Dj. Qin et H. Wang, Chlorofluorocarbons and H-3/He-3 in groundwater - Applications in tracing and dating young groundwater, SCI CHINA E, 44, 2001, pp. 29-34
Based on the CFC concentration, the fraction of young groundwater in a mixt
ure with old groundwater can be defined if the age of the young component i
s known. The authors argued that the ratio of [He-3(t)]/[H-3(t)] in a young
water is independent of its mixing with old waters. Hence, the H-3-He-3 ca
n be used to determine age of the young groundwater, though mixing with old
groundwater may occur. CFC concentrations are susceptible to change by mix
ing of young and old water. The combination of CFCs and tritium/helium can
provide confidential apparent age of the young groundwater and fraction of
the young water in the mixture with old groundwater.