@article{fdi:010088434,
  title = {{C}onceptual uncertainties in groundwater and porewater fluxes estimated by radon and radium mass balances},
  author = {{R}odellas, {V}. and {S}tieglitz, {T}homas and {T}amborski, {J}.{J}. and {V}an {B}eek, {P}. and {A}ndrisoa, {A}. and {C}ook, {P}.{G}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{R}adium isotopes and radon are routinely used as tracers to quantify groundwater and porewater fluxes into coastal and freshwater systems. {H}owever, uncertainties associated with the determination of the tracer flux are often poorly addressed and often neglect all the potential errors associated with the conceptualization of the system (i.e., conceptual uncertainties). {I}n this study, we assess the magnitude of some of the key uncertainties 


related to the determination of the radium and radon inputs supplied by groundwater and porewater fluxes into a waterbody ({L}a {P}alme {L}agoon, {F}rance).  {T}his uncertainty assessment is addressed through a single model ensemble approach, where a tracer mass balance is run multiple times with variable sets of assumptions and approaches for the key parameters determined through a sensitivity test. {I}n particular, conceptual uncertainties


linked to tracer concentration, diffusive fluxes, radon evasion to the atmosphere, and change of tracer inventory over time were considered. {T}he magnitude of porewater fluxes is further constrained using a comparison of independent methods: (1) {R}a-224 and (2) {R}n-222 mass balances in overlying waters, (3) a model of {R}n-222 deficit in sediments, and (4) a fluid-salt numerical transport model. {W}e demonstrate that conceptual uncertainties are commonly a major source of uncertainty on the estimation of groundwater or porewater fluxes and they need to be taken into account when using tracer mass balances.  {I}n the absence of a general framework for assessing these uncertainties, this study provides a practical approach to evaluate key uncertainties associated to radon and radium mass balances.},
  keywords = {{FRANCE} ; {MEDITERRANEE} ; {LA} {PALME} {LAGUNE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{L}imnology and {O}ceanography},
  volume = {66},
  numero = {4},
  pages = {1237--1255},
  ISSN = {1237-1255},
  year = {2021},
  DOI = {10.1002/lno.11678},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010088434},
}