14C in fractions of dissolved organic carbon in ground water

Here we report carbon isotope ratios of fractions of natural organic compounds in ground waters isolated from the Stripa mine (Sweden) and the Milk River aquifer (Alberta, Canada). High-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight fractions of the organic carbon were characterized and these, along with dissolved inorganic carbon, were analysed for δ13C and 14C. The 14C results suggest that the dissolved organic carbon originates from a combination of soil organic matter and kerogen in the aquifer matrix. The high-molecular-weight fractions show a predominant soil origin, whereas the low-molecular-weight fractions are often strongly influenced by kerogen. (author). 23 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab