Distribution and relationship of uranium and radium along an allochthonously dominated wetland gradient.

Uranium mining may pose a large threat for freshwater ecosystems, caused by elevated concentrations of metals/radionuclides in drainage water. Important pollutants of such waters are uranium (U) and radium (Ra), because of their impact due to both radio- as well as chemo-toxicity. Despite the comprehensive knowledge about specific element speciation as well as fixation processes, less is known about the retention of U and Ra at a higher level of complexity (within allochthonous ecosystems as predominant for low order streams). Consequently, we investigated the distribution and retention potential of allochthonous ecosystems regarding U and Ra as well as changing U/Ra ratios. We found U predominantly transported over long distances, whereas Ra mainly precipitates immediately after reaching the surface, i.e. in the spring area. Although high U accumulation in organic rich sediments is found, still high transport rates are detected. Low overall fixation of U within the allochthonously dominated wetland results in an U transport over long distances. Consequently, large areas are affected by U mining activities and its post-mining impact, with U being more relevant compared to Ra.