Regional hydrogeochemical mapping: An ecological status of natural radionuclides and other toxic elements mapping and contamination assessment: Results of selected fluvial plains of the southern Serbia

Abstract

Areas of anomalous concentrations of natural radionuclides and other toxic elements in water has been defined by hydro-geochemical regional prospecting in the frame of nuclear and other mineral resources researches. Geochemical tests were performed in the tertiary basin of area "Vranjska banja", in accordance with metallogenetic and geological-structural and morphological characteristics. During the regional prospecting, water samples were collected, on the hydrographic network, from surface streams, springs, wells and drills. Contents of uranium and parameters such as pH value, Eh, and Ep, were determined in all water samples. In addition, contents of 238U, 226Ra and 222Rn, microelements, the anion-cation composition, O2, H2S, CO2 gases, mineralization and hardness, were determined in the recently collected samples due to radioactive anomalies checking and evaluation. Increased concentrations of macroelements, especially contents of: Br, I, F, and Zn, natural radionuclides 238U, 226Ra and 222Rn, were recorded in water samples. Research results are presented in tables, diagrams and maps. According to hydrogrochmical test results as well as other geochemical and geophysical investigations it is possible to define radiological areas with significant impacts of natural radionuclides in environment of rural South Serbia.