Abstract.
The discharge of highly mineralised mine waters with enhanced 226Ra and 228Ra activity concentrations has affected creeks, rivers, sediments, soils, and plants along the Lippe River and its tributaries. 226Ra activity concentrations were elevated in all water samples receiving mine water, with activity concentrations gradually decreasing with increased distance from the colliery due to dilution and chemical precipitation of radium with barium. Increased concentrations of radium and radium decay products were also measured in sediments and flood-affected soils. The sediments show an enrichment of 226Ra up to a factor of 750, while the contaminated soils “only” reach a factor of 10. In aquatic plants, a 4-fold increase in 226Ra activity concentrations was measured downstream of the discharge points. The contamination of the river banks and adjacent floodplain with radium is responsible for enhanced gamma dose rates, which, along with the incorporation of soil by playing children, provide potential radiation exposure to the public.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schmid, S., Wiegand, J. Radionuclide Contamination of Surface Waters, Sediments, and Soil Caused by Coal Mining Activities in the ruhr District (Germany). Mine Water and the Environment 22, 130–140 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-003-0013-z
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-003-0013-z