Journal of environmental radioactivity最新文献

{"title":"NORM waste from oil and gas industries in Brazil: A risk-based approach to establish conditional clearance limits for disposal in hazardous waste landfills","authors":"Stela Dalva Santos Cota ,&nbsp;Rafael Soares Souza Pimenta de Almeida ,&nbsp;Ricardo Gomes Passos ,&nbsp;Valeria Cuccia ,&nbsp;Vanderley de Vasconcelos ,&nbsp;Flavia Schenato ,&nbsp;Nerbe Jose Ruperti Junior","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a radiological safety assessment of the disposal of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) waste from oil and gas industries in a Class I hazardous waste landfill, considering both operational and post-closure scenarios. Simulation results identified Ra-226 as the most restrictive radionuclide, with food ingestion—particularly crops cultivated on the landfill cover—emerging as the dominant exposure pathway. Sensitivity analyses revealed that root depth, cover erosion, and water transport parameters exert the greatest influence on annual dose estimates. Conservatively derived values (soil guideline) of 8–10 Bq/g for Ra-226 were established for safe disposal when combined with a clean 1-m top cover. Additionally, limiting the total activity of Ra-226, Ra-228, and Pb-210 to 150 MBq per radionuclide in a single disposal cell is recommended to enhance overall safety performance. These findings offer a robust technical basis for establishing conditional clearance criteria for NORM waste in Brazil, thereby supporting long-term radiological protection of both the public and the environment. The study may also inform countries seeking to develop regulatory frameworks for NORM generated by oil and gas industry, grounded in conservative safety analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107910"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sydney’s first terrestrial gamma-radiation map","authors":"Tengiz Ibrayev ,&nbsp;Matilda Lawton ,&nbsp;Giancarlo Ciotoli ,&nbsp;Osama Fawwaz ,&nbsp;Artem Knyazev ,&nbsp;Blake Orr ,&nbsp;Megan Cook ,&nbsp;Laura Manenti","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural background radiation originates mainly from the decay of long-lived isotopes in rocks and soils, and the distribution of these radionuclides is reflected in terrestrial radiation maps. Such maps are essential for understanding environmental radioactivity, guiding urban planning, and establishing radiological baselines. For Sydney, no such map has existed until now.</div><div>In this work, we produced the first terrestrial gamma-radiation map of Sydney on a 10 × 10<!--> <!-->km<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> area using portable, low-cost gamma spectrometers (Radiacodes) for in-situ measurements and high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy of soil samples to quantify radionuclide activities.</div><div>Open-water measurements isolated the cosmic component of the total gamma dose rate. The mean terrestrial and cosmic contributions were (0.24 <span><math><mo>±</mo></math></span> 0.27) mSv/yr and (0.173 <span><math><mo>±</mo></math></span> 0.035) mSv/yr, respectively—both in line with global background levels. Regression–kriging combining lithology and mean radionuclide concentrations as predictors explained 98% of the variation in the data, confirming that geological composition largely determines the spatial pattern of natural radioactivity in Sydney.</div><div>This reproducible low-cost approach addresses a relevant data gap and establishes a foundation for citizen-science radiation mapping in urban environments across Australia and worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107909"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of atmospheric radon concentration in a suburban area of Beijing and its correlation with meteorological factors","authors":"Shaohang An,&nbsp;Yazhou Niu,&nbsp;Ruiqin Zhang,&nbsp;Mengyao Ma,&nbsp;Shilian Wang,&nbsp;Yungang Zhao,&nbsp;Xinjun Zhang,&nbsp;Shujiang Liu,&nbsp;Qi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As an ideal tracer gas in atmospheric science, radon plays a crucial role in elucidating the mechanisms governing its atmospheric concentration, which holds significant research importance. This study conducted continuous radon monitoring in Beijing to investigate its diurnal and seasonal variations, as well as its correlations with meteorological factors. Radon concentration exhibits a characteristic diurnal cycle with daytime diffusion and nighttime accumulation, a pattern largely attributable to temperature inversion. Additionally, radon concentration exhibits cyclical variations every 5–10 days, corresponding to medium-term atmospheric circulation patterns. Average radon concentrations ranged from 5.61 to 8.71 Bq·m⁻³ in spring and summer, and from 7.71 to 11.86 Bq·m⁻³ in autumn and winter. Furthermore, a positive correlation exists between radon concentration and relative humidity, while a negative correlation is observed with ambient temperature. These correlations are weaker in spring and summer and stronger in autumn and winter. A 1 h lag in radon concentration changes is evident relative to both relative humidity and temperature, with the correlation reaching a maximum at this lag time. The results of this research enhance the understanding of atmospheric radon concentration dynamics and provide a solid scientific foundation for developing a short-term prediction model of radon levels based on meteorological parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107896"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating uranium adsorption mechanism in red soil aggregates from uranium enriched tailings of the Jiangxi mining sites","authors":"Xuchen Weng ,&nbsp;Guangya Kuang ,&nbsp;Jiaai Chen ,&nbsp;Taoyuan Xiu ,&nbsp;Limin Zhou ,&nbsp;Zhirong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study unveils the role of mineral distribution of the red soil aggregates of variable dimensions (0–1.00 mm) on the adsorption and transport of the uranium from the aqueous tailing samples, collected from the Jiangxi province of China. The soil samples were thoroughly characterized through FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS and XPS analysis. The characterization data validated the fact that uranium adsorption primarily occurred through (i) complexation with surface functional groups such as –OH, Si–O, Si–O–Fe, Si–O–Al, Fe–O and (ii) redox reactions with iron-bearing minerals in the aggregate. Batch mode adsorption studies were conducted to examine the interaction between hexavalent uranium and red soil aggregates. The adsorptive removal of the uranium followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics which indicate the chemisorption-dominated processes. The soil retained its micro and mesoporous surface characteristics, validated by scanning electron microscopic studies. The adsorption capacity was found as a function of solution pH, sorbent dose and contact time. The isothermal sorption data of red soil samples (S1 and S3) was found in close agreement with Langmuir model while the S2 and S4 followed the Freundlich model implying heterogeneous multilayer adsorption. These findings provide critical insights into the immobilization mechanisms of uranium in red soils, which are relevant for environmental remediation strategies in uranium-contaminated areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107905"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanism of Eu(Ⅲ) adsorption and mineral alteration response of Tamusu claystones in Inner Mongolia","authors":"Mingwei Wang ,&nbsp;Hongyu Wen ,&nbsp;Xiaoshi Lai ,&nbsp;Zekai Zheng ,&nbsp;Xin Wen ,&nbsp;Junju Xu ,&nbsp;Mingliang Kang ,&nbsp;Hanyu Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Elucidating the immobilization mechanisms of radionuclides within heterogeneous host rocks is significant for the long-term safety assessment of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) geological repositories. This work evaluates the immobilization of Eu(III)—as a surrogate for trivalent actinide ions—on heterogeneous Tamusu claystones, focusing on the coupling effects of mineralogy and temperature (25–80 °C). At 25 °C, Eu(III) adsorption is governed primarily by the analcime content. Under elevated temperatures (50 °C and 80 °C), however, a contrast in retention behavior emerges between lithologies. Analcime-rich samples maintain high sorption stability (with the mineralogical ratio of (dolomite + ankerite)/analcime serving as a proxy for retention performance), whereas carbonate-rich samples exhibit complex behavior driven by the thermally induced dissolution of dolomite and ankerite. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that temperature elevation facilitates carbonate dissolution and shifts the dominant aqueous species at pH ∼9.3 from EuOH(CO₃)₂^- to EuOHCO₃(s), thereby strengthening the retention capacity of Tamusu claystone to Eu(III)/Am(III). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) evidence reveal that Eu(III) retention is driven by a dual mechanism: ion exchange on analcime lattices and inner-sphere surface complexation on carbonate minerals. Therefore, dolomite/ankerite-rich samples may enhance Eu(III)/Am(III) immobilization through carbonate dissolution, and analcime-rich samples offer greater long-term predictability and stability. These trends are dependent on both temperature and pH changes. The findings highlight the synergistic role of mineral phases and radionuclide immobilization under near-field thermal conditions and provide essential thermodynamic data for radionuclide migration modeling and assessing the repository performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107897"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the irradiation control of urease activity and its solidification of red clay to enhance radon reduction","authors":"Yuanyuan Tang,&nbsp;Rui Liang,&nbsp;Jia Wei,&nbsp;Yiqing Sun,&nbsp;Weihang Peng,&nbsp;Fubing Li,&nbsp;Chengyu Zhang,&nbsp;Changshou Hong","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107879","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107879","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the issue of radon contamination in uranium tailings ponds, this study aimed to enhance the radon reduction performance of the enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) coating layer. This study employed uranium tailings irradiation to regulate soybean urease activity. By analyzing the irradiation effects of tailings at different burial depths and combining X-ray diffraction (XRD) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for multi-scale characterization, the study systematically reveals the microscopic radon reduction mechanisms. Experimental results show that the treatment with soybean urease from tailings irradiated at a depth of 3–4 m, for three days, achieved a radon reduction rate of 97 % after 28 days of curing, representing 17.1 % higher than that of traditional red clay. Microscopic structural analysis confirmed the formation of stable calcite and flocculent cementation within the material, reducing porosity and enhancing densification to effectively block radon migration pathways. The above experimental results validated the effectiveness of the irradiation-urease activity synergistic enhancement mechanism for radon reduction, providing theoretical guidance for efficient radon reduction engineering in radioactive solid waste landfills.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107879"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145917701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of multiphysics coupling numerical modeling techniques for risk assessment in geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste","authors":"Qing Wang,&nbsp;Kezheng Lei,&nbsp;Zhiyang Zhu,&nbsp;Aiming Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The long-term safety assessment for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) relies on accurately predicting coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes. This review systematically summarizes advances in multiphysics numerical modeling in the field. It synthesizes THMC coupling mechanisms, mathematical models, and numerical strategies, while critically analyzing limitations in simulating millennial-scale evolution, multi-media coupled responses, and radionuclide migration uncertainties. Current challenges include integrating realistic geological structures, representing multiscale fractured media, and achieving computational efficiency for full-system long-term simulations. In response, key future pathways are outlined: advancing stress-field simulation via corner-point grid and finite element integration; developing composite media multiphysics models; adopting domain-decomposition hybrid discrete methods; and implementing high-performance parallel computing frameworks. Progress in these areas will strengthen predictive confidence and engineering applicability, thereby providing a firmer numerical basis for the safety design and risk management of geological disposal systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107902"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental and health risk assessment of radon in Capodifiume Lake: Investigating elevated radon levels in a karst aquifer system","authors":"Michele Guida ,&nbsp;Simona Mancini ,&nbsp;Serpil Akӧzcan Pehlivanoğlu ,&nbsp;Nataša Todorović ,&nbsp;Mariarosaria Falanga ,&nbsp;Jovana Nikolov ,&nbsp;Marina Poje Sovilj ,&nbsp;Vanja Radolić ,&nbsp;Igor Miklavčić ,&nbsp;Albina Cuomo ,&nbsp;Domenico Guida","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper explores the sources of radon in Capodifiume lake located in the Paestum Plain of Campania, Italy, its behavior within these aquatic systems, and the potential environmental and health impacts associated with radon in lake waters. While radon is commonly studied in the context of indoor air pollution and groundwater contamination, its presence and behavior in lacustrine environments (lakes) also merit significant attention. Assessing the risk associated with radon exposure in environmental settings, including lakes and other bodies of water, is crucial for effective risk management. Furthermore, the study includes the determination of radionuclide activity in soil and plant samples from Capodifiume Lake, performed by using gamma spectrometry. This methodology yields valuable data for assessing the radiological impacts in the lake area. The ERICA (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Contaminants: Assessment and Management) tool is an integrated software system designed to assess the radiological risks to both human health and the environment and provides a comprehensive framework for radiological risk estimation and management, ensuring that both human health and ecological integrity are safeguarded. By integrating radon concentration data, ecological risk assessments, and radionuclide activity analysis, this research offers a holistic approach to understanding and managing radioecological risks in lacustrine environments. The findings underscore the necessity of regular monitoring and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to protect public health and ensure environmental safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107912"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146112987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-dependent lifetime dose modeling of Radium-228 in drinking water: Implications beyond the World Health Organisation (WHO) adult-based standard","authors":"Alaaddin Alnajjar,&nbsp;Majd Hawwari","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2026.107903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference level of 0.1 mSv y⁻¹ for radionuclides in drinking water, derived using adult water-intake assumptions and adult ingestion dose coefficients. While practical for regulatory screening, this approach may underestimate exposure where intake and radionuclide retention vary with age. In this study, an age-dependent lifetime dose accumulation model was developed for Ra-228 in drinking water. Age-specific drinking-water intake rates were combined with ICRP ingestion dose coefficients and time-resolved retention functions to estimate annual, cumulative, and lifetime-averaged effective doses from birth to 70 years.</div><div>For a reference concentration of 1 Bq L⁻¹, the cumulative lifetime dose reached approximately 71.4 mSv, corresponding to a lifetime-averaged annual dose of ∼1.02 mSv y⁻¹, compared with ∼0.50 mSv y⁻¹ under the adult-based WHO framework. Annual dose peaked during adolescence at ∼2.7 mSv y⁻¹, reflecting the superposition of retained dose contributions from intakes occurring in earlier years. When interpreted under the simplifying assumption that Ra-228 is the sole radionuclide contributing to ingestion dose, the WHO reference level of 0.1 mSv y⁻¹ in adults (≈0.2 Bq L⁻¹) corresponds to peak adolescent doses of ∼0.54 mSv y⁻¹. Application of the WHO flexibility level of 1 mSv y⁻¹ in adults (≈2 Bq L⁻¹) yields lifetime-averaged doses exceeding 2 mSv y⁻¹ and adolescent peaks approaching 5.4 mSv y⁻¹.