Ra-226 in waters of an estuarine system formerly affected by direct discharges of wastes from a phosphate fertilizer processing complex

Abstract

The presence of 226 Ra in an estuary formerly affected by direct discharges of waste from a phosphate fertilizer complex has been investigated. Specific activities ranging from 3.6 to 45.2 mBq/l have been detected. In general, activity levels are lower than those detected when direct discharges were carried out. However, there is still a clear contamination due to the disposal of phosphogypsum in open air piles by the river. Moreover, it seems that 226 Ra is being redissolved from the contaminated bed sediments, which also contributes to an enhancement in the activity levels of the estuary waters.