrations than circum-neutral to slightly alkaline $Ca-HCO_3$ type waters. The Prolonged water-rock interaction occurring during the deep circulation of groundwater in the areas of granitoids and granitic gneiss is considered most important for the generation of high F concentrations. Under such condition, fluoride-rich groundwaters are likely formed through hydrogeochemical processes consisting of the removal of Ca from groundwater via calcite precipitation and/or cation exchange and the successive dissolution of plagioclase and F-bearing hydroxyl minerals (esp. biotite). Thus, groundwaters with high pH and very high Na/Ca ratio within granitoids and granitic gneiss are likely most vulnerable to the water supply problem in relation to the enriched fluorine.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.25-37
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• 2014

The volcanic type of geothermal water is linked intimately to active or potentially active volcanoes and takes place near the plate boundaries. In contrast to the volcanic type, the geothermal water in Korea has a non-volcanic origin. Korea's geothermal water is classified into the residual magma (RM) type and deep groundwater (DG) type according to the criterion of $35^{\circ}C$. This study reviewed the relationship between the physical and chemical features of the 281 geothermal water sources in South Korea in terms of the specific capacity, water temperature, and chemical compositions of two different basements (igneous rock and metamorphic rock) as well as the geological structures. According to the spatial relationship between the geothermal holes and geological faults, the length of the major fault is considered a key parameter determining the movement to a deeper place and the temperature of geothermal water. A negligible relationship between the specific capacity (Q/s) and temperature was found for both the RM type and DG type with the greater specific capacities of the RM- and DG-igneous types than the RM- and DG-metamorphic types. No relationship was observed between Q/s and the chemical constituents ($K^+$, $Na^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$, $Cl^-$, $SO_4{^{2-}}$, $HCO_3{^-}$, and $SiO_2$) in the DG-igneous and DG-metamorphic types. Furthermore, weak relationship between temperature and chemical constituents was found for both the RM type and DG type.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

Bentonite is the most probable candidate to be used as a buffer in a deep geological repository with high swelling properties, hydraulic conductivity, thermal conductivity, and radionuclide sorption ability. Among them, the radionuclide sorption ability prevents or delays the transport of radionuclides into the nearby environment when an accident occurs and the radionuclide leaks from the canister, so it needs to be strengthened in terms of long-term disposal safety. Here, we proposed a surface modification method in which some inorganic additives were added to form NaP zeolite on the surface of the bentonite yielded at Yeonil, South Korea. We confirmed that the NaP zeolite was well-formed on the bentonite surface, which also increased the sorption efficiency of Cs and Sr from groundwater conditions. Both NaP and NaX zeolite can be produced and we have demonstrated that the generation mechanism of NaX and NaP is due to the number of homogeneous/heterogeneous nucleation sites and the number of nutrients supplied from an aluminosilicate gel during the surface modification process. This study showed the potential of surface modification on bentonite to enhance the safety of deep geological radioactive waste repository by improving the radionuclide sorption ability of bentonite.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.1 s.182
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• pp.67-85
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• 2007

We have performed the CSAMT survey to examine the geoelectrical structure and groundwater distribution for two survey lines across the south-eastern region of Jeju Island. Three kinds of 1-D inversion techniques were employed taking account of the geological situation around the observation sites, and their inversion results were concurrently compared and analyzed to improve the reliability of interpretation. The resultant inverted resistivity structures reveals the three-layered structure, which is composed of the layers with a high-low-lower resistivity from the surface downward. Through the comparison of the inverted resistivity model and core log of deep borehole nearby observation sites, the lithology of each inverted layer was inferred. The first layer and second layer corresponded to the basaltic layer with a thickness of $100{\sim}250m$, and the third layer to the Seoguipo Formation and the U Formation; the thickness of the Seoguipo Formation could not be estimated due to the limitation of investigation depth and little resistivity difference between both Formations. Nevertheless, the Seoguipo Formation, which is strongly associated with the groundwater system in the south-eastern region of Jeju Island, showed the conspicuous spatial continuity from the middle mountain area to coastal area.