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Łokas E, Baccolo G, Cwanek A, Buda J, Kołtonik K, Takeuchi N, Wachniew P, Clason C, Zawierucha K, Beard DB, Ambrosini R, Pittino F, Franzetti A, Owens PN, Nastasi M, Sisti M, Di Mauro B. Isotopic signature of plutonium accumulated in cryoconite on glaciers worldwide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175356. [PMID: 39122024 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Glaciers are recognized as repositories for atmospheric pollutants, however, due to climate change and enhanced melting rates, they are rapidly transitioning from being repositories to secondary sources of such apollutants. Artificial radionuclides are one of the pollutants found on glaciers that efficiently accumulate onto glacier surfaces within cryoconite deposits; a dark, often biogenic sediment. This work provides information about the accumulation, distribution and sources of plutonium (Pu) isotopes in cryoconite samples from glaciers worldwide. Plutonium is an artificial radionuclide spread into the environment in the last decades as a consequence of nuclear test explosions, accidents and nuclear fuel re-processing. Samples collected from 49 glaciers across nine regions of Earth are considered. Activity concentrations of plutonium in cryoconite are orders of magnitude higher than in other environmental matrices typically used for environmental monitoring (e.g. lichens, mosses, soils and sediments), particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. Isotopic ratios indicate that plutonium contamination of cryoconite is dominated by the global signal of stratospheric fallout related to atmospheric nuclear tests. However, specific glaciers in Svalbard reveal a signature compatible with a contribution from the re-entry of the SNAP-9A satellite in 1964, which was equipped with a 238Pu radioisotope thermoelectric generator. Similarly, an excess of 238Pu is observed in cryoconite from the Exploradores Glacier (Chile). This could be associated with the November 1996 crash of the automatic Interplanetary Station "Mars '96" which was carrying a 238Pu thermoelectric generator. This is the first time ever that an isotopic evidence for this event is reported. These findings highlight the role that cryoconite can play in reconstructing the radioactive contamination history of different glaciated regions of the Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Łokas
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
| | | | - Anna Cwanek
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jakub Buda
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kołtonik
- Department of Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Nozomu Takeuchi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Przemysław Wachniew
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Zawierucha
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dylan Bodhi Beard
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Philip N Owens
- Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada
| | - Massimiliano Nastasi
- Physics Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; INFN section of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Biagio Di Mauro
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
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2
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Zhang D, Zhao X, Zu G, Chen K, Gao G, Fan Y, Jin Q, Chen Z, Guo Z. Elemental and particle size fractionation during the transport of Eu(III)-silicate colloids in water-saturated porous media. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135300. [PMID: 39088955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Actinides (An)-bearing colloids could facilitate An migration in the environment. However, little is known about the transport behavior of An(III)-silicate colloids, which are readily formed by the reaction of An3+ with silicic acid under environmental conditions. Column experiments were conducted to investigate the transport of Eu(III)-silicate colloids (chemical analog of An(III)-silicate colloids) in water-saturated porous media as a function of pH, ionic strength (IS) and the presence of fulvic acid (FA). The results showed that colloid transport was more favorable at relatively low IS (≤ 50 mM) and high pH levels (pH ≥ 7). The presence of FA (5-10 mg/L) significantly enhanced the colloid transport. Under high IS (≥ 100 mM), the transport feature of colloids was turned from blocking to ripening due to the on-going aggregation of colloids. Additionally, an interesting elemental fractionation, i.e., a discrepancy in the breakthrough curves (BTCs) with respect to the C/C0 values of Si and Eu, was observed in the IS of 100-500 mM. A detailed investigation indicated that the elemental fractionation could be attributed to the partial Si dissolution of the colloids, the heterogeneity of the colloid size and element composition, and particle size fractionation during colloid transport. Extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek interaction energy calculations and convective-dispersive equation modeling were performed to illustrate variations in the colloid transport profiles. These findings illustrate the importance of Si dissolution in the migration of metal-silicate colloids and highlight the significant influence of the heterogeneity of colloid size and composition on the transport/migration behavior of colloids in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daming Zhang
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Ganlin Zu
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Guangjie Gao
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Ye Fan
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Jin
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China.
| | - Zongyuan Chen
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Guo
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China.
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3
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Aupiais J, Beccia MR, Monfort M, Den Auwer C. When radiochemistry meets radioecology (the marine environment). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173247. [PMID: 38754516 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
After the first atomic bomb test in Alamogordo in July 1945, followed by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs in August 1945, radioecology became recognized as a branch of ecology in response to the radioactive fallout associated with the subsequent proliferation of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing which continued throughout the Cold War. In parallel, environmental radiochemistry emerged in the 70s to understand the chemical behavior of possible nuclear contaminants of the environment. In this discussion we stress the need to crosslink radioecology and chemical speciation, where radiochemistry and radioecology should meet to go beyond the present state of the art. Accordingly, we are seeking a methodology that calls for several angles of investigation: speciation (chemistry), toxicology (physiology and biology), accumulation data (environmental studies), distribution (geochemistry).
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4
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Williamson AJ, Binet M, Sergeant C. Radionuclide biogeochemistry: from bioremediation toward the treatment of aqueous radioactive effluents. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:698-716. [PMID: 37258417 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2194505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Civilian and military nuclear programs of several nations over more than 70 years have led to significant quantities of heterogenous solid, organic, and aqueous radioactive wastes bearing actinides, fission products, and activation products. While many physicochemical treatments have been developed to remediate, decontaminate and reduce waste volumes, they can involve high costs (energy input, expensive sorbants, ion exchange resins, chemical reducing/precipitation agents) or can lead to further secondary waste forms. Microorganisms can directly influence radionuclide solubility, via sorption, accumulation, precipitation, redox, and volatilization pathways, thus offering a more sustainable approach to remediation or effluent treatments. Much work to date has focused on fundamentals or laboratory-scale remediation trials, but there is a paucity of information toward field-scale bioremediation and, to a lesser extent, toward biological liquid effluent treatments. From the few biostimulation studies that have been conducted at legacy weapon production/test sites and uranium mining and milling sites, some marked success via bioreduction and biomineralisation has been observed. However, rebounding of radionuclide mobility from (a)biotic scale-up factors are often encountered. Radionuclide, heavy metal, co-contaminant, and/or matrix effects provide more challenging conditions than traditional industrial wastewater systems, thus innovative solutions via indirect interactions with stable element biogeochemical cycles, natural or engineered cultures or communities of metal and irradiation tolerant strains and reactor design inspirations from existing metal wastewater technologies, are required. This review encompasses the current state of the art in radionuclide biogeochemistry fundamentals and bioremediation and establishes links toward transitioning these concepts toward future radioactive effluent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Binet
- EDF R&D, LNHE (Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement), Chatou, France
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5
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Baumer T, Zavarin M, Pearce CI, Emerson HP, Kersting AB. Subsurface Transport of Plutonium in Organic and Aqueous Acidic Processing Wastes at the Hanford Site, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8909-8918. [PMID: 38728532 PMCID: PMC11112729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Over 4 million liters of mixed acidic (∼pH 2.5), high ionic strength (∼5 M nitrate) plutonium (Pu) processing waste were released into the 216-Z-9 (Z-9) trench at the Hanford Site, USA, and trace Pu has migrated 37 m below the trench. In this study, we used flowthrough columns to investigate Pu transport in simplified processing waste through uncontaminated Hanford sediments to determine the conditions that led to Pu migration. In low pH aqueous fluids, some Pu breakthrough is observed at pH < 4, and increased Pu transport (14% total Pu breakthrough) is observed at pH < 2. However, Pu migrates in organic processing solvents through low pH sediments virtually uninhibited with approximately 94 and 86% total Pu breakthrough observed at pH 1 and pH 3, respectively. This study demonstrates that Pu migration can occur both with and without organic solvents at pH < 4, but significantly more Pu can be transported when partitioned into organic processing solvents. Our data suggest that under acidic conditions (pH < 4) in the vadose zone beneath the Z-9 trench, Pu present in organic processing solvents moved relatively unhindered and may explain the historical downward migration of Pu tens of meters below the Z-9 trench.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Baumer
- Glenn
T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, L-231, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Glenn
T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, L-231, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Carolyn I. Pearce
- Energy
and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Hilary P. Emerson
- Energy
and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Annie B. Kersting
- Glenn
T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, L-231, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94550, United States
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6
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Etschmann B, Missen OP, Conradson SD, Mills S, Liu Y, Brugger J. Environmental stability of a uranium-plutonium-carbide phase. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6413. [PMID: 38494506 PMCID: PMC10944826 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A plutonium-rich carbide, (U,Pu)(Al,Fe)3C3, was discovered in a hot particle from the Maralinga nuclear testing site in South Australia. The particle was produced between 1960 and 1963 and has been exposed to ambient conditions since then. The new phase belongs to a group of ternary carbides known as 'derivative-MAX phases'. It formed at high temperature within an explosion cloud via rapid eutectic crystallisation from a complex Al-Fe-U-Pu-C-O melt, and is the major Pu host in this particle. Despite signs of volume expansion due to radiation damage, (U,Pu)(Al,Fe)3C3 remains highly X-ray crystalline 60 years after its formation, with no evidence of Pu leaching from the crystals. Our results highlight that the high-energy conditions of (sub-)critical explosions can create unexpected species. Even micro-particles of a derivative-MAX phase can effectively retain low-valence (metallic-like character) Pu under environmental conditions; the slow physical and chemical weathering of these particles may contribute to the slow release of radionuclides over decades, explaining constant low-levels of radionuclides observed in fauna. This study further suggests that rapidly quenched eutectic melts may be engineered to stabilise actinides in nuclear waste products, removing the need for hydrometallurgical processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Etschmann
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Owen P Missen
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Steven D Conradson
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Department of Complex Matter, Josef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stuart Mills
- Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yang Liu
- Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joël Brugger
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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7
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Turkeltaub T, Weisbrod N, Zavarin M, Chang E, Kersting AB, Teutsch N, Roded S, Tran EL, Geller Y, Gerera Y, Klein-BenDavid O. Radionuclide transport in fractured chalk under abrupt changes in salinity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168636. [PMID: 37981163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Internationally, it has been agreed that geologic repositories for spent fuel and radioactive waste are considered the internationally agreed upon solution for intermediate and long-term disposal. In countries where traditional nuclear waste repository host rocks (e.g., clay, salt, granite) are not available, other low permeability lithologies must be studied. Here, chalk is considered to determine its viability for disposal. Despite chalk's low bulk permeability, it may contain fracture networks that can facilitate radionuclide transport. In arid areas, groundwater salinity may change seasonally due to the mixing between brackish groundwater and fresh meteoric water. Such salinity changes may impact the radionuclides' mobility. In this study, radioactive U(VI) and radionuclide simulant tracers (Sr, Ce and Re) were injected into a naturally fractured chalk core. The mobility of tracers was investigated under abrupt salinity variations. Two solutions were used: a low ionic strength (IS) artificial rainwater (ARW; IS ∼0.002) and a high IS artificial groundwater (AGW; IS ∼0.2). During the experiments, the tracers were added to ARW, then the carrier was changed to AGW, and vice versa. Ce was mobile only in colloidal form, while Re was transported as a conservative tracer. Both Re and Ce demonstrated no change in mobility due to salinity changes. In contrast, U and Sr showed increased mobility when AGW was introduced and decreased mobility when ARW was introduced into the core. These experimental results, supported by reactive transport modeling, suggest that saline groundwater solutions promote U and Sr release via ion-exchange and enhance their migration in fractured chalk. The study emphasizes the impact of salinity variations near spent fuel repositories and their possible impact on radionuclide mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuvia Turkeltaub
- The Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel.
| | - Noam Weisbrod
- The Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Elliot Chang
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Nadya Teutsch
- Geological Survey of Israel, 32 Yeshayahu Leibowitz St., Jerusalem 9371234, Israel
| | - Sari Roded
- The Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel
| | - Emily L Tran
- The Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel; Now at Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Qatsrin 1290000, Israel
| | - Yehonatan Geller
- Geological and Environmental Science Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Yarden Gerera
- The Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel
| | - Ofra Klein-BenDavid
- Nuclear Research Center of the Negev, Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beersheva 8419001, Israel; Geological and Environmental Science Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva 8410501, Israel
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8
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Kaplan U, Amayri S, Drebert J, Grolimund D, Reich T. Plutonium mobility and reactivity in a heterogeneous clay rock barrier accented by synchrotron-based microscopic chemical imaging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3087. [PMID: 38321076 PMCID: PMC10847135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The long-term safe disposal of radioactive waste corresponds to a challenging responsibility of present societies. Within deep geological waste disposal concepts, host rocks correspond to the ultimate safety barrier towards the environment. To assess the performance of such barriers over extended time scales, mechanistic information on the interaction between the radiotoxic, long-lived radionuclides like plutonium and the host rock is essential. Chemical imaging based on synchrotron microspectroscopic techniques was used to visualize undisturbed reactive transport patterns of Pu within pristine Opalinus Clay rock material. Pu+V is shown to be progressively reduced along its diffusion path to Pu+IV and Pu+III due to interaction with redox-active clay rock constituents. Experimental results and modeling emphasize the dominant role of electron-transfer reactions determining the mobility of Pu in reactive barrier systems. The effective migration velocity of Pu is controlled by the kinetic rates of the reduction to Pu+IV and Pu+III and the redox capacity of the involved electron donor pools. To advance our predictive capabilities further, an improved understanding of the nature and capacity of redox-active components of the reactive barrier material is fundamental. The findings represent an essential contribution to the evaluation of the long-term safety of potential nuclear waste repositories and have implications regarding the development of effective geological disposal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Kaplan
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - S Amayri
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - J Drebert
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - D Grolimund
- Swiss Light Source, Paul-Scherrer-Institut, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
| | - T Reich
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
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9
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Bañuelos JL, Borguet E, Brown GE, Cygan RT, DeYoreo JJ, Dove PM, Gaigeot MP, Geiger FM, Gibbs JM, Grassian VH, Ilgen AG, Jun YS, Kabengi N, Katz L, Kubicki JD, Lützenkirchen J, Putnis CV, Remsing RC, Rosso KM, Rother G, Sulpizi M, Villalobos M, Zhang H. Oxide- and Silicate-Water Interfaces and Their Roles in Technology and the Environment. Chem Rev 2023; 123:6413-6544. [PMID: 37186959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial reactions drive all elemental cycling on Earth and play pivotal roles in human activities such as agriculture, water purification, energy production and storage, environmental contaminant remediation, and nuclear waste repository management. The onset of the 21st century marked the beginning of a more detailed understanding of mineral aqueous interfaces enabled by advances in techniques that use tunable high-flux focused ultrafast laser and X-ray sources to provide near-atomic measurement resolution, as well as by nanofabrication approaches that enable transmission electron microscopy in a liquid cell. This leap into atomic- and nanometer-scale measurements has uncovered scale-dependent phenomena whose reaction thermodynamics, kinetics, and pathways deviate from previous observations made on larger systems. A second key advance is new experimental evidence for what scientists hypothesized but could not test previously, namely, interfacial chemical reactions are frequently driven by "anomalies" or "non-idealities" such as defects, nanoconfinement, and other nontypical chemical structures. Third, progress in computational chemistry has yielded new insights that allow a move beyond simple schematics, leading to a molecular model of these complex interfaces. In combination with surface-sensitive measurements, we have gained knowledge of the interfacial structure and dynamics, including the underlying solid surface and the immediately adjacent water and aqueous ions, enabling a better definition of what constitutes the oxide- and silicate-water interfaces. This critical review discusses how science progresses from understanding ideal solid-water interfaces to more realistic systems, focusing on accomplishments in the last 20 years and identifying challenges and future opportunities for the community to address. We anticipate that the next 20 years will focus on understanding and predicting dynamic transient and reactive structures over greater spatial and temporal ranges as well as systems of greater structural and chemical complexity. Closer collaborations of theoretical and experimental experts across disciplines will continue to be critical to achieving this great aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Leobardo Bañuelos
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Eric Borguet
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Gordon E Brown
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Randall T Cygan
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - James J DeYoreo
- Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Patricia M Dove
- Department of Geosciences, Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Marie-Pierre Gaigeot
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, CNRS, LAMBE UMR8587, 91025 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Franz M Geiger
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Julianne M Gibbs
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2Canada
| | - Vicki H Grassian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Anastasia G Ilgen
- Geochemistry Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185, United States
| | - Young-Shin Jun
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Nadine Kabengi
- Department of Geosciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Lynn Katz
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - James D Kubicki
- Department of Earth, Environmental & Resource Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Johannes Lützenkirchen
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Institut für Nukleare Entsorgung─INE, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany
| | - Christine V Putnis
- Institute for Mineralogy, University of Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Richard C Remsing
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Kevin M Rosso
- Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Gernot Rother
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Marialore Sulpizi
- Department of Physics, Ruhr Universität Bochum, NB6, 65, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mario Villalobos
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y del Suelo, LANGEM, Instituto De Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Huichun Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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10
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Diacre A, Chalaux Clergue T, Burban S, Gauthier C, Hubert A, Humbert AC, Lefevre I, Fauré AL, Pointurier F, Evrard O. Temporal evolution of plutonium concentrations and isotopic ratios in the Ukedo - Takase Rivers draining the Difficult-To-Return zone in Fukushima, Japan (2013-2020). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120963. [PMID: 36587785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident released significant quantities of radionuclides into the environment. Japanese authorities decided to progressively reopen the Difficult-To-Return Zone after the decontamination of priority reconstruction zones. These areas include parts of the initially highly contaminated municipalities located to the north of the FDNPP, including Namie Town, an area drained by the Ukedo and Takase Rivers. Eleven years after the accident, research focused on the spatial distribution of plutonium (Pu) and radiocesium (Cs) isotopes at contrasted individual locations. To complement previous results, the current research was conducted on flood sediment deposits collected at the same locations after major flooding events during eleven fieldwork campaigns organised between 2013 and 2020 at the outlet of the Ukedo and Takase Rivers (n = 22). The results highlighted a global decrease of the Pu and 137Cs contents in sediment with time during the abandonment phase in the region, from 2013 (238.20 fg g-1) to 2020 (4.28 fg g-1). Furthermore, based on the analysis of the 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratios, the plutonium transiting these rivers (range: 0.166 - 0.220) essentially originated from the global fallout (0.180 ± 0.014 (Kelley et al., 1999)). Sediment showed contrasted properties in the two investigated rivers, which is likely mainly the result of the occurrence of Ogaki Dam on upper sections of the Ukedo River as it strongly impacts the material supply from this river to the Pacific Ocean. A statistical analysis highlighted the strong correlation between Pu activity concentrations and 137Cs activities in both rivers, confirming that both radionuclides are transported with a similar pathway. Despite it was detected early after the accident (2011-2013), the current research demonstrates that plutonium originating from FDNPP is no longer detected in these rivers draining the Difficult-To-Return Zone at the onset of the reopening of the area to its former inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Diacre
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique et Aux énergies Alternatives (CEA, DAM, DIF), F-91297, Arpajon, France; Laboratoire des Sciences Du Climat et de L'Environnement (LSCE/IPSL), Unité Mixte de Recherche 8212 (CEA/CNRS/UVSQ), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Thomas Chalaux Clergue
- Laboratoire des Sciences Du Climat et de L'Environnement (LSCE/IPSL), Unité Mixte de Recherche 8212 (CEA/CNRS/UVSQ), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Soazig Burban
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique et Aux énergies Alternatives (CEA, DAM, DIF), F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - Caroline Gauthier
- Laboratoire des Sciences Du Climat et de L'Environnement (LSCE/IPSL), Unité Mixte de Recherche 8212 (CEA/CNRS/UVSQ), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Amélie Hubert
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique et Aux énergies Alternatives (CEA, DAM, DIF), F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - Anne-Claire Humbert
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique et Aux énergies Alternatives (CEA, DAM, DIF), F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - Irène Lefevre
- Laboratoire des Sciences Du Climat et de L'Environnement (LSCE/IPSL), Unité Mixte de Recherche 8212 (CEA/CNRS/UVSQ), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anne-Laure Fauré
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique et Aux énergies Alternatives (CEA, DAM, DIF), F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - Fabien Pointurier
- Commissariat à L'Energie Atomique et Aux énergies Alternatives (CEA, DAM, DIF), F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - Olivier Evrard
- Laboratoire des Sciences Du Climat et de L'Environnement (LSCE/IPSL), Unité Mixte de Recherche 8212 (CEA/CNRS/UVSQ), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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11
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Cot-Auriol M, Virot M, Dumas T, Diat O, Le Goff X, Moisy P, Nikitenko SI. Ultrasonically controlled synthesis of UO 2+x colloidal nanoparticles. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:2135-2144. [PMID: 36722900 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt03721a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Actinide colloids and nanoparticles (NPs) currently constitute a topic of strong interest due to their potential role in advanced nuclear energetics and the environmental migration of radioactivity. A better understanding of the physico-chemical properties of nanoscale actinide oxides requires robust synthesis approaches. In this work, UO2+x NPs were successfully prepared by sonochemistry from U(IV) solutions previously stabilised in a hydrochloric medium (20 kHz, 65 °C, Ar/(10%)CO). Colloidal suspensions were found to be composed of crystalline and spherical NPs showing a UO2-like structure and measuring 18.0 ± 0.1 nm (SAXS, HR-TEM and PXRD techniques). In comparison with the controlled hydrolysis approach used as a reference, sonochemistry appears to be a simple and original synthesis route providing larger, better defined and more crystalline UO2+x NPs with a narrower size distribution. These well-defined NPs offer new opportunities for the preparation of reference actinide materials devoted to fundamental, technological and environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Virot
- ICSM, Univ Montpellier, CEA, CNRS, ENSCM, Marcoule, France.
| | - Thomas Dumas
- CEA, DES, ISEC, DMRC, Univ Montpellier, Marcoule, France
| | - Olivier Diat
- ICSM, Univ Montpellier, CEA, CNRS, ENSCM, Marcoule, France.
| | - Xavier Le Goff
- ICSM, Univ Montpellier, CEA, CNRS, ENSCM, Marcoule, France.
| | - Philippe Moisy
- CEA, DES, ISEC, DMRC, Univ Montpellier, Marcoule, France
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12
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Romanenko V, Lujanienė G. Short review of plutonium applications for the sediment transport studies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 257:107066. [PMID: 36395679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The transport of sediments in surface waters is a natural process involving the relocation of the sediments themselves and the nutrients, pollutants and radionuclides associated with them. Plutonium isotopes have proven to be a useful tool for studying this process over several decades. In this article, we review the characteristics of the behaviour of plutonium in the water column and the main directions of its use to study the transport of sediments at different scales. The characteristic isotopic fingerprints of the sources and their known input functions, as well as the good reactivity of the particles, favour the widespread use of plutonium for the study of the chronology of sediments and deposits and for studies of the fate and migration pathways of sediments at different scales. While other radionuclides are losing relevance due to the short half-life the 239Pu and 240Pu will remain useable for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaliy Romanenko
- State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology Public Institution, Savanorių ave. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Galina Lujanienė
- State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology Public Institution, Savanorių ave. 231, LT-02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
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13
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Coutelot F, Wheeler J, Merino N, Kaplan DI, Owings S, Taillefert M, Zavarin M, Kersting AB, Powell BA. Temporal evolution of Pu and Cs sediment contamination in a seasonally stratified pond. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159320. [PMID: 36220478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There remains a lack of knowledge regarding ecosystem transfer, transport processes, and mechanisms, which influence the long-term mobility of Pu-239 and Cs-137 in natural environments. Monitoring the distribution and migration of trace radioisotopes as ecosystem tracers has the potential to provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of geochemical cycles. This study investigated the distribution of anthropogenic radionuclides Pu-239 and Cs-137 along with total organic carbon, iron, and trace element in contaminated sediments of Pond B at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Pond B received reactor cooling water from 1961 to 1964, and trace amounts of Pu-239 and Cs-137 during operations. Our study collected sediment cores to determine concentrations of Pu-239, Cs-137, and major and minor elements in solid phase, pore water and an electrochemical method was used on wet cores to determine dissolved elemental concentrations. More than 50 years after deposition, Pu-239 and Cs-137 in sediments are primarily located in the upper 5 cm in area where deposition of particulate-bound contaminants was prevalent and located between 5 and 10 cm in areas of high sedimentation, showing a limited migration of Pu-239 and Cs-137. A Factor analysis demonstrated different sediment facies across the pond resulting in a range of geochemical processes controlling accumulation of Pu and Cs. Highest concentrations appear to be controlled by particulate input from the influent canal, dominated by clay, silt, and sand minerals bearing Fe. Elevated Pu-239 in the sediments were observed in areas with high organic matter and higher deposition rate relative to the Pond B system near the outlet indicating strong association of Pu with OM and particulates. Therefore, organic matter cycling likely plays a role in Pu redistribution between sediment and overlying pond water, and deposition in organic rich sediments accumulating near the outlet. Though Pu appears to have been distributed throughout the pond, Cs-137 concentrations remained the highest near the influent canal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Coutelot
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, United States; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering and Science and Radioactive Waste Management, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625, United States.
| | - Jessica Wheeler
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, United States; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering and Science and Radioactive Waste Management, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625, United States
| | - Nancy Merino
- The Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Daniel I Kaplan
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC, United States
| | - Shannon Owings
- Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Martial Taillefert
- Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- The Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Annie B Kersting
- The Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Brian A Powell
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, United States; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering and Science and Radioactive Waste Management, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625, United States.
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14
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Kinsela AS, Payne TE, Bligh MW, Vázquez-Campos X, Wilkins MR, Comarmond MJ, Rowling B, Waite TD. Contaminant release, mixing and microbial fluctuations initiated by infiltrating water within a replica field-scale legacy radioactive waste trench. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158241. [PMID: 36007652 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Numerous legacy near-surface radioactive waste sites dating from the mid 20th century have yet to be remediated and present a global contamination concern. Typically, there is insufficient understanding of contaminant release and redistribution, with invasive investigations often impractical due to the risk of disturbing the often significantly radiotoxic contaminants. Consequently, a replica waste trench (~5.4 m3), constructed adjacent to a legacy radioactive waste site (Little Forest Legacy Site, LFLS), was used to assist our understanding of the release and mixing processes of neodymium (Nd) - a chemical analogue for plutonium(III) and americium(III), two significant radionuclides in many contaminated environments. In order to clarify the behaviour of contaminants released from buried objects such as waste containers, a steel drum, representative of the hundreds of buried drums within the LFLS, was placed within the trench. Dissolved neodymium nitrate was introduced as a point-source contaminant to the base of the trench, outside the steel drum. Hydrologic conditions were manipulated to simulate natural rainfall intensities with dissolved lithium bromide added as a tracer. Neodymium was primarily retained both at its point of release at the bottom of the trench (>97 %) as well as at a steel container corrosion point, simulated through the emplacement of steel wool. However, over the 8-month field experiment, advective mixing initiated by surface water intrusions rapidly redistributed a small proportion of Nd to shallower waters (~1.5-1.7 %), as well as throughout the buried steel drum. Suspended particulate forms of Nd (>0.2 μm) were measured at all depths in the suboxic trench and were persistent across the entire study. Analyses of the microbial communities showed that their relative abundances and metabolic functions were strongly influenced by the prevailing geochemical conditions as a result of fluctuating water depths associated with rainfall events. The site representing steel corrosion exhibited divergent biogeochemical results with anomalous changes (sharp decrease) observed in both dissolved contaminant concentration as well as microbial diversity and functionality. This research demonstrates that experimental trenches provide a safe and unique method for simulating the behaviour of subsurface radioactive contaminants with results demonstrating the initial retention, partial shallow water redistribution, and stability of particulate form(s) of this radioactive analogue. These results have relevance for appropriate management and remediation strategies for the adjacent legacy site as well as for similar sites across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Kinsela
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Mark W Bligh
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xabier Vázquez-Campos
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Brett Rowling
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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15
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Balboni E, Merino N, Begg JD, Samperton KM, Zengotita FE, Law GTW, Kersting AB, Zavarin M. Plutonium mobilization from contaminated estuarine sediments, Esk Estuary (UK). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136240. [PMID: 36057346 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since 1952, liquid radioactive effluent containing238-242Pu, 241Am, 237Np, 137Cs, and 99Tc has been released with authorization from the Sellafield nuclear complex (UK) into the Irish Sea. This represents the largest source of plutonium (Pu) discharged in all western Europe, with 276 kg having been released. In the Eastern Irish Sea, the majority of the transuranic activity has settled into an area of sediments (Mudpatch) located off the Cumbrian coast. Radionuclides from the Mudpatch have been re-dispersed via particulate transport in fine-grained estuarine and intertidal sediments to the North-East Irish Sea, including the intertidal saltmarsh located at the mouth of the Esk Estuary. Saltmarshes are highly dynamic systems which are vulnerable to external agents (sea level change, erosion, sediment supply, and freshwater inputs), and their stability remains uncertain under current sea level rise projections and possible increases in storm activity. In this work, we examined factors affecting Pu mobility in contaminated sediments collected from the Esk Estuary by conducting leaching experiments under both anoxic and oxic conditions. Leaching experiments were conducted over a 9-month period and were periodically sampled to determine solution phase Pu via multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), and to measure redox indicators (Eh, pH and extractable Fe(II)). Microbial community composition was also characterized in the sediments, and at the beginning and end of the anoxic/oxic experiments. Results show that: 1) Pu leaching is about three times greater in solutions leached under anoxic conditions compared to oxic conditions, 2) the sediment slurry microbial communities shift as conditions change from anoxic to oxic, 3) Pu leaching is enhanced in the shallow sediments (0-10 cm depth), and 4) the magnitude of Pu leached from sediments is not correlated with total Pu, indicating that the biogeochemistry of sediment-associated Pu is spatially heterogeneous. These findings provide constraints on the stability of redox sensitive Pu in biogeochemically dynamic/transient environments on a timescale of months and suggests that anoxic conditions can enhance Pu mobility in estuarine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Balboni
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States.
| | - Nancy Merino
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States
| | - James D Begg
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States; Amphos 21, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kyle M Samperton
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States; Trace Nuclear Measurement Technology Group, Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29808, United States
| | - Frances E Zengotita
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, United States
| | - Gareth T W Law
- Radiochemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States
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16
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Bessonov AA, Shilov VP. Behavior of Plutonium(V) in the Environment. RADIOCHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1066362222060029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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17
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Fullmer WK, Bliznyuk VN, Seliman AF, Powell BA, Husson SM, DeVol TA. Hybrid extractive scintillator resin for simultaneous concentration and detection of plutonium from aqueous solutions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 255:107048. [PMID: 36274506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.107048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A scoping study of a commercially available resin selective for aqueous plutonium (Pu), AnaLig® Pu-02, modified with scintillator was investigated as a scheme to simultaneously concentrate and detect Pu in aquatic matrices. The extractive scintillating resin was comprised of a silica base, functionalized for plutonium extraction, grafted with plastic scintillator of polyvinyl toluene (PVT) and 2-(1-naphthyl)-4-vinyl-5- phenyloxazole (vNPO) fluor. Scintillator was incorporated onto the AnaLig® Pu-02 resin in a two-step process of silanization followed by surface-polymerization. Successful modification was facilitated by grinding the resin beads prior to silanization to expose cleaved silica surface sites appropriate for scintillator grafting. The modified resin was subjected to initial characterization of batch uptake and radioluminosity measurements where a total detection efficiency of 32.5% was observed. The modified resin was then subjected to pH 1 simulants containing environmental relevant groundwater constituents of varying concentration. Concentrations of 0.001M Fe(III) interfered with Pu uptake, while concentrations of up to 0.01M Ca(II) and 0.001 mM concentration of natural uranium and thorium had minimal influence on plutonium uptake. A translucent column packed with the modified AnaLig® Pu-02 was placed in a commercial flow-cell radiation detector for real-time detection of plutonium; a total detection efficiency of 20.4% was achieved for on-line measurements. The modification of AnaLig® Pu-02 results in a minimum detection limit capable of meeting the EPA limit for gross alpha activity in drinking water given a sufficient counting time of 15 min and approximately 300 mL of solution volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- W K Fullmer
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA.
| | - V N Bliznyuk
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management Center (NEESRWM), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - A F Seliman
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management Center (NEESRWM), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - B A Powell
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management Center (NEESRWM), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - S M Husson
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management Center (NEESRWM), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - T A DeVol
- Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC, 29625, USA; Center for Nuclear Environmental Engineering Sciences and Radioactive Waste Management Center (NEESRWM), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
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18
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Virot M, Dumas T, Cot-Auriol M, Moisy P, Nikitenko SI. Synthesis and multi-scale properties of PuO 2 nanoparticles: recent advances and open questions. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:4938-4971. [PMID: 36504736 PMCID: PMC9680947 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00306f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increased attention given to actinide nanomaterials, the question of their structure-property relationship is on the spotlight of recent publications. Plutonium oxide (PuO2) particularly plays a central role in nuclear energetics and a comprehensive knowledge about its properties when nanosizing is of paramount interest to understand its behaviour in environmental migration schemes but also for the development of advanced nuclear energy systems underway. The element plutonium further stimulates the curiosity of scientists due to the unique physical and chemical properties it exhibits around the periodic table. PuO2 crystallizes in the fluorite structure of the face-centered cubic system for which the properties can be significantly affected when shrinking. Identifying the formation mechanism of PuO2 nanoparticles, their related atomic, electronic and crystalline structures, and their reactivity in addition to their nanoscale properties, appears to be a fascinating and challenging ongoing topic, whose recent advances are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Virot
- ICSM, Univ Montpellier, CEA, CNRS, ENSCM Marcoule France
| | - Thomas Dumas
- CEA, DEN, DMRC, Univ Montpellier Marcoule France
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19
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Beccia MR, Creff G, Den Auwer C, Di Giorgio C, Jeanson A, Michel H. Environmental Chemistry of Radionuclides : Open Questions and Perspectives. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202200108. [PMID: 35778807 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of nuclear fission, atomic energy has become for mankind a source of energy, but it has also become a source of consternation. This Perspective presents and discusses the methodological evolution of the work performed in the radiochemistry laboratory that is part of the Institut de Chimie de Nice (France). Most studies in radioecology and environmental radiochemistry have intended to assess the impact and inventory of very low levels of radionuclides in specific environmental compartments. But chemical mechanisms at the molecular level remain a mystery because it is technically impossible (due to large dilution factors) to assess speciation in those systems. Ultra-trace levels of contamination and heterogeneity often preclude the use of spectroscopic techniques and the determination of direct speciation data, thus forming the bottleneck of speciation studies. The work performed in the Nice radiochemistry laboratory underlines this effort to input speciation data (using spectroscopic techniques like X ray Absorption Spectroscopy) in environmental and radioecological metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaëlle Creff
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, ICN, 06108, Nice, France
| | | | | | | | - Hervé Michel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, ICN, 06108, Nice, France
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20
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Cook M, Kleinschmidt R, Brugger J, Wong VNL. Transport and migration of plutonium in different soil types and rainfall regimes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 248:106883. [PMID: 35468420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Leaching and transport of contaminants is a complex interacting system affected by a suite of environmental factors. This study demonstrates the potential significance of weather events and moisture movement when interpreting plutonium (Pu) migration and advective transport in the soil matrix. Using a column transport experiment, two soil types, a sandy soil and clay-rich soil, were spiked with 238Pu as a tracer to observe the effect of simulated tropical and arid rainfall events on Pu mobility. Partition coefficients (Kd) were determined over a period of weeks and under varying rainfall rates to establish the impact of changing weather events on Pu mobility. The variability of these temporal Kds covers six orders of magnitude over a relatively brief time period. This demonstrates the necessity for non-static Kds to accurately describe Pu transport in these systems. The Pu Kds determined by these column transport experiments fall within the bounds of anticipated values (approximately 80-300,000 mL g-1) from immobile (magnitude 106 mL g-1) to moderately mobile (magnitude 101 mL g-1). The overall transport rate, shown by a decrease in calculated Kd, increases in environments where rainfall is more episodic, such as in arid regions as opposed to the consistently abundant rainfall in tropical regions. In contrast to the 238Pu spike, 239+240Pu resulting from contamination from nuclear tests in the sandy soil (aged for >30 years) showed higher mobility; we hypothesise that the ageing of the contamination, in particular Pu-bearing particles, accounts for this significant increase in Pu mobility. Low intensity, high frequency events in tropical sandy soil systems containing Pu particle contamination have the potential to mobilise Pu (>105 decrease in calculated Kd) over shorter periods of weeks, and not years as previously assumed. This increased mobility, when applied to radioecological models using Kd as a site-specific parameter, shows that there is likely to be a continued impact (risk quotient >1) on non-human biota in tropical sandy soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cook
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Australia.
| | - Ross Kleinschmidt
- Epic Environmental, PO Box 13058, Brisbane Queensland, 4003, Australia
| | - Joël Brugger
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Australia
| | - Vanessa N L Wong
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Australia
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21
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Gerber E, Romanchuk AY, Weiss S, Kuzenkova A, Hunault MOJY, Bauters S, Egorov A, Butorin SM, Kalmykov SN, Kvashnina KO. To form or not to form: PuO 2 nanoparticles at acidic pH. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. NANO 2022; 9:1509-1518. [PMID: 35520632 PMCID: PMC9009106 DOI: 10.1039/d1en00666e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to synthesize PuO2 nanoparticles (NPs) at low pH values and characterize the materials using laboratory and synchrotron-based methods. Properties of the PuO2 NPs formed under acidic conditions (pH 1-4) are explored here at the atomic scale. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is applied to characterize the crystallinity, morphology and size of the particles. It is found that 2 nm crystalline NPs are formed with a PuO2 crystal structure. High energy resolution fluorescence detected (HERFD) X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Pu M4 edge has been used to identify the Pu oxidation states and recorded data are analysed using the theory based on the Anderson impurity model (AIM). The experimental data obtained on NPs show that the Pu(iv) oxidation state dominates in all NPs formed at pH 1-4. However, the suspension at pH 1 demonstrates the presence of Pu(iii) and Pu(vi) in addition to the Pu(iv), which is associated with redox dissolution of PuO2 NPs under acidic conditions. We discuss in detail the mechanism that affects the PuO2 NPs synthesis under acidic conditions and compare it with one in neutral and alkaline conditions. Hence, the results shown here, together with the first Pu M4 HERFD data on PuF3 and PuF4 compounds, are significant for the colloid facilitated transport governing the migration of plutonium in a subsurface environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Gerber
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry 119991 Moscow Russia
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF - The European Synchrotron CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Resource Ecology PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
| | - Anna Yu Romanchuk
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Stephan Weiss
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Resource Ecology PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
| | | | | | - Stephen Bauters
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF - The European Synchrotron CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Resource Ecology PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
| | - Alexander Egorov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Sergei M Butorin
- Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials, X-ray Photon Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University P.O. Box 516 SE-751 20 Uppsala Uppsala Sweden
| | - Stepan N Kalmykov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Kristina O Kvashnina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry 119991 Moscow Russia
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF - The European Synchrotron CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Resource Ecology PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
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22
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Zhai B, Tian Q, Li N, Yan M, Henderson MJ. SAXS study of the formation and structure of polynuclear thorium(IV) colloids and thorium dioxide nanoparticles. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2022; 29:281-287. [PMID: 35254289 PMCID: PMC8900854 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577521012923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Stable actinide colloids and nanoparticles are of interest because of their potential to affect the transportation of radionuclides in the near-field of a nuclear waste repository. At high concentrations, thorium(IV) can precipitate to form intrinsic colloids. In the present study, polynuclear thorium colloids and thorium dioxide crystallites, formed by the condensation of hydrolyzed Th4+ solutions (3 mM; initial pH 5.5) aged for up to 18 months, were studied using small-angle X-ray scattering. Scattering profiles were fitted using a unified Guinier/power-law model (Beaucage model) to extract the radii of gyration and Porod exponents. Analysis of the scattering profiles from a dispersion aged for 5 months indicated that both polymer coils and more compacted structures (radius of gyration Rg ≃ 10 nm) were present, which translated in the Kratky plots as a plateau and a peak maximum, respectively. After 18 months, the SAXS data were consistent with the presence of agglomerates of ThO2 particles suspended in aqueous solution (pH 3.2; [Th] = 1.45 mM). The measured radius of gyration (Rg) of the agglomerates was 5.8 nm, whereas the radius of the ThO2 particles was 2.5 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihui Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai 201204, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minhao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mark J. Henderson
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Anderson J, Lévesque N, Caron F, Beckett P, Spiers GA. A review on the use of lichens as a biomonitoring tool for environmental radioactivity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 243:106797. [PMID: 34968948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lichens have been widely used as a biomonitoring tool to record the distribution and concentration of airborne radioactivity and pollutants such as metals. There are limitations, however: although pollutants can be preserved in lichen tissues for long periods of time, not all radioactive and inert elements behave similarly. The chemical species of elements at the source, once captured, and the mode of storage within lichens play a role in this biomonitoring tool. Lichens are a symbiotic association of an algal or cyanobacterial partner (photobiont) with a fungal host (mycobiont). Lichens grow independently of the host substrates, including rocks, soils, trees and human-made structures. Lacking a root system, lichen nutrient or contaminant uptake is mostly through direct atmospheric inputs, mainly as wet and dry deposition. As lichens grow in a large variety of environments and are resilient in harsh climates, they are adapted to capture and retain nutrients from airborne sources. The context of this review partially relates to future deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and mining in remote areas of Canada. SMRs have been identified as a future source of energy (electricity and heat) for remote off-grid mines, potentially replacing diesel fuel generation facilities. For licensing purposes, SMR deployment and mine development requires capabilities to monitor background contaminants (natural radioactivity and metals) before, during and after deployment, including for decommissioning and removal. Key aspects reviewed herein include: (1) how lichens have been used in the past to monitor radioactivity; (2) radiocontaminants capture and storage in lichens; (3) longevity of radiocontaminant storage in lichen tissues; and (4) limitations of lichens use for monitoring radiocontaminants and selected metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Anderson
- Mirarco Mining Innovation and Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada; Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - N Lévesque
- Mirarco Mining Innovation and Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada; School of Biological, Chemical & Forensic Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - F Caron
- Mirarco Mining Innovation and Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.
| | - P Beckett
- Vale Living with Lakes Centre, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - G A Spiers
- Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
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24
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Foster C, Shaw S, Neill TS, Bryan N, Sherriff N, Natrajan LS, Wilson H, Lopez-Odriozola L, Rigby B, Haigh SJ, Zou YC, Harrison R, Morris K. Hydrotalcite Colloidal Stability and Interactions with Uranium(VI) at Neutral to Alkaline pH. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:2576-2589. [PMID: 35166554 PMCID: PMC9098172 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the United Kingdom, decommissioning of legacy spent fuel storage facilities involves the retrieval of radioactive sludges that have formed as a result of corrosion of Magnox nuclear fuel. Retrieval of sludges may re-suspend a colloidal fraction of the sludge, thereby potentially enhancing the mobility of radionuclides including uranium. The colloidal properties of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) phase hydrotalcite, a key product of Magnox fuel corrosion, and its interactions with U(VI) are of interest. This is because colloidal hydrotalcite is a potential transport vector for U(VI) under the neutral-to-alkaline conditions characteristic of the legacy storage facilities and other nuclear decommissioning scenarios. Here, a multi-technique approach was used to investigate the colloidal stability of hydrotalcite and the U(VI) sorption mechanism(s) across pH 7-11.5 and with variable U(VI) surface loadings (0.01-1 wt %). Overall, hydrotalcite was found to form stable colloidal suspensions between pH 7 and 11.5, with some evidence for Mg2+ leaching from hydrotalcite colloids at pH ≤ 9. For systems with U present, >98% of U(VI) was removed from the solution in the presence of hydrotalcite, regardless of pH and U loading, although the sorption mode was affected by both pH and U concentrations. Under alkaline conditions, U(VI) surface precipitates formed on the colloidal hydrotalcite nanoparticle surface. Under more circumneutral conditions, Mg2+ leaching from hydrotalcite and more facile exchange of interlayer carbonate with the surrounding solution led to the formation of uranyl carbonate species (e.g., Mg(UO2(CO3)3)2-(aq)). Both X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and luminescence analysis confirmed that these negatively charged species sorbed as both outer- and inner-sphere tertiary complexes on the hydrotalcite surface. These results demonstrate that hydrotalcite can form pseudo-colloids with U(VI) under a wide range of pH conditions and have clear implications for understanding the uranium behavior in environments where hydrotalcite and other LDHs may be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Foster
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department
of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Samuel Shaw
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department
of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Thomas S. Neill
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department
of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Nick Bryan
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department
of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- National
Nuclear Laboratory, Chadwick
House, Warrington Road, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6AE, U.K.
| | - Nick Sherriff
- National
Nuclear Laboratory, Chadwick
House, Warrington Road, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6AE, U.K.
| | - Louise S. Natrajan
- Centre
for Radiochemistry Research, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Hannah Wilson
- Centre
for Radiochemistry Research, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Laura Lopez-Odriozola
- Centre
for Radiochemistry Research, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Bruce Rigby
- Sellafield
Ltd., Hinton House, Birchwood Park Avenue, Risley, Warrington, Cheshire WA3
6GR, U.K.
| | - Sarah J. Haigh
- Department
of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Yi-Chao Zou
- Department
of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Robert Harrison
- Nuclear
Fuel
Centre of Excellence, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil
Engineering, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department
of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The
University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
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25
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Kvashnina KO, Butorin SM. High-energy resolution X-ray spectroscopy at actinide M 4,5 and ligand K edges: what we know, what we want to know, and what we can know. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:327-342. [PMID: 34874022 PMCID: PMC8725612 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04851a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, scientists have progressively recognized the role of electronic structures in the characterization of chemical properties for actinide containing materials. High-energy resolution X-ray spectroscopy at the actinide M4,5 edges emerged as a promising direction because this method can probe actinide properties at the atomic level through the possibility of reducing the experimental spectral width below the natural core-hole lifetime broadening. Parallel to the technical developments of the X-ray method and experimental discoveries, theoretical models, describing the observed electronic structure phenomena, have also advanced. In this feature article, we describe the latest progress in the field of high-energy resolution X-ray spectroscopy at the actinide M4,5 and ligand K edges and we show that the methods are able to (a) provide fingerprint information on the actinide oxidation state and ground state characters (b) probe 5f occupancy, non-stoichiometry, defects, and ligand/metal ratio and (c) investigate the local symmetry and effects of the crystal field. We discuss the chemical aspects of the electronic structure in terms familiar to chemists and materials scientists and conclude with a brief description of new opportunities and approaches to improve the experimental methodology and theoretical analysis for f-electron systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O Kvashnina
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF, The European Synchrotron, CS40220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), PO Box 510119, 01314 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sergei M Butorin
- Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials, X-ray Photon Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
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26
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Yoon IH, Park CW, Kim I, Yang HM, Kim SM, Kim JH. Characteristic and remediation of radioactive soil in nuclear facility sites: a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:67990-68005. [PMID: 34651269 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16782-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A huge amount of radioactive soil has been generated through decommissioning of nuclear facilities around the world. This review focuses on the difficulties and complexities associated with the remediation of radioactive soils at the site level; therefore, laboratory studies were excluded from this review. The problems faced while remediating radioactive soils using techniques based on strategies such as dry separation, soil washing, flotation separation, thermal desorption, electrokinetic remediation, and phytoremediation are discussed, along with appropriate examples. Various factors such as soil type, particle size, the fraction of fine particles, and radionuclide characteristics that strongly influence radioactive soil decontamination processes are highlighted. In this review, we also survey and compare the pool of available technologies currently being used for the remediation of radionuclide-contaminated soils, as well as the economic aspects of soil remediation using different techniques. This review demonstrates the importance of the integrated role of various factors in determining the effectiveness of the radioactive soil decontamination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Ho Yoon
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111, Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chan Woo Park
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111, Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilgook Kim
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111, Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Man Yang
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111, Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Man Kim
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111, Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Hyun Kim
- Decommissioning Technology Research Division, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 989-111, Daedeokdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea
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27
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Bosco H, Hamann L, Kneip N, Raiwa M, Weiss M, Wendt K, Walther C. New horizons in microparticle forensics: Actinide imaging and detection of 238Pu and 242mAm in hot particles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj1175. [PMID: 34714671 PMCID: PMC8555904 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Micrometer-sized pollutant particles are of highest concern in environmental and life sciences, cosmochemistry, and forensics. From their composition, detailed information on origin and potential risks to human health or environment is obtained. We combine secondary ion mass spectrometry with resonant laser ionization to selectively examine elemental and isotopic composition of individual particles at submicrometer spatial resolution. Avoiding any chemical sample preparation, isobaric interferences are suppressed by five orders of magnitude. In contrast to most mass spectrometric techniques, only negligible mass is consumed, leaving the particle intact for further studies. Identification of actinide elements and their isotopes on a Chernobyl hot particle, including 242mAm at ultratrace levels, proved the performance. Beyond that, the technique is applicable to almost all elements and opens up previously unexplored scientific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hauke Bosco
- Institute of Radioecology and Radiation Protection, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Linda Hamann
- Institute of Radioecology and Radiation Protection, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Nina Kneip
- Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manuel Raiwa
- Institute of Radioecology and Radiation Protection, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Weiss
- Institute of Radioecology and Radiation Protection, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Klaus Wendt
- Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Clemens Walther
- Institute of Radioecology and Radiation Protection, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
- Corresponding author.
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28
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Goldstein SJ, Price AA, Hinrichs KA, Lamont SP, Nunn AJ, Amato RS, Cardon AM, Gurganus DW. High-precision measurement of U-Pu-Np-Am concentrations and isotope ratios in environmental reference materials by mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 237:106689. [PMID: 34298408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We report results of precise and sensitive mass spectrometric measurements of uranium, plutonium, neptunium, and americium concentrations and isotope ratios in a variety of environmental reference materials. Most of our work has been done on NIST SRM 4350b, River Sediment, but we also present results for NIST SRM 4354, Lake Sediment; NIST SRMs 4355 and 4355a, Peruvian Soil; NIST SRM 4357, Ocean Sediment; NIST SRM 1648a, Urban Particulate Material; NIST SRM 1649b, Urban Dust; IAEA CRM 385, Ocean Sediment; USGS BCR-2, Columbia River Basalt; and USGS BHVO-2, Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory Basalt. These materials reflect a wide range in long-lived actinide concentrations (e.g. 1E4 to 1E10 atoms 239Pu/g) and isotope ratios. Measurements were performed in a clean laboratory by isotope dilution, multi-collector thermal ionization and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In general, our results are in agreement with, but lower the uncertainty of, literature or certificate values for these reference materials. Our uranium results for the basalts also confirm previously reported high-precision mass spectrometric results from our laboratory. In many cases our measurements of U-Pu-Np-Am nuclides appear to be novel. Extensive results for NIST SRM 4350b, River Sediment, indicate that this material is heterogeneous for Pu-Np-Am concentrations and isotope ratios at a sample size of 5 g or lower. Pu-Np isotope ratios and a241Pu-241Am model age of 1954 reflect a mix of plutonium production operations at the nearby Hanford, Washington site, and global atmospheric fallout from nuclear weapons testing. Results for the oceanic sediment materials (NIST SRM 4357 and IAEA 385) collected near Sellafield, U.K. vary but are also indicative of local anthropogenic sources of varying Pu isotopic composition and a mean 241Pu-241Am model age of 1964. Large environmental fractionation between Pu and Np is observed for the ocean, river, and lake sediment reference materials. Novel measurements for the two air particulate SRMs indicate high U, Pu and Np concentrations for these collections in 1976-1977 with an anomalous regional fallout Pu isotopic signature. Results for BHVO-2 and other Hawaiian basalts indicate that those which erupted before or during the period of abundant atmospheric nuclear weapons testing (1950-1970) contain significant levels of Pu (on the order of 1E7 atoms 239Pu/g) with a global fallout Pu isotopic composition, compared to more recent eruptions which incorporated less Pu. Hence, Hawaiian basalts may provide an integrated temporal record of anthropogenic actinide fallout deposition from the atmosphere since eruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Goldstein
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
| | - Allison A Price
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Kimberly A Hinrichs
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Stephen P Lamont
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Andrew J Nunn
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Ronald S Amato
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Annelise M Cardon
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Daniel W Gurganus
- Group C-NR, MS J514, Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
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29
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Corbey JF, Sweet LE, Sinkov SI, Reilly DD, Parker CM, Lonergan JM, Johnson TJ. Quantitative Microstructural Characterization of Plutonium Oxalate Auto‐Degradation and Evidence for PuO
2
Nanocrystal Formation. Eur J Inorg Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202100511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan F. Corbey
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Lucas E. Sweet
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Sergey I. Sinkov
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Dallas D. Reilly
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Cyrena M. Parker
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Jason M. Lonergan
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Timothy J. Johnson
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 902 Battelle Boulevard Richland, WA 99352 USA
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30
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Hormann V. A consistent model for estimating the partitioning of Am, Pu and Se in agricultural soils. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07839-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe component additive model UNiSeCs II for simulating the physicochemical behaviour of the radionuclides americium, plutonium and selenium in agricultural soils is presented. The model is validated by estimating the distribution coefficients (Kd) of these elements measured in batch experiments from the literature. For all three elements, the resulting average relative deviations from the experimental values are smaller than a factor of 2.5. This indicates that the model has the potential to significantly improve the predictions of radioecological models that normally use tabulated Kd values from the IAEA which are known to have large uncertainties. Using UNiSeCs II, the soil solution parameters most important for the partitioning of Am, Pu and Se are identified by single parameter variations.
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31
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Kinsela AS, Bligh MW, Vázquez-Campos X, Sun Y, Wilkins MR, Comarmond MJ, Rowling B, Payne TE, Waite TD. Biogeochemical Mobility of Contaminants from a Replica Radioactive Waste Trench in Response to Rainfall-Induced Redox Oscillations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8793-8805. [PMID: 34110792 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Results of investigations into factors influencing contaminant mobility in a replica trench located adjacent to a legacy radioactive waste site are presented in this study. The trench was filled with nonhazardous iron- and organic matter (OM)-rich components, as well as three contaminant analogues strontium, cesium, and neodymium to examine contaminant behavior. Imposed redox/water-level oscillations, where oxygen-laden rainwater was added to the anoxic trench, resulted in marked biogeochemical changes including the removal of aqueous Fe(II) and circulation of dissolved carbon, along with shifts to microbial communities involved in cycling iron (Gallionella, Sideroxydans) and methane generation (Methylomonas, Methylococcaceae). Contaminant mobility depended upon element speciation and rainfall event intensity. Strontium remained mobile, being readily translocated under hydrological perturbations. Strong ion-exchange reactions and structural incorporation into double-layer clay minerals were likely responsible for greater retention of Cs, which, along with Sr, was unaffected by redox oscillations. Neodymium was initially immobilized within the anoxic trenches, due to either secondary mineral (phosphate) precipitation or via the chemisorption of organic- and carbonate-Nd complexes onto variably charged solid phases. Oxic rainwater intrusions altered Nd mobility via competing effects. Oxidation of Fe(II) led to partial retention of Nd within highly sorbing Fe(III)/OM phases, whereas pH decreases associated with rainwater influxes resulted in a release of adsorbed Nd to solution with both pH and OM presumed to be the key factors controlling Nd attenuation. Collectively, the behavior of simulated contaminants within this replica trench provided unique insights into trench water biogeochemistry and contaminant cycling in a redox oscillatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Kinsela
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Mark W Bligh
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Xabier Vázquez-Campos
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Yingying Sun
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Brett Rowling
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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DiBlasi NA, Yalçintas E, Stanley FE, Reed DT, Hixon AE. Influence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the long-term oxidation state distribution of plutonium. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 274:129741. [PMID: 33545584 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Spectrophotometry was used to study the effect of EDTA on plutonium oxidation state distribution as a function of time, pH, and ligand-to-metal ratio (L/M) under anoxic conditions. Novel Pu(V)-EDTA absorption bands were identified at 571, 993, 1105, and 1150 nm with molar absorption coefficients of 15 ± 1, 6 ± 1, 10 ± 1, and 10 ± 1 cm-1M-1, respectively. Pu(V)-EDTA spectral changes occurred at L/M < 1, indicating only PuVO2(EDTA)3- formed with logK = 3.6 ± 0.3. Time-resolved experiments showed EDTA drastically increased the Pu(V/VI) reduction rate, which we propose is driven by amine lone-pair electron donation and the oxidative decarboxylation of EDTA. Oxidation of Pu(III)-EDTA to Pu(IV)-EDTA occurred on a slower time scale (110-237 days) than previously reported (<15 min) and is hypothesized to be radiolysis driven. Pu(V/VI)-EDTA and Pu(III)-EDTA both approached Pu(IV)-EDTA stabilization over time, yet Pu(V/VI)-EDTA solubility data was ≥ 1.0 log10 units higher than predicted by Pu(IV)-EDTA solubility models, indicating that current thermodynamic models are incomplete. Ultimately, the data show EDTA preferentially stabilizes Pu(IV) over time regardless of initial oxidation state, but Pu(V)-EDTA can persist under environmentally-relevant conditions, emphasizing the need to continue investigating redox reactions, speciation, and behavior of these complexes to support the transuranic waste disposal and surface remediation/containment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A DiBlasi
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 301 Stinson-Remick Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA; Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1400 University Dr., Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Ezgi Yalçintas
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1400 University Dr., Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Floyd E Stanley
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1400 University Dr., Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Donald T Reed
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1400 University Dr., Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Amy E Hixon
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 301 Stinson-Remick Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
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Cook M, Etschmann B, Ram R, Ignatyev K, Gervinskas G, Conradson SD, Cumberland S, Wong VNL, Brugger J. The nature of Pu-bearing particles from the Maralinga nuclear testing site, Australia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10698. [PMID: 34021195 PMCID: PMC8139974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The high-energy release of plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) during the Maralinga nuclear trials (1955-1963) in Australia, designed to simulate high temperature, non-critical nuclear accidents, resulted in wide dispersion µm-sized, radioactive, Pu-U-bearing 'hot' particles that persist in soils. By combining non-destructive, multi-technique synchrotron-based micro-characterization with the first nano-scale imagining of the composition and textures of six Maralinga particles, we find that all particles display intricate physical and chemical make-ups consistent with formation via condensation and cooling of polymetallic melts (immiscible Fe-Al-Pu-U; and Pb ± Pu-U) within the detonation plumes. Plutonium and U are present predominantly in micro- to nano-particulate forms, and most hot particles contain low valence Pu-U-C compounds; these chemically reactive phases are protected by their inclusion in metallic alloys. Plutonium reworking was observed within an oxidised rim in a Pb-rich particle; however overall Pu remained immobile in the studied particles, while small-scale oxidation and mobility of U is widespread. It is notoriously difficult to predict the long-term environmental behaviour of hot particles. Nano-scale characterization of the hot particles suggests that long-term, slow release of Pu from the hot particles may take place via a range of chemical and physical processes, likely contributing to on-going Pu uptake by wildlife at Maralinga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cook
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Barbara Etschmann
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
| | - Rahul Ram
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Konstantin Ignatyev
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - Gediminas Gervinskas
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Steven D Conradson
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Department of Complex Matter, Josef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Vanessa N L Wong
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Joёl Brugger
- School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
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Tran E, Zavrin M, Kersting AB, Klein-BenDavid O, Teutsch N, Weisbrod N. Colloid-facilitated transport of 238Pu, 233U and 137Cs through fractured chalk: Laboratory experiments, modelling, and implications for nuclear waste disposal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143818. [PMID: 33246722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The influence of montmorillonite colloids on the mobility of 238Pu, 233U and 137Cs through a chalk fracture was investigated to assess the transport potential for radioactive waste. Radioisotopes of each element, along with the conservative tracer tritium, were injected in the presence and absence of montmorillonite colloids into a naturally fractured chalk core. In parallel, batch experiments were conducted to obtain experimental sorption coefficients (Kd, mL/g) for both montmorillonite colloids and the chalk fracture material. Breakthrough curves were modelled to determine diffusivity and sorption of each radionuclide to the chalk and the colloids under advective conditions. Uranium sorbed sparingly to chalk (log Kd = 0.7 ± 0.2) in batch sorption experiments. 233U(VI) breakthrough was controlled primarily by the matrix diffusion and sorption to chalk (15 and 25% recovery with and without colloids, respectively). Cesium, in contrast, sorbed strongly to both the montmorillonite colloids and chalk (batch log Kd = 3.2 ± 0.01 and 3.9 ± 0.01, respectively). The high affinity to chalk and low colloid concentrations overwhelmed any colloidal Cs transport, resulting in very low 137Cs breakthrough (1.1-5.5% mass recovery). Batch and fracture transport results, and the associated modelling revealed that Pu migrates both as Pu (IV) sorbed to montmorillonite colloids and as dissolved Pu(V) (7% recovery). Transport experiments revealed differences in Pu(IV) and Pu(V) transport behavior that could not be quantified in simple batch experiments but are critical to effectively predict transport behavior of redox-sensitive radionuclides. Finally, a brackish groundwater solution was injected after completion of the fracture flow experiments and resulted in remobilization and recovery of 2.2% of the total sorbed radionuclides which remained in the core from previous experiments. In general, our study demonstrates consistency in sorption behavior between batch and advective fracture transport. The results suggest that colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport will enhance radionuclide migration in fractured chalk for those radionuclides with exceedingly high affinity for colloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tran
- Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel
| | - Mavrik Zavrin
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, PO Box 808, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
| | - Ofra Klein-BenDavid
- Nuclear Research Center of the Negev, Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beersheva 8419001, Israel; Geological and Environmental Science Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Nadya Teutsch
- Geological Survey of Israel, 32 Yeshayahu Leibowitz St., Jerusalem 9371234, Israel
| | - Noam Weisbrod
- Zuckerburg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion 8499000, Israel.
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Christian JH, Klug CA, DeVore M, Villa-Aleman E, Foley BJ, Groden N, Baldwin AT, Wellons MS. Characterizing the solid hydrolysis product, UF 4(H 2O) 2.5, generated from neat water reactions with UF 4 at room temperature. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:2462-2471. [PMID: 33507195 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt03944f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) is an important intermediate in the production of UF6 and uranium metal. Room temperature hydrolysis of UF4 was investigated using a combination of Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F NMR), Raman and infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and microscopy measurements. UF4(H2O)2.5 was identified as the primary solid hydrolysis product when anhydrous UF4 was stirred in deionized water. Static NMR and 19F magic angle spinning NMR measurements revealed that a small amount of uranyl fluoride can also form when anhydrous UF4 is left in water, although this species comprises less than 5% of the total sample with the remaining parts being UF4(H2O)2.5. Since UF4 is generally considered to be stable under ambient conditions, these findings mark the first time that a room temperature reaction between UF4 and water has been detected and analyzed without interference from additional chemical reagents. The Raman characterization of UF4(H2O)2.5 presented herein is the first on record. Since UF4 is one of the most used intermediates during chemical conversion of uranium ore to uranium metal for nuclear fuel and weapons, the results presented herein are applicable to numerous nuclear science fields where solid state detection of uranium is of value, including nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear forensics, and environmental remediation.
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36
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Cook M, de Caritat P, Kleinschmidt R, Brugger J, Wong VN. Future migration: Key environmental indicators of Pu accumulation in terrestrial sediments of Queensland, Australia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 223-224:106398. [PMID: 32932188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plutonium (Pu) interactions in the environment are highly complex. Site-specific variables play an integral role in determining the chemical and physical form of Pu, and its migration, bioavailability, and immobility. This paper aims to identify the key variables that can be used to highlight regions of radioecological sensitivity and guide remediation strategies in Australia. Plutonium is present in the Australian environment as a result of global fallout and the British nuclear testing program of 1952-1958 in central and west Australia (Maralinga and Montebello islands). We report the first systematic measurements of 239+240Pu and 238Pu activity concentrations in distal (≥1000 km from test sites) catchment outlet sediments from Queensland, Australia. The average 239+240Pu activity concentration was 0.29 mBq.g -1 (n = 73 samples) with a maximum of 4.88 mBq.g -1.238Pu/239+240Pu isotope ratios identified a large range (0.02-0.29 (RSD: 74%)) which is congruent with the heterogeneous nuclear material used for the British nuclear testing programme at Maralinga and Montebello Islands. The use of a modified PCA relying on non-linear distance correlation (dCorr) provided broader insight into the impact of environmental variables on the transport and migration of Pu in this soil system. Primary key environmental indicators of Pu presence were determined to be actinide/lanthanide/heavier transition metals, elevation, electrical conductivity (EC), CaO, SiO2, SO3, landform, geomorphology, land use, and climate explaining 81.7% of the variance of the system. Overall this highlighted that trace level Pu accumulations are associated with the coarse, refractive components of Australian soils, and are more likely regulated by the climate of the region and overall soil type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cook
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | | | - Ross Kleinschmidt
- Epic Environmental, PO Box 13058, Brisbane, Queensland, 4003, Australia
| | - Joёl Brugger
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Vanessa Nl Wong
- School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
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Pidchenko I, März J, Hunault MOJY, Bauters S, Butorin SM, Kvashnina KO. Synthesis, Structural, and Electronic Properties of K 4Pu VIO 2(CO 3) 3(cr): An Environmentally Relevant Plutonium Carbonate Complex. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:11889-11893. [PMID: 32846087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The chemical properties of actinide materials are often predefined and described based on the data available for isostructural species. This is the case for potassium plutonyl (PuVI) carbonate, K4PuVIO2(CO3)3(cr), a complex relevant for nuclear technology and the environment, of which the crystallographic and thermodynamic properties of which are still lacking. We report here the synthesis and characterization of PuVI achieved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and high-energy-resolution fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption near-edge structure at the Pu M4-edge coupled with electronic structure calculations. The crystallographic properties of PuVI are compared with isostructural uranium (U) and neptunium (Np) compounds. Actinyl (AnVI) axial bond lengths, [O-AnVI-O]2+, are correlated between solid, K4AnVIO2(CO3)3(cr), and aqueous, [AnVIO2(CO3)3]4-(aq) species for the UVI-NpVI-PuVI series. The spectroscopic data are compared to KPuVO2CO3(cr) and PuIVO2(cr) to tackle the trend in the electronic structure of PuVI regarding the oxidation state changes and local structural modifications around the Pu atom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Pidchenko
- Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF-The European Synchrotron, CS40220, 38043 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France.,Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, P.O. Box 510119, 01314 Dresden, Germany
| | - Juliane März
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, P.O. Box 510119, 01314 Dresden, Germany
| | - Myrtille O J Y Hunault
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, Saint Aubin BP 48, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Stephen Bauters
- Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF-The European Synchrotron, CS40220, 38043 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France.,Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, P.O. Box 510119, 01314 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sergei M Butorin
- Molecular and Condensed Matter Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 516, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristina O Kvashnina
- Rossendorf Beamline at ESRF-The European Synchrotron, CS40220, 38043 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France.,Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, P.O. Box 510119, 01314 Dresden, Germany
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Interaction of Polyoxometalates and Nanoparticles with Collector Surfaces—Focus on the Use of Streaming Current Measurements at Flat Surfaces. COLLOIDS AND INTERFACES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/colloids4030039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Streaming current measurements were used to study the interaction of polyoxometalates (POMs) and nanoparticles (NPs) with flat surfaces as an alternative, innovative approach to infer POM and NP properties of potential sparse material in terms of charge and magnitude. With respect to POMs, the approach was able to reveal subtle details of charging properties of +7 vs. +8 charge at very low POM concentrations. For NPs, the sign of charge and even the zeta-potential curve was retrieved. Concerning NPs, mutual interaction between TiO2 and SiO2 surfaces was studied in some detail via macroscopic measurements. Post-mortem analysis of samples from electrokinetic studies and separate investigations via AFM and HRTEM verified the interactions between TiO2 NPs and SiO2 collector surfaces. The interactions in the SiO2/TiO2 system depend to some extent on NP morphology, but in all our systems, irreversible interactions were observed, which would make the studied types of NPs immobile in natural environments. Overall, we conclude that the measurement of streaming currents at flat surfaces is valuable (i) to study NP and POM collector surface interactions and (ii) to simultaneously collect NPs or POM (or other small mobile clusters) for further (structural, morphological or release) investigations.
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Johansen MP, Child DP, Hotchkis MAC, Johansen A, Thiruvoth S, Whiting SD. Radionuclides in sea turtles at the Montebello Islands former nuclear test sites: Current and historical dose rates for adults and embryos. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111390. [PMID: 32753176 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclides from 1950s weapons testing at the Montebello Islands, Western Australia, may impact sea turtle embryos incubating within eggs laid in contaminated sands or be taken up into adult body tissues where they can contribute to radiation dose over a turtles' 60+ year lifespan. We measured plutonium in all local samples including turtle skin, bones, hatchlings, eggshells, sea sediments, diet items and beach sands. The amount of Pu in developing embryos/hatchling samples was orders of magnitude lower than that in the surrounding sands. These contaminated sands caused most dose to eggs (external dose from 137Cs, 152Eu), while most of the dose to adults was from internalised radionuclides (98%). While current dose rates are relatively low, local dose rates were high for about ten years following the 1950s detonations and may have resulted in lethality or health impacts to a generation of turtles that likely carry biomarkers today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia.
| | - David P Child
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Andrea Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sangeeth Thiruvoth
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott D Whiting
- Western Australia Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Australia
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Romanchuk AY, Vlasova IE, Kalmykov SN. Speciation of Uranium and Plutonium From Nuclear Legacy Sites to the Environment: A Mini Review. Front Chem 2020; 8:630. [PMID: 32903456 PMCID: PMC7434977 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The row of 15 chemical elements from Ac to Lr with atomic numbers from 89 to 103 are known as the actinides, which are all radioactive. Among them, uranium and plutonium are the most important as they are used in the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear weapon production. Since the beginning of national nuclear programs and nuclear tests, many radioactively contaminated nuclear legacy sites, have been formed. This mini review covers the latest experimental, modeling, and case studies of plutonium and uranium migration in the environment, including the speciation of these elements and the chemical reactions that control their migration pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stepan N. Kalmykov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Reilly DD, Beck CL, Buck EC, Cliff JB, Duffin AM, Lach TG, Liezers M, Springer KWE, Tedrow SJ, Zimmer MM. Focused ion beam for improved spatially-resolved mass spectrometry and analysis of radioactive materials for uranium isotopic analysis. Talanta 2020; 211:120720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Maloubier M, Emerson H, Peruski K, Kersting AB, Zavarin M, Almond PM, Kaplan DI, Powell BA. Impact of Natural Organic Matter on Plutonium Vadose Zone Migration from an NH 4Pu(V)O 2CO 3(s) Source. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2688-2697. [PMID: 31942795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of natural organic matter (NOM) on the behavior of Pu(V) in the vadose zone through a combination of the field lysimeter and laboratory studies. Well-defined solid sources of NH4Pu(V)O2CO3(s) were placed in two 5-L lysimeters containing NOM-amended soil collected from the Savannah River Site (SRS) or unamended vadose zone soil and exposed to 3 years of natural South Carolina, USA, meteorological conditions. Lysimeter soil cores were removed from the field, used in desorption experiments, and characterized using wet chemistry methods and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. For both lysimeters, Pu migrated slowly with the majority (>95%) remaining within 2 cm of the source. However, without the NOM amendment, Pu was transported significantly farther than in the presence of NOM. Downward Pu migration appears to be influenced by the initial source oxidation state and composition. These Pu(V) sources exhibited significantly greater migration than previous studies using Pu(IV) or Pu(III) sources. However, batch laboratory experiments demonstrated that Pu(V) is reduced by the lysimeter soil in the order of hours, indicating that downward migration of Pu may be due to cycling between Pu(V) and Pu(IV). Under the conditions of these experiments, NOM appeared to both enhance reduction of the Pu(V) source as well as Pu sorption to soils. This indicates that NOM will tend to have a stabilizing effect on Pu migration under SRS vadose zone field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Maloubier
- Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Hilary Emerson
- Subsurface Science and Technology, Energy & Environment, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Kathryn Peruski
- Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Philip M Almond
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29808, United States
| | - Daniel I Kaplan
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29808, United States
| | - Brian A Powell
- Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29808, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
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Payne TE, Harrison JJ, Cendon DI, Comarmond MJ, Hankin S, Hughes CE, Johansen MP, Kinsela A, Shahin LM, Silitonga A, Thiruvoth S, Wilsher KL. Radionuclide distributions and migration pathways at a legacy trench disposal site. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106081. [PMID: 31666204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the distributions of several anthropogenic radionuclides (239+240Pu, 241Am, 137Cs, 90Sr, 60Co and 3H) at a legacy trench disposal site in eastern Australia. We compare the results to previously published data for Pu and tritium at the site. Plutonium has previously been shown to reach the surface by a bath-tubbing mechanism, following filling of the former trenches with water during intense rainfall events. This has led to some movement of Pu away from the trenched area, and we also provide evidence of elevated Pu concentrations in shallow subsurface layers above the trenched area. The distribution of 241Am is similar to Pu, and this is attributed to the similar chemistry of these actinides and the likely in-situ generation of 241Am from its parent 241Pu. Concentrations of 137Cs are mostly low in surface soils immediately above the trenches. However, similar to the actinides, there is evidence of elevated 137Cs and 90Sr concentrations in shallow subsurface layers above the trenched area. While the subsurface radionuclide peaks suggest a mechanism of subsurface transport, their interpretation is complicated by the presence of soil layers added following disposals and during the subsequent years. The distribution of 90Sr and 137Cs at the ground surface shows some elevated levels immediately above the trenches which were filled during the final 24 months of disposal operations. This is in agreement with disposal records, which indicate that greater amounts of fission products were disposed in this period. The surface distribution of 239+240Pu is also consistent with the disposal documents. Although there is extensive evidence of a mobile tritium plume in groundwater, migration of the other radionuclides by this pathway is limited. The data highlight the importance of taking into account multiple pathways for the mobilisation of key radioactive contaminants at legacy waste trench sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Payne
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia.
| | - Jennifer J Harrison
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Dioni I Cendon
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Stuart Hankin
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Catherine E Hughes
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Andrew Kinsela
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Lida Mokhber Shahin
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Adella Silitonga
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Sangeeth Thiruvoth
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Kerry L Wilsher
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
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Wang R, Fu Y, Lei L, Li G, Liu Z. Distribution and Source Identification of Pu in River Basins in Southern China. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:22646-22654. [PMID: 31909349 PMCID: PMC6941367 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The 239+240Pu activities and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in surface sediments from the major river basins in southern China were analyzed to investigate the distribution and source of Pu. We clarified that the 239+240Pu activities in these river basins were very similar, however, only the 239+240Pu activities in the Jinjiang Basin were generally higher than other samples. Because of river transport function, the distribution of 239+240Pu activities in these river basins presented an increasing trend from the upstream region to the estuary. According to the 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios, the Pu source in the inner river basins might be from global fallout, and the Pu in river estuaries might be from the global fallout and the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG) in the Marshall Islands. Using a mass balance of the Pu model, we quantified in the Pearl River Estuary and the Pu contribution from the Pearl River Basin to Pu inventory was 13 ± 5%. These data not only filled in a knowledge gap of Pu in these river basins but also served as background data for Pu contamination from a nuclear reactor. Also, there are several planned and operating nuclear power plants in these river basins and these data could provide some indications for dealing with nuclear accidents in different parts of river basins in the future. In this study, we also analyzed some factors that would affect the distribution of 239+240Pu activities; however, only total organic carbon (TOC) content and the heavy metal As had a positive correlation with the 239+240Pu activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological
and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation
Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yao Fu
- State
Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological
and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation
Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ling Lei
- State
Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological
and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation
Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Gang Li
- Key
Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute
of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological
and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation
Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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45
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Plutonium migration in a rough single fractured granite. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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46
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Kvashnina KO, Romanchuk AY, Pidchenko I, Amidani L, Gerber E, Trigub A, Rossberg A, Weiss S, Popa K, Walter O, Caciuffo R, Scheinost AC, Butorin SM, Kalmykov SN. A Novel Metastable Pentavalent Plutonium Solid Phase on the Pathway from Aqueous Plutonium(VI) to PuO
2
Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201911637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O. Kvashnina
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
| | - Anna Yu. Romanchuk
- Department of ChemistryLomonosov Moscow State University 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Ivan Pidchenko
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
| | - Lucia Amidani
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
| | - Evgeny Gerber
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
- Department of ChemistryLomonosov Moscow State University 119991 Moscow Russia
| | - Alexander Trigub
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute” 123182 Moscow Russia
| | - Andre Rossberg
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
| | - Stephan Weiss
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
| | - Karin Popa
- Directorate for Nuclear Safety and SecurityEuropean Commission, Joint Research Centre Postfach 2340 76215 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Olaf Walter
- Directorate for Nuclear Safety and SecurityEuropean Commission, Joint Research Centre Postfach 2340 76215 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Roberto Caciuffo
- Directorate for Nuclear Safety and SecurityEuropean Commission, Joint Research Centre Postfach 2340 76215 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Andreas C. Scheinost
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) PO Box 510119 01314 Dresden Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS40220 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
| | - Sergei M. Butorin
- Department of Physics and AstronomyMolecular and Condensed Matter PhysicsUppsala University P.O. Box 516 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Stepan N. Kalmykov
- Department of ChemistryLomonosov Moscow State University 119991 Moscow Russia
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute” 123182 Moscow Russia
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47
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Kvashnina KO, Romanchuk AY, Pidchenko I, Amidani L, Gerber E, Trigub A, Rossberg A, Weiss S, Popa K, Walter O, Caciuffo R, Scheinost AC, Butorin SM, Kalmykov SN. A Novel Metastable Pentavalent Plutonium Solid Phase on the Pathway from Aqueous Plutonium(VI) to PuO 2 Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:17558-17562. [PMID: 31621992 PMCID: PMC6900038 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201911637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Here we provide evidence that the formation of PuO2 nanoparticles from oxidized PuVI under alkaline conditions proceeds through the formation of an intermediate PuV solid phase, similar to NH4 PuO2 CO3 , which is stable over a period of several months. For the first time, state-of-the-art experiments at Pu M4 and at L3 absorption edges combined with theoretical calculations unambiguously allow to determine the oxidation state and the local structure of this intermediate phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O. Kvashnina
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)PO Box 51011901314DresdenGermany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
| | - Anna Yu. Romanchuk
- Department of ChemistryLomonosov Moscow State University119991MoscowRussia
| | - Ivan Pidchenko
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)PO Box 51011901314DresdenGermany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
| | - Lucia Amidani
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)PO Box 51011901314DresdenGermany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
| | - Evgeny Gerber
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)PO Box 51011901314DresdenGermany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
- Department of ChemistryLomonosov Moscow State University119991MoscowRussia
| | - Alexander Trigub
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”123182MoscowRussia
| | - Andre Rossberg
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)PO Box 51011901314DresdenGermany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
| | - Stephan Weiss
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
| | - Karin Popa
- Directorate for Nuclear Safety and SecurityEuropean Commission, Joint Research CentrePostfach 234076215KarlsruheGermany
| | - Olaf Walter
- Directorate for Nuclear Safety and SecurityEuropean Commission, Joint Research CentrePostfach 234076215KarlsruheGermany
| | - Roberto Caciuffo
- Directorate for Nuclear Safety and SecurityEuropean Commission, Joint Research CentrePostfach 234076215KarlsruheGermany
| | - Andreas C. Scheinost
- Institute of Resource EcologyHelmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)PO Box 51011901314DresdenGermany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at ESRFThe European Synchrotron, CS4022038043Grenoble Cedex 9France
| | - Sergei M. Butorin
- Department of Physics and AstronomyMolecular and Condensed Matter PhysicsUppsala UniversityP.O. Box 516UppsalaSweden
| | - Stepan N. Kalmykov
- Department of ChemistryLomonosov Moscow State University119991MoscowRussia
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”123182MoscowRussia
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48
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Liu DX, Zuo R, Jivkov AP, Wang JS, Hu LT, Huang LX. Effect of colloids on non-Fickian transport of strontium in sediments elucidated by continuous-time random walk analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:1491-1499. [PMID: 31265960 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the influence of colloids on radionuclide migration is of significance to evaluate environmental risks for radioactive waste disposals. In order to formulate an appropriate modelling framework that can quantify and interpret the anomalous transport of Strontium (Sr) in the absence and presence of colloids, the continuous time random walk (CTRW) approach is implemented in this work using available experimental information. The results show that the transport of Sr and its recovery are enhanced in the presence of colloids. The causes can be largely attributed to the trap-release processes, e.g. electrostatic interactions of Sr, colloids and natural sediments, and differences in pore structures, which gave rise to the varying interstitial velocities of dissolved and, if any, colloid-associated Sr. Good agreement between the CTRW simulations and the column-scale observations is demonstrated. Regardless of the presence of colloids, the CTRW modelling captures the characteristics of non-Fickian anomalous transport (0 < β < 2) of Sr. In particular, a range of 0 < β < 1, corresponding to the cases with greater recoveries, reveal strongly non-Fickian transport with distinctive earlier arrivals and tailing effects, likely due to the physicochemical heterogeneities, i.e. the repulsive interactions and/or the macro-pores originating from local heterogeneities. The results imply that colloids can increase the Sr transport as a barrier of Sr sorption onto sediments herein, apart from often being carriers of sored radionuclides in aqueous phase. From a modelling perspective, the findings show that the established CTRW model is valid for quantifying the non-Fickian and promoted transport of Sr with colloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Xu Liu
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing 100875, PR China; Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, PR China
| | - Rui Zuo
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing 100875, PR China.
| | - Andrey P Jivkov
- Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning and Modelling & Simulation Centre, Dalton Nuclear Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jin-Sheng Wang
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Li-Tang Hu
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Engineering Research Center of Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Liu-Xing Huang
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, PR China
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49
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Lin P, Xu C, Kaplan DI, Chen H, Yeager CM, Xing W, Sun L, Schwehr KA, Yamazaki H, Saito-Kokubu Y, Hatcher PG, Santschi PH. Nagasaki sediments reveal that long-term fate of plutonium is controlled by select organic matter moieties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 678:409-418. [PMID: 31077919 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Forecasting the long-term fate of plutonium (Pu) is becoming increasingly important as more worldwide military and nuclear-power waste is being generated. Nagasaki sediments containing bomb-derived Pu that was deposited in 1945 provided a unique opportunity to explore the long-term geochemical behavior of Pu. Through a combination of selective extractions and molecular characterization via electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICRMS), we determined that 55 ± 3% of the bomb-derived 239,240Pu was preferentially associated with more persistent organic matter compounds in Nagasaki sediments, particularly those natural organic matter (NOM) stabilized by Fe oxides (NOMFe-oxide). Other organic matter compounds served as a secondary sink of these bomb-derived 239,240Pu (31 ± 2% on average), and <20% of the 239,240Pu was immobilized by inorganic mineral particles. In a narrow, 239,240Pu-enriched layer of only 9-cm depth (total core depth was 600 cm), N-containing carboxyl aliphatic and/or alicyclic molecules (CCAM) in NOMFe-oxide and other NOM fractions immobilized the majority of 239,240Pu. Among the cluster of N-containing CCAM moieties, hydroxamate siderophores, the strongest known Pu chelators in nature, were further detected in these "aged" Nagasaki bomb residue-containing sediments. While present long-term disposal and environmental remediation modeling assume that solubility limits and sorption to mineral surfaces control Pu subsurface mobility, our observations suggest that NOM, which is present in essentially all subsurface systems, undoubtedly plays an important role in sequestrering Pu. Ignoring the role of NOM in controlling Pu fate and transport is not justified in most environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lin
- Department of Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, United States.
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, United States
| | - Daniel I Kaplan
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29808, United States
| | - Hongmei Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States
| | - Chris M Yeager
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, United States
| | - Wei Xing
- Department of Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, United States
| | - Luni Sun
- Department of Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, United States
| | - Kathleen A Schwehr
- Department of Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, United States
| | - Hideo Yamazaki
- Formally from Kindai University, Higashi-osaka, Osaka Prefecture 577-8502, Japan
| | - Yoko Saito-Kokubu
- Tono Geoscience Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Jorinji, Izumicho, Toki-Shi, Gifu Prefecture 509-5102, Japan
| | - Patrick G Hatcher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States
| | - Peter H Santschi
- Department of Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, United States
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50
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Zhou X, Dang H, Han X, Li W, Wang Y, Wang W, Chai N. The speciation, transformation kinetics and fate of spiked Pu (IV) in highly saline groundwater. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2019; 225:103505. [PMID: 31174143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2019.103505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The mobility of plutonium (Pu) in groundwater is dependent of its speciation distribution and transformation. The speciation and transformation kinetics of Pu(IV) and its colloids in highly saline groundwater have, however, been rarely studied. In the present study, groundwater (Ionic strength 1 M) from Dunhuang region, NW China, was collected for investigating the speciation, transformation kinetics and fate of spiked Pu (IV) with aging time. The results showed that ~99% of the spiked Pu (IV) (over initial concentration c0 range 2.5 × 10-10-7.8 × 10-7 mol·L-1) was easily associated with the natural colloids and transformed into relatively unstable Pu pseudo-colloids in 1 day, which then gradually deposited and/or adsorbed on the container walls with aging. The suspended Pu pseudo-colloids decreased in similar exponential models, with rate equations r(t) = -3.1 × 10-10e- t/4 and -1.3 × 10-8e-/3 for c0 = 1.25 × 10-9 mol·L-1and 4.17 × 10-8 mol·L-1, respectively. The chemical speciation of the suspended colloidal Pu was dominated by "Fe/Mn Oxides" at the early time, while "Carbonates" with slower depositing rate (r(t) = -6.9 × 10-12e- 0.149t) dominated it (~82%) at equilibrium state. Whatever the c0 was, the concentration of dissolved Pu (i.e., the apparent solubility of Pu) kept at 0.7 × 10-11 mol·L-1 over aging. The valence of dissolved Pu was dominated by Pu(IV) at early time, while Pu(V + VI) would become dominant (~95%) at equilibrium state with transformation rate of r(t) = -92.9e- t/16.6 + 96.9. The equilibrium times of Pu deposition (and/or adsorption), speciation transformation of the suspended colloidal Pu, and valence change of the dissolved Pu were 30 d, 80 d and 120 d, respectively. The kinetic process for each Pu species could be well fitted with exponential model. These results suggest that the majority of released Pu(IV) into highly saline groundwater will be easily associated with natural aquatic colloids and then become immobile in short time due to deposition (and/or adsorption) onto the environmental medium, but potential migration risk caused by stable suspended Pu colloids cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China.
| | - Haijun Dang
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Han
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China
| | - Weixian Wang
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China
| | - Nana Chai
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China
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