Investigating the sources and dynamics of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in the Red Deer River, Alberta, Canada

Biological Effects and Baseline Measures of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Freshwater Fish of the Athabasca Oil Sands Region

“…Despite ongoing mining operations in the AOSR for over 50 years, the scientific literature regarding NORM in the AOSR remains sparse. The study of this class of COPCs in the environment surrounding the AOSR has been limited due to a lack of accessible data, likely due to the burdensome and expensive nature of radiochemical measurement techniques when applied to low concentrations of NORM in the environment (Lemieux et al, 2022). Although AOSR-specific studies are lacking, a recent review on radionuclide contamination in Canada highlighted several studies related to NORM in and around Alberta.…”

“…Although AOSR-specific studies are lacking, a recent review on radionuclide contamination in Canada highlighted several studies related to NORM in and around Alberta. One project assessed levels of uranium and thorium in the Red Deer River Basin and found that industry had no significant impact on radioisotopes (Lemieux et al, 2022). Another project looked at radionuclides of the 238 U decay series in sediments downstream of a uranium mining operation in northern Saskatchewan and found higher levels closer to the outflow of the mine effluent (Thomas & Liber, 2001).…”