Erfahrungen und Ergebnisse der Isotopenanwendung im Industriezweig Braunkohle

This paper presents results of a study carried out in order to assess the applicability of ³²Si for groundwater dating. Measurements of ³²Si in soil samples of the unsaturated zone, of drainage waters and plant material give a basis for estimating the ³²Si initial concentration in groundwater. Different aquifers with groundwater of young and moderate ages have been selected for groundwater studies. For obtaining independent age information tritium was found to be a suitable reference isotope. A quantitative interpretation of the ³²Si data is generally complicated by geochemical processes, preferably in the unsaturated zone. Favourable conditions concerning the use of ³²Si in hydrogeology seem to exist in phreatic sandy aquifers, in limestone aquifers, and, depending on the thickness and composition of the unsaturated zone, in sandstone aquifers. Further improvements of the ³²Si method needs a better understanding of the geochemical processes affecting this isotope.