Geochemistry of ground water in the Miocene Oakville Sandstone: a major aquifer and uranium host of the Texas Coastal Plain
The Oakville Sandstone is a major aquifer and a major host of uranium deposits in the Texas Coastal Plain. This report discusses the geochemistry - including major ions, the trace elements uranium, molybdenum, arsenic, and selenium, and oxidation-reduction potential - of Oakville ground water to evaluate the potential effect of uranium mining on water quality. Ground-water chemistry was investigated both regionally and in two major uranium mining districts. Major ion composition of Oakville ground water shows a regional variation. There are three oxidation-reduction zones within the Oakville: (1) an oxidizing zone with Eh values greater than 300 mV, controlled by the presence of measurable concentrations of dissolved oxygen; (2) an intermediate zone with Eh values between 110 and 10 mV, probably controlled by ferrous-ferric mineral reactions; and (3) a reducing zone with Eh values less than -40 mV, probably controlled by the presence of FeS/sub 2/. Uranium, molybdenum, arsenic, and selenium show regional variations in concentrations, with trace element values in South Texas water distinctly higher than in East Texas water. Analysis of water chemistry around the two uranium mining districts gives results similar to those found in the regional study. Very high concentrations of trace elements occur only in a few samples within ore zones. These high concentrations probably result from natural dispersal from the deposits, although this is not a widespread phenomenon. 65 references, 21 figures, 9 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Univ., Austin (USA). Bureau of Economic Geology
- OSTI ID:
- 6867016
- Report Number(s):
- NP-4901166; ON: TI84901166
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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