Evaluation of uranium concentration in soil samples of central Jordan

Abstract

Naturally occurring radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and their decay products ( 226 Ra, 222 Rn) are present in a number of geological settings in Jordan. Motivated by the existence of uranium anomalies coupled with its lack of conventional energy resources, Jordan decided that the development of this indigenes resource (uranium) is the first step in introducing nuclear power as part of its energy mix. Uranium deposits in Central Jordan were perceived not only as a secured resource that will fulfill Jordan’s energy needs, but also as an economic asset that will finance Jordan’s nuclear program. The average uranium concentration of 236 soil samples using ICP-Mass (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) was found to be 109 parts per million (ppm). Results analysis revealed a wide range of 1066 ppm for uranium concentration, and a median of 41 ppm uranium. The measurements frequency distribution indicates that 72% of samples measured had a uranium content of less than 100 ppm, a concentration that characterizes overburden and tailings quality, rather than minable reserves. This paper presents and evaluates the concentration of uranium in central Jordan, being the most promising area with the highest radioactive anomalies in Jordan.