Concentrations and environmental fate of Ra in cation-exchange regeneration brine waste disposed to septic tanks and accumulation in sludge, New Jersey Coastal Plain, USA

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
By: , and 

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Abstract

Concentrations of Ra in liquid and solid wastes generated from 15 softeners treating domestic well waters from New Jersey Coastal Plain aquifers (where combined Ra (226Ra plus 228Ra) concentrations commonly exceed 0.185 Bq L−1) were determined. Softeners, when maintained, reduced combined Ra about 10-fold (<0.024 Bq L−1). Combined Ra exceeded 0.185 Bq L−1 at 1 non-maintained system. Combined Ra was enriched in regeneration brine waste (maximum, 81.2 Bq L−1), but concentrations in septic-tank effluents receiving brine waste were less than in the untreated ground waters. The maximum combined Ra concentration in aquifer sands (40.7 Bq kg−1 dry weight) was less than that in sludge from the septic tanks (range, 84–363 Bq kg−1), indicating Ra accumulation in sludge from effluent. The combined Ra concentration in sludge from the homeowners' septic systems falls within the range reported for sludge samples from publicly owned treatment works within the region.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Concentrations and environmental fate of Ra in cation-exchange regeneration brine waste disposed to septic tanks and accumulation in sludge, New Jersey Coastal Plain, USA
Series title Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
DOI 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2007.11.009
Volume 99
Issue 6
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 18 p.
First page 947
Last page 964
Country United States
State New Jersey
Other Geospatial New Jersey Coastal Plain
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