The various sources of radioactivity are considered. Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides are selected with regard to their importance in the geosphere and listed according to their chemical properties. The importance of the solubility of the radionuclides is emphasized and in view of their mobility five compartments are distinguished: surface of the earth, atmosphere, near-surface layers (with connection to the surface), nuclear installations and deep layers without connection to the surface.In a following chapter, the reactions of radionuclides with the components of natural waters are discussed. The importance of the knowledge of the chemical forms (speciation) is stressed and illustrated by examples. The influences of Eh and pH, inorganic salts, colloids, suspended matter, organic compounds and microorganisms as well as that of precipitation and coprecipitation is brought out. Then, the interaction of radionuclides with solid components of the geosphere are dealt with. After description of general aspects, interactions with consolidated rocks, unconsolidated rocks, various minerals, sediments and soils are discussed. Isotopic and non-isotopic exhange reactions of radionuclides on minerals are also considered. Finally, the problems of modelling are discussed.