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Rare Earth Elements (REEs) as Natural Tracers in Mine Waters

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Uranium in the Aquatic Environment
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Abstract

Rare earth elements (REE) in mine waters from two European mines are analysed and discussed: Straßberg/Harz (Germany) and Georgi-Unter-bau/Tyrol (Austria). From the REE patterns differences in the mine and surface waters can be seen, which are attributed to the mineralogy. Furthermore, the REEs’ qualities as natural tracers are described and the results interpreted in conjunction with the findings of artificial tracer tests conducted at the two sites. Accordingly, REEs can be used as natural tracers in mines to study stratification and hydrodynamic conditions.

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© 2002 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Wolkersdorfer, C. (2002). Rare Earth Elements (REEs) as Natural Tracers in Mine Waters. In: Merkel, B.J., Planer-Friedrich, B., Wolkersdorfer, C. (eds) Uranium in the Aquatic Environment. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55668-5_112

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55668-5_112

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-62877-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-55668-5

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