</div><div>These results demonstrate that adult-only assumptions systematically underestimate lifetime and age-specific ingestion doses for radionuclides with strong skeletal retention. Incorporating age-dependent intake and retention provides a more realistic basis for evaluating drinking-water radioactivity and supports the integration of lifetime-resolved modeling into radiological water-safety assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107903"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated hydrochemical and radiological assessment of groundwater in the Seridó crystalline basement (Brazil): Evidence of geogenic influences on 226,228Ra and trace elements","authors":"Alinne Marianne Martins Araújo ,&nbsp;Laercio Leal dos Santos ,&nbsp;Beata Kozłowska ,&nbsp;Agata Walencik-Łata ,&nbsp;Ricardo de Aragão ,&nbsp;de Paiva William ,&nbsp;Antônio Augusto Pereira Sousa ,&nbsp;Thyago Nobrega Silveira ,&nbsp;Alan Kellnon Nóbrega Carvalho ,&nbsp;Elibe Silva Souza ,&nbsp;Josenildo Isidro dos Santos Filho ,&nbsp;Susana de Souza Lalic","doi":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107877","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107877","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To close a critical evidence gap in Brazil's semi-arid Northeast, where groundwater-quality data remain scarce, we established an integrated hydrochemical–radiological baseline for Parelhas (Seridó Belt, NE Brazil), an area with uranium potential in the Seridó region of Brazil that is susceptible to drought. The assessment focuses on physical-chemical and radiological parameters to determine the suitability of water for human consumption. This preliminary research presents analyses of nine wells sampled between March and August 2023. Major ions and trace metals were determined using AAS/ICP and anions by IC/UV–Vis. The pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured in situ. The activity concentrations of &lt;sup&gt;226,228&lt;/sup&gt;Ra isotopes were measured with a Tri-Carb 5110 TR liquid scintillation counter (LSC). The results revealed neutral to strongly alkaline conditions (pH 6.9–10.1) and from fresh to highly saline (TDS 476–3632 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;; 40 % brackish), driven by evaporative enrichment (Na-Cl facies; Gibbs ratio &gt;0.7) and weathering of local lithologies (Jucurutu and Seridó Formations). Salinity covaried with geogenic metals and halides: Cl&lt;sup&gt;−&lt;/sup&gt; 180–2021 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; 84–690 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, K&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; 3.4–29.6 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; 3.6–120.8 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, Mg&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; 2.2–264 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, and SO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2−&lt;/sup&gt; 0–195 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;. F&lt;sup&gt;−&lt;/sup&gt; varied from 0.07 to 3.18 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; (two wells &gt;1.5 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;), and NO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;sup&gt;−&lt;/sup&gt; from 2.3 to 275.5 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; (several wells &gt;50 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;). Peak trace-metal concentrations reached Mn 2.334 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, Al 291 μg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, Pb 31 μg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, and Zn 215 μg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; — exceeded aesthetic limits, posing non-carcinogenic risks. Piper diagrams place the waters in the Na–Cl to Na–HCO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; fields, while Gibbs diagrams indicate evaporation-dominated control; negative chlorine-alkaline indices (CAI &lt;0) point to reverse ion exchange (Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; ↔ Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;/Mg&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;) against the micaceous-schist matrix, modulating the chemistry of the cations. Radiologically, &lt;sup&gt;226&lt;/sup&gt;Ra ranged from 30 to 930 mBq·L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; (≤∼1 Bq· L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; screening level), while for the &lt;sup&gt;228&lt;/sup&gt;Ra isotope, the concentrations for most samples were below the detection level. Only two samples showed &lt;sup&gt;228&lt;/sup&gt;Ra concentrations above Minimum Detectable Activity (55 mBq·L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;). The dataset shows that climate forcing (evaporation) and not just water-rock interaction controls salinity and the co-mobilization of halides and trace metals in this semi-arid aquifer. Spatial analysis associated critical contamination points with uranium anomalies and fractured aquifers. The findings demonstrate that climatic forces (evaporation) prevail over water–rock interaction in controlling hydrochemistry, ","PeriodicalId":15667,"journal":{"name":"Journal of environmental radioactivity","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107877"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}