Uranium anomalies in organic lake sediments might be false if not
accompanied by high radium
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Uranium is concentrated by organic matter such as some of the sediments (gyttja?) found in lakes and
streams in the Canadian Shield. Radium is less strongly concentrated.
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All of the radium in the earth comes from radioactive decay of uranium.
These two elements have very different chemical behaviour and can get separated during
geological processes.
Uranium-238 has a half-life of 4.5 billion years, radium-226 of 1622 years.
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If anomalous concentrations of uranium in sediment are due to nearby enrichments of uranium
in rock, then radium values in the sediment would also be high.
Absence of high radium values in these uranium anomalies suggests that chemical activity in
the sediment is responsible for the uranium enrichment -- a false anomaly.
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All suspicious uranium anomalies in organic sediment should be analysed for radium as well.
In fact, radium analyses, as opposed to uranium, might be a better first choice in geochemical
prospecting for uranium.
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Most of the radon in lake water comes from radium in the lake sediment.
Analysis of lake-bottom waters for radon will give a good indication of the radium content
of the sediment, and in some cases will be more readily available.
Link.
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Radium and radon are readily determined by our portable radon detectors.
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INSTRUMENTS
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We measure: radon - radium - thoron - radon daughters - alpha radiation.
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The Lucas cell is recognized as the most sensitive and reliable method for these elements.
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Our instruments are used around the world in exploration for uranium, oil & gas, groundwater and hydrothermal,
and in health physics, earthquake prediction, and evaluation of hydrocarbon and NAPL contamination.
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In the radon business since 1968, our latest major instrument update was 2011.
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Modern, low-power, field-rugged electronics.
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Sensitive to geochemical trace levels necessary for radon in lake water and for radon-thoron isotope ratios.
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Can work in a tent without electricity or be carried from point to point in the field.
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40 readings per day. Results available immediately.
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Can be operated by junior personnel if carefully supervised.
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Same instruments used for radon and radium in soil, sediment,
plant parts, rocks, water, soil gas, air, and snow, and for radon daughters in air.
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Click here for pictures of instruments.
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Click here for or other instruments, components and
assessories we provide
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For instruments contact
R.H. Morse & Associates Ltd.
1-416-269-9979
morse@finderschoice.com
skype: robert.morse.toronto
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Multilingual consulting and training (if required).
Robert H. Morse, Ph.D., P.Eng.
March 21, 2010
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