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Besançon C, Sardini P, Savoye S, Descostes M, Gérard M. Quantifying 226Ra activity in a complex assemblage of 226Ra-bearing minerals using alpha autoradiography and SEM/EDS. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 251-252:106951. [PMID: 35780670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
226Ra is an ultra-trace element with important environmental implications for many industries (including water treatment and oil and mineral extraction). Its extremely low concentrations in natural environments do not allow for direct observation and measurement of the 226Ra-bearing minerals governing 226Ra mobility. To better understand the retention processes for 226Ra in rocks and soil, a synthesized assemblage of 226Ra-doped minerals was made, combining montmorillonite, ferrihydrite and barite. A new methodology was developed using alpha activity maps acquired using alpha autoradiography, and elemental maps by using SEM/EDS. These maps were processed using a global approach, considering the entirety of the signal. The comparison of the alpha activity map and the elemental map enabled a correlation to be established between the 226Ra activity and the chemical composition and identification of the main 226Ra-bearing mineral of the assemblage, from which we were able to estimate the contribution of each mineral to the total activity of the assemblage, and to quantify the 226Ra-activity for each mineral. This methodology makes it possible to link mineralogy and occurrence of 226Ra at the scale of the mineral (tens of μm). It can be applied to natural samples, including fine-grained samples with a complex mineralogy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Besançon
- Environmental R&D Department, ORANO Mining, 125 Avenue de Paris, 92320, Chatillon, France; Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Sorbonne Université, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Paul Sardini
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), Université de Poitiers, Rue Michel Brunet, Bat. 35, 86000, Poitiers, France
| | - Sébastien Savoye
- Des, Service d'Etude du Comportement des Radionucléides (SECR), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michael Descostes
- Environmental R&D Department, ORANO Mining, 125 Avenue de Paris, 92320, Chatillon, France; Centre de Géosciences, MINES ParisTech, PSL University, 35 Rue St Honoré, Fontainebleau, 77300, France
| | - Martine Gérard
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Sorbonne Université, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
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The Role of Barite in the Post-Mining Stabilization of Radium-226: A Modeling Contribution for Sequential Extractions. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10060497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Barite is ubiquitous and known to incorporate 226Ra through the formation of a solid-solution. In U mining mill tailings, barite is one of the dominant sulfate-binding minerals. In such environments, sequential extractions are generally used to identify the U- and 226Ra-binding phases and their associated reactivity. To better decipher the main processes governing the behavior of 226Ra during such sequential extractions, a geochemical model was developed with PHREEQC mimicking the sequential extraction of U and 226Ra from Bois-Noirs Limouzat U mine tailings, France. The model results were compared with a dataset produced by an experimental sequential extraction from the same mine tailings and including data on the solids and selective extraction results with the major elements, U and 226Ra. The simulations reproduced the results of the experimental chemical extractions accurately, with iron oxyhydroxides being the major U binding phase. However, the modeling indicated rather that barite would be the main 226Ra binding phase, instead of the iron oxyhydroxides identified by the experimental extractions. This is consistent with the 226Ra concentration measured in pore water, but in disagreement with the direct interpretation of the sequential extractions. The direct interpretation disregarded the role of barite in the geochemical behavior of 226Ra because barite was not specifically targeted by any of the extraction steps. However, the modeling showed that the dissolution of 226Ra-binding barite by reactants would lead to a 226Ra redistribution among the clay minerals, resulting in a skew in the experimental results. Similar results were achieved by referring simply to the bulk mineralogy of the tailings. This study highlights the importance of considering the mineralogy, mineral reactivity and retention capacity for more realistic interpretation of sequential extractions. Moreover, this paper provides new perspectives on the long-term consequences of these mill tailings in which barite controls the geochemical behavior of the 226Ra.
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3
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Manakhov DV, Emelyanov AM, Karpukhin MM, Lipatov DN, Agapkina GI, Mamikhin SV. Comparison of Methods for Assessment of Radionuclide Speciation in Soils. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359019120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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4
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An alternative sequential extraction scheme for the determination of trace elements in ferrihydrite rich sediments. Talanta 2019; 199:80-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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5
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Le THH, Michel H, Champion J. 210Po sequential extraction applied to wetland soils at uranium mining sites. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 199-200:1-6. [PMID: 30639726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Former uranium mining activities have led to the presence of naturally occurring nuclides embedded in soil. Such activities have also modified the secular equilibrium between radionuclides in 238U decay series. The objective of this paper is to quantify the long-term effect of former uranium mining activities on the behavior of the final radionuclide in the 238U-series, i.e. polonium-210 (210Po), present in soils. Soil samples are extracted from two uranium sites in France, specifically a quarried site and a natural site. The polonium distribution is studied within the various soil fractions, namely: water soluble, exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to iron/manganese oxides, bound to organic matter, and residual. 210Po is mainly found in the residual fraction of both study sites (87-90%), followed by the carbonates fraction (5-9%). The 210Po activity in the other fractions is very small in comparison with total activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi-Hong-Hanh Le
- Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN), Université Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Hervé Michel
- Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN), Université Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France.
| | - Julie Champion
- Laboratoire Subatech, UMR CNRS 6457, IN2P3/IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, BP 20722, 44307, Nantes Cedex 3, France.
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6
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Mapping 238U decay chain equilibrium state in thin sections of geo-materials by digital autoradiography and microprobe analysis. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 140:228-237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Pérez-Moreno SM, Gázquez MJ, Pérez-López R, Bolivar JP. Validation of the BCR sequential extraction procedure for natural radionuclides. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 198:397-408. [PMID: 29421755 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Determining the availability of natural radionuclides in environmental conditions is increasingly important in order to evaluate their toxicity. A validated procedure is necessary to ensure the comparability and accuracy of the results obtained by different laboratories. For that, an optimised BCR sequential extraction procedure has been applied to the certified reference material (CRM), coded as BCR-701, and their resulting liquid and solid fractions were subjected to an exhaustive chemical and radioactivity characterisation. In this sense, several material characterisation techniques were used for chemical, mineralogical, and radioactive characterisation, in order to gain basic information about the obtained fractions. In accordance with the results of this work, the BCR sequential extraction procedure has been validated for the most significant alpha-emitter natural radionuclides (210Po, 234U, 238U, 230Th, 232Th, and 226Ra). It has been demonstrated that their mobility is related to the speciation under environmental conditions and the type of radionuclide; we have even found differences between radionuclides of the same element, such as the cases of the pairs 234U238U and 230Th232Th, for the BCR-701. In addition, we found that radium was mainly bound to the reducible fraction (Fe and Mn-oxyhydroxides), uranium to the oxidizable fraction (organic matter and sulphides), and that the polonium and thorium isotopes had a high affinity with the particulate phase (non-mobile fraction).
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Pérez-Moreno
- Department of Integrated Science Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - M J Gázquez
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - R Pérez-López
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - J P Bolivar
- Department of Integrated Science Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
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Guillén J, Muñoz-Serrano A, Baeza AS, Salas A. Speciation of naturally occurring radionuclides in Mediterranean soils: bioavailabilty assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:6772-6782. [PMID: 29264853 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of soil-to-plant transfer processes is a key element that can have a significant health impact. Much effort has been taken to characterize the speciation of anthropogenic radionuclides released into the environment. However, the information about naturally occurring radionuclides is scarce. This work evaluate the potential risks of transference, that is, the bioavailability of the 234,238U, 226Ra, 228,230,232Th, and 210Po in three different soils collected in Mediterranean ecosystems. Chemical speciation of these radionuclides was carried out according to two different methods, Pavlotskaya and a modification of Tessier's protocol. Most of these radionuclides were associated to fractions strongly bound to soil particles and not able to be transferred. Increasing concentrations of U and Th extracted with increasing volume of NH4OAc 1 M were observed, until it reached saturation. Readily bioavailable fraction in both methods (either exchangeable or water soluble + exchangeable) decreased in the following order: 226Ra > 234,238 U > 228,230,232Th > 210Po. It was found that < 3% of the natural radionuclide concentration in soil are readily bioavailable for plant uptake in this region of Spain, and the resulting human health risk is negligible from natural radionuclide ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Guillén
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Ana Muñoz-Serrano
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antonio Salvador Baeza
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alejandro Salas
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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Al Abdullah J, Al-Masri MS, Amin Y, Awad I, Sheaib Z. Chemical fractionation of radium-226 in NORM contaminated soil from oilfields. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 165:47-53. [PMID: 27623014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of soil with 226Ra is a common problem in the oilfields, leading to costly remediation and disposal programmes. The present study focuses on the chemical fractionation and mobility of 226Ra in contaminated soils collected from an oilfield using a three-step sequential extraction procedure (BCR). The total activity concentrations of 226Ra in contaminated soils were measured and found to be in the range from 1030 ± 90 to 7780 ± 530 Bq kg-1, with a mean activity concentration of 2840 ± 1840 Bq kg-1. The correlation between the total concentration of 226Ra and soil properties, mainly pH, LOI, Corg, clay and Ca, was investigated using the principal component analysis method (PCA). The chemical fractionation of 226Ra was studied using the sequential extraction method (BCR). The highest fraction of 226Ra (27-65%) was found to be in the acid-reducible fraction, which suggests that 226Ra is mainly bound to FeMn oxides. The BCR method showed that high percentages of 226Ra were found to be in mobile soil phases (between 45 and 99%). Consequently, groundwater contamination could occur due to the remobilization of 226Ra from soils under normal environmental conditions. However, the obtained results could be useful to reduce the volume of NORM wastes generated from the oilfields and decision-making process for final treatment and disposal of NORM-contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Al Abdullah
- Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic.
| | - Mohammad Said Al-Masri
- Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Yusr Amin
- Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Ibrahim Awad
- Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Zuhair Sheaib
- Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic
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10
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Nezami S, Malakouti MJ, Bahrami Samani A, Ghannadi Maragheh M. Effect of low molecular weight organic acids on the uptake of 226Ra by corn (Zea mays L.) in a region of high natural radioactivity in Ramsar-Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 164:145-150. [PMID: 27458869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To study the benefit of including citric and oxalic acid treatments for phytoremediation of 226Ra contaminated soils a greenhouse experiment with corn was conducted. A soil was sampled from a region of high natural 226Ra radioactivity in Ramsar, Iran. After cultivation of corn seed and using organic acid treatments at 1, 10 and 100 mM concentrations, plants (shoots and roots) were harvested, digested and prepared to measure 226Ra activity. Simultaneously, sequential selective extraction were performed to estimate the partitioning of 226Ra among geochemical extraction. Results showed that the maximum uptake of 226Ra in plants was observed in citric acid (6.3%) and then oxalic acid (6%) at 100 mM concentration. These treatments increased radium uptake by a factor of 1.5 than the control. Enhancement of radium uptake by plants was related to soil pH reduction of organic acids in comparison to control. Also, the maximum uptake of this radionuclide in all treatments was obtained in roots compared to shoots. 226Ra fractionations results revealed that 91.8% of radium was in the residual phase of the soil and the available fractions were less than 2%. As the main percent of 226Ra was in the residual phase of the soil in this region, it seems that organic acids had not significant effect on the uptake of 226Ra for phytoremediation by corn in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Nezami
- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Bahrami Samani
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Arthur GD, Aremu AO, Kulkarni MG, Okem A, Stirk WA, Davