Proefschrift Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Auteursnaam op omslag: Sander Huisman. Met lit. opg. - Met samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Proefschrift Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Met lit. opg. - Met samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Proefschrift Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Met lit. opg. - Met samenvatting in het Nederlands.

O monitoramento da qualidade das águas subterrâneasno Estado de São Paulo realizado pela agência ambiental estadual (CETESB),tem identificado problemas regionais que vem chamando a atenção dos órgãos gestores de meio ambiente, recursos hídricos e concessionárias de água. Dentre os problemas, teores anômalos de bário tem sido identificados com frequência em poços de abastecimento públicos, localizados principalmente no Sistema Aquífero Bauru (SAB), entretanto, com origem desconhecida pela CETESB. O poço de abastecimento do município de Gália, área alvo deste estudo, se encontra entre os poços de abastecimento que captamáguas do SAB (Aquíferos Marília e Adamantina) e apresentam concentrações de bário acima dos padrões de potabilidade (>0,7 mg/L). Para avaliar a origem dessas anomalias, se natural ou antrópica, assim como, avaliar o comportamento do bário no Sistema Aquifero Bauru (Aquiferos Marília e Adamantina), e sua relação com os carbonatos da Formação Marília, são utilizados neste estudo isótopos de oxigênio, hidrogênio e estrôncio, com razões isotópicas obtidas em amostras de rochas e águas subterrâneas coletadas em poços instalados nos Aquiferos Marília e Adamantina. Os resultados isotópicos de Sr indicam a origem natural de bário nas águas subterrâneas estudadas, associadas ao carbonatos da Formação Marília. A assinatura isotópica de estrôncio das águas subterrâneas (0,7090 a 0,7093) apresentam semelhança a assinatura isotópica das rochas em sua fração carbonato (0,7085 e 0,7090), indicando a origem geogênica de estrôncio, associada aos carbonatos. Considerando a tendência de correlação observada entre bário e estrôncio, pode-se concluirque os carbonatos são também a fonte potencial de bário para as águas subterrâneas. Os dados isotópicos de oxigênio e hidrogênio revelam um zoneamento isotópico do Sistema Aquífero Bauru, permitindo distinguir as águas do Aquífero Marília, enriquecidas isotopicamente (-7,11 a -7,43 para \'delta\'\'POT.18\'O e -43,57 e -49,61 para \'delta\'D) e com teores elevados de bário (1,20 a 1,60 ppm), das águas do Aquífero Adamantina, isotopicamente empobrecidas emrelação ao Aquífero Marília (-8,55 e -8,74 para \'delta\'\'POT.18\'O e -50,68 a 60,26 para \'delta\'D) e com teores inferiores de Ba (0,69 a 0,86 ppm). Dada tendência de correlação de bário com \'delta\'O \'POT.18\' , \'delta\'D e estrôncio nas águas subterrâneas, os resultados deste estudo indicam os isótopos de oxigênio, hidrogênio e estrôncio como bons traçadores das anomalias de bário nas águas subterrâneas estudadas, colocando esses isótopos como ferramentas potenciais para a gestão dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos associados ao Sistema Aquífero Bauru e suas anomalias de bário. / The monitoring of groundwater quality in the State of São Paulo executed by state environmental agency (CETESB) has identified regional problems that has caught the attention of the management bodies of the environment, water resources and water supply companies. Among the problems, anomalous levels of barium have been identified frequently in public supply wells, located primarily in Bauru Aquifer System (BAS), however, with unknown origin by CETESB. The well supply of Gália city, area chosen for this study, located between the supply wells that explore waterfrom BAS (Marília and Adamantina Aquifers) and present barium concentrations which exceeds the potability standards (> 0.7 mg / L ). To identify the origin of these anomalies, if natural or anthropogenic, as well as assess the behavior of barium in Bauru Aquifer System (Marília and Adamantina aquifers), and its relationship with the Marília Formation carbonates are used in this study isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen and strontium, with isotopic ratios obtained in samples of rocks and groundwater collected from wells installed in aquifers Marília and Adamantina. Sr isotopic results indicate the natural origin of barium in groundwater studied, associated with the Marília Formation carbonates. The strontium isotopic signature of groundwater (0,7090 a 0,7093) have similar isotopic signature of carbonate rocks in its fraction (0,7085 e 0,7090), indicating the origin geogenic of strontium, associated with carbonates. Given the tendency of correlation between strontium and barium, it canbe concluded that the carbonates are also the source of barium to groundwater. Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic data, show a isotopic zoning of the Bauru Aquifer System, allowing to distinguish between waters of the Marília Aquifer, isotopically enriched (-7.11 to -7.43 to -43.57 and -49.61 \'delta\'\'POT.18\' O and \'delta\'D for ) and with high levels of barium (1.20 to 1.60 ppm), and waters of the Aquifer Adamantina, isotopically depleted relative to Marília Aquifer (-8.55 and -8.74 for \'delta\'\'POT.18\' O and -50.68 at 60,26 for \'delta\'D) and with lower levels of Ba (0.69 to 0.86 ppm). Given trend of correlation of barium with \'delta\'\'POT.18\'O, \'delta\'D and strontium in groundwater, the results of this study indicate the isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen and strontium as good tracers of barium anomalies in groundwater study, recommending the use of these isotopes as tools formanagement of groundwater resources associated with Bauru Aquifer System and its anomalies barium.

<p>This thesis presents a method for predicting radon (222Rn) levels in groundwater on a general scale, within an area of approximately 185 x 145 km2. The method applies to Swedish conditions, where 222Rn is the main contributor to natural radioactivity. Prediction of radon potential in groundwater is complex because there are many different factors affecting radon content, including geochemical and flow processes. The proposed method is based on univariate and multivariate statistical analyses and investigated the influence of different factors such as bedrock, soils, uranium distribution, altitude, distance to fractures and land use. A statistical variable based method (the RV method) was used to estimate risk values related to different radon concentrations. The method was calibrated and tested on more than 4400 drilled wells in Stockholm County. The weighted index (risk value) estimated by the RV method provided a fair prediction of radon potential in groundwater on a general scale. The RV method was successful in estimating the median radon concentration within 12 subregions (at a local scale, each of area 25 x 25 km2), based on weighted index values obtained from half of all wells tested. A high correlation between risk values and median radon concentrations was demonstrated. The factors bedrock, altitude, distance to fracture zone and distribution of uranium in bedrock were found to be significant in the prediction approach on a general scale. Visual data mining, which comprised analysis of 3D images, was a useful tool for data exploration but could not be used as an independent method for drawing conclusions regarding radon in groundwater. Results of a field study based on 38 drilled wells on the island of Ljusterö in the Stockholm archipelago showed that 222Rn concentrations in groundwater were weakly correlated to the parent elements (226Ra and 238U) in solution.</p>

O monitoramento da qualidade das águas subterrâneasno Estado de São Paulo realizado pela agência ambiental estadual (CETESB),tem identificado problemas regionais que vem chamando a atenção dos órgãos gestores de meio ambiente, recursos hídricos e concessionárias de água. Dentre os problemas, teores anômalos de bário tem sido identificados com frequência em poços de abastecimento públicos, localizados principalmente no Sistema Aquífero Bauru (SAB), entretanto, com origem desconhecida pela CETESB. O poço de abastecimento do município de Gália, área alvo deste estudo, se encontra entre os poços de abastecimento que captamáguas do SAB (Aquíferos Marília e Adamantina) e apresentam concentrações de bário acima dos padrões de potabilidade (>0,7 mg/L). Para avaliar a origem dessas anomalias, se natural ou antrópica, assim como, avaliar o comportamento do bário no Sistema Aquifero Bauru (Aquiferos Marília e Adamantina), e sua relação com os carbonatos da Formação Marília, são utilizados neste estudo isótopos de oxigênio, hidrogênio e estrôncio, com razões isotópicas obtidas em amostras de rochas e águas subterrâneas coletadas em poços instalados nos Aquiferos Marília e Adamantina. Os resultados isotópicos de Sr indicam a origem natural de bário nas águas subterrâneas estudadas, associadas ao carbonatos da Formação Marília. A assinatura isotópica de estrôncio das águas subterrâneas (0,7090 a 0,7093) apresentam semelhança a assinatura isotópica das rochas em sua fração carbonato (0,7085 e 0,7090), indicando a origem geogênica de estrôncio, associada aos carbonatos. Considerando a tendência de correlação observada entre bário e estrôncio, pode-se concluirque os carbonatos são também a fonte potencial de bário para as águas subterrâneas. Os dados isotópicos de oxigênio e hidrogênio revelam um zoneamento isotópico do Sistema Aquífero Bauru, permitindo distinguir as águas do Aquífero Marília, enriquecidas isotopicamente (-7,11 a -7,43 para \'delta\'\'POT.18\'O e -43,57 e -49,61 para \'delta\'D) e com teores elevados de bário (1,20 a 1,60 ppm), das águas do Aquífero Adamantina, isotopicamente empobrecidas emrelação ao Aquífero Marília (-8,55 e -8,74 para \'delta\'\'POT.18\'O e -50,68 a 60,26 para \'delta\'D) e com teores inferiores de Ba (0,69 a 0,86 ppm). Dada tendência de correlação de bário com \'delta\'O \'POT.18\' , \'delta\'D e estrôncio nas águas subterrâneas, os resultados deste estudo indicam os isótopos de oxigênio, hidrogênio e estrôncio como bons traçadores das anomalias de bário nas águas subterrâneas estudadas, colocando esses isótopos como ferramentas potenciais para a gestão dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos associados ao Sistema Aquífero Bauru e suas anomalias de bário. / The monitoring of groundwater quality in the State of São Paulo executed by state environmental agency (CETESB) has identified regional problems that has caught the attention of the management bodies of the environment, water resources and water supply companies. Among the problems, anomalous levels of barium have been identified frequently in public supply wells, located primarily in Bauru Aquifer System (BAS), however, with unknown origin by CETESB. The well supply of Gália city, area chosen for this study, located between the supply wells that explore waterfrom BAS (Marília and Adamantina Aquifers) and present barium concentrations which exceeds the potability standards (> 0.7 mg / L ). To identify the origin of these anomalies, if natural or anthropogenic, as well as assess the behavior of barium in Bauru Aquifer System (Marília and Adamantina aquifers), and its relationship with the Marília Formation carbonates are used in this study isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen and strontium, with isotopic ratios obtained in samples of rocks and groundwater collected from wells installed in aquifers Marília and Adamantina. Sr isotopic results indicate the natural origin of barium in groundwater studied, associated with the Marília Formation carbonates. The strontium isotopic signature of groundwater (0,7090 a 0,7093) have similar isotopic signature of carbonate rocks in its fraction (0,7085 e 0,7090), indicating the origin geogenic of strontium, associated with carbonates. Given the tendency of correlation between strontium and barium, it canbe concluded that the carbonates are also the source of barium to groundwater. Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic data, show a isotopic zoning of the Bauru Aquifer System, allowing to distinguish between waters of the Marília Aquifer, isotopically enriched (-7.11 to -7.43 to -43.57 and -49.61 \'delta\'\'POT.18\' O and \'delta\'D for ) and with high levels of barium (1.20 to 1.60 ppm), and waters of the Aquifer Adamantina, isotopically depleted relative to Marília Aquifer (-8.55 and -8.74 for \'delta\'\'POT.18\' O and -50.68 at 60,26 for \'delta\'D) and with lower levels of Ba (0.69 to 0.86 ppm). Given trend of correlation of barium with \'delta\'\'POT.18\'O, \'delta\'D and strontium in groundwater, the results of this study indicate the isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen and strontium as good tracers of barium anomalies in groundwater study, recommending the use of these isotopes as tools formanagement of groundwater resources associated with Bauru Aquifer System and its anomalies barium.

This thesis presents a method for predicting radon (222Rn) levels in groundwater on a general scale, within an area of approximately 185 x 145 km2. The method applies to Swedish conditions, where 222Rn is the main contributor to natural radioactivity. Prediction of radon potential in groundwater is complex because there are many different factors affecting radon content, including geochemical and flow processes. The proposed method is based on univariate and multivariate statistical analyses and investigated the influence of different factors such as bedrock, soils, uranium distribution, altitude, distance to fractures and land use. A statistical variable based method (the RV method) was used to estimate risk values related to different radon concentrations. The method was calibrated and tested on more than 4400 drilled wells in Stockholm County. The weighted index (risk value) estimated by the RV method provided a fair prediction of radon potential in groundwater on a general scale. The RV method was successful in estimating the median radon concentration within 12 subregions (at a local scale, each of area 25 x 25 km2), based on weighted index values obtained from half of all wells tested. A high correlation between risk values and median radon concentrations was demonstrated. The factors bedrock, altitude, distance to fracture zone and distribution of uranium in bedrock were found to be significant in the prediction approach on a general scale. Visual data mining, which comprised analysis of 3D images, was a useful tool for data exploration but could not be used as an independent method for drawing conclusions regarding radon in groundwater. Results of a field study based on 38 drilled wells on the island of Ljusterö in the Stockholm archipelago showed that 222Rn concentrations in groundwater were weakly correlated to the parent elements (226Ra and 238U) in solution. / QC 20101221

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Technische Universiteit Delft, 1988. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The purpose of this study was to make a contribution towards decision–making in complex environmental problems, especially where data is limited and associated with a high degree of uncertainty. As a young scientist, I understood the value of science as a measuring and quantification tool and used to intuitively believe that science was exact and could provide undisputable answers. It was in 1997, during the Safety Assessments done at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository that my belief system was challenged. This occurred after there were numerous scientific studies done on the site that was started since the early 1980’s, yet with no conclusion as to how safe the site is in terms of radioactive waste disposal. The Safety Assessment process was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transform the scientific investigations and data into decision–making information for the purposes of radioactive waste management. It was also during the Vaalputs investigations when I learned the value of lateral thinking. There were numerous scientists with doctorate and master’s degrees that worked on the site of which I was one. One of the important requirements was to measure evaporation at the local weather station close to the repository. It was specifically important to measure evaporation as a controlling parameter in the unsaturated zone models. Evaporation was measured with an Apan that is filled with water so that the losses can be measured. Vaalputs is a very dry place and water is scarce. The local weather station site was fenced off, but there was a problem in that the aardvark dug below the fence and drank the water in the A–pan, so that no measurements were possible. The solution from the scientists was to put the fence deeper into the ground. The aardvark did not find it hard to dig even deeper. The next solution was to put a second fence around the weather station and again the aardvark dug below it to drink the water. It was then that Mr Robbie Schoeman, a technician became aware of the problem and put a drinking water container outside the weather station fence for the aardvark and – the problem was solved at a fraction of the cost of the previous complex solutions. I get in contact with the same thinking patterns that intuitively expect that the act of scientific investigations will provide decision–making information or even solve the problem. If the investigation provides more questions than answers, the quest is for more and more data on more detailed scales. There is a difference between problem characterization and solution viidentification. Problem characterization requires scientific and critical thinking, which is an important component but that has to be incorporated with the solution identification process of creative thinking towards decision–making. I am a scientist by heart, but it was necessary to realise that apart from research, practical science must feed into a higher process, such as decision–making to be able to make a practical difference. The process of compilation of this thesis meant a lot to me as I initially thought of doing a PhD and then it changed me, especially in the way I think. This was a life changing process, which is good. As Jesus said in Mathew 3:2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The purpose of this study was to make a contribution towards decision–making in complex environmental problems, especially where data is limited and associated with a high degree of uncertainty. As a young scientist, I understood the value of science as a measuring and quantification tool and used to intuitively believe that science was exact and could provide undisputable answers. It was in 1997, during the Safety Assessments done at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository that my belief system was challenged. This occurred after there were numerous scientific studies done on the site that was started since the early 1980’s, yet with no conclusion as to how safe the site is in terms of radioactive waste disposal. The Safety Assessment process was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transform the scientific investigations and data into decision–making information for the purposes of radioactive waste management. It was also during the Vaalputs investigations when I learned the value of lateral thinking. There were numerous scientists with doctorate and master’s degrees that worked on the site of which I was one. One of the important requirements was to measure evaporation at the local weather station close to the repository. It was specifically important to measure evaporation as a controlling parameter in the unsaturated zone models. Evaporation was measured with an Apan that is filled with water so that the losses can be measured. Vaalputs is a very dry place and water is scarce. The local weather station site was fenced off, but there was a problem in that the aardvark dug below the fence and drank the water in the A–pan, so that no measurements were possible. The solution from the scientists was to put the fence deeper into the ground. The aardvark did not find it hard to dig even deeper. The next solution was to put a second fence around the weather station and again the aardvark dug below it to drink the water. It was then that Mr Robbie Schoeman, a technician became aware of the problem and put a drinking water container outside the weather station fence for the aardvark and – the problem was solved at a fraction of the cost of the previous complex solutions. I get in contact with the same thinking patterns that intuitively expect that the act of scientific investigations will provide decision–making information or even solve the problem. If the investigation provides more questions than answers, the quest is for more and more data on more detailed scales. There is a difference between problem characterization and solution viidentification. Problem characterization requires scientific and critical thinking, which is an important component but that has to be incorporated with the solution identification process of creative thinking towards decision–making. I am a scientist by heart, but it was necessary to realise that apart from research, practical science must feed into a higher process, such as decision–making to be able to make a practical difference. The process of compilation of this thesis meant a lot to me as I initially thought of doing a PhD and then it changed me, especially in the way I think. This was a life changing process, which is good. As Jesus said in Mathew 3:2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.