Evaluation of Uranium Concentration in Soil Samples of Central Jordan

Minerals

Ned Xoubi¹ 

[1] Nuclear Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80204, Jeddah 21589, ‎Saudi Arabia; E-Mail

关键词: uranium;    exploration;    Jordan;    nuclear energy;    ICP-Mass;   

DOI  :  10.3390/min5020133

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Naturally occurring radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and their decay products (²²⁶Ra, ²²²Rn) are present in a number of geological settings in Jordan. Motivated by the existence of uranium anomalies ‎coupled with its lack of conventional ‎‎energy ‎‎resources, Jordan decided that the development of ‎this indigenes ‎resource (uranium) is the first step in introducing nuclear power as part of its energy mix. Uranium deposits in Central Jordan were perceived not only as a secured resource that will ‎fulfill Jordan’s energy needs, but also as an economic asset that will ‎finance Jordan’s nuclear program. The average uranium concentration of 236 soil samples using ICP-Mass (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) was found to be 109 parts per million (ppm). Results analysis revealed a wide range of 1066 ppm for uranium concentration, and a median of 41 ppm uranium. The measurements frequency distribution indicates that 72% of samples measured had a uranium content of less than 100 ppm, a concentration that characterizes overburden and tailings quality, rather than minable reserves. This paper presents and evaluates the concentration of uranium in central Jordan, being the most promising area with the highest radioactive anomalies in Jordan.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.