Entry from Directory of Selected Jordanian Water-related Projects

TITLE:	Vulnerability of Groundwater Resources to Natural Radiological Hazards in the Semi-Arid Terrains of North Africa and the Mediterranean Basin
PROBLEM:	Local surveys conducted in the Amman - Zarqa basin by the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) showed that concentrations of naturally occurring radioisotopes of the uranium decay chain are enhanced in groundwater supplies, probably due to the wide-spread occurrence of uranium rich formations. Sample analysis by WAJ showed that approximately 25% of wells would fail to meet existing WHO guidelines for total alpha particle activity due to the presence of either radon, uranium (which is chemically, as well as radiochemically toxic), radium or a combination of these nuclides. Therefore, the Amman - Zarqa basin of Jordan was given priority to conduct this project funded by the European Community Avicenne Initiative.
OBJECTIVES:	1. To determine the spatial and temporal distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides and associated trace elements in waters of the Amman - Zarqa basin; and to interpret data to define the factors controlling their release and mobility. 2. The degree of radiological and chemical hazard to the local population through potable and agriculture use of water will be estimated and presented in a format suitable for (a) the definition of management options, such as water treatment and/or aquifer protection, (b) the construction of vulnerability profiles for the study area. 3. To develop and transfer expertise in the counterpart organization (British Geological Survey; BGS) facilitating the assessment of the vulnerability of socially important, finite, water resources to man-made and natural hazards, naturally occurring radionuclides will constitute the hazard being studied).
APPROACH:	The main input by the British Geological Survey (BGS) is in the form of advice formulated from review of existing documentation and data as collected, analytical services where they are unavailable and on- the-job training with the object of transferring expertise to WAJ and associated organizations. Inputs by the BGS and WAJ are coordinated to: 1. Review the distribution of radio elements within the phosphate rich formations of the Amman - Zarqa basin using data from existing publications and in-house literature. 2. Extend the determination of radium, radon and total alpha particle activity in groundwater, surface water, potable and irrigation water samples to include other potentially hazardous members of the U and Th series radionuclides from the selected field sites. 3. Determine the concentration and availability of U and Th series radionuclides in core samples from representative formations at field sites, selected on the basis of data collected during preliminary investigations. 4. Assess the vulnerability of selected aquifers and host geological formations to increased infiltration / leaching due to mining, natural contamination and exploitation. 5. Recommend and formulate appropriate future management, remediation and protection strategies.
BEGINNING DATE:	1994
ENDING DATE:	1997
COMMENTS ON DATES:
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:	Three scientific papers have been produced based on the results of this study. Two of them were presented in international symposiums in Vienna in 1995. Another paper was published in the Journal of Mining and Environmental Management; volume 3, March 1995. The paper was entitled “Naturally Occurring Uranium Pollution in Jordan”. A fourth paper has also been prepared on groundwater pollution by natural radionuclides, which will be presented at a conference in Prague - Czech Republic in September 1996.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME:	Mr. B. Smith
ADDRESS:	British Geological Survey (BGS) Keyworth Nottingham NG12 5GG United Kingdom
TELEPHONE:	(+) 441-15-936-3100
TELEFAX:	(+) 441-15-936-3200
E-MAIL:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME:	R. Gedeon (Dr.)
ADDRESS:	Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) P.O. Box 2412 Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE:	(+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX:	(+) 962 - 6 - 679143
E-MAIL:

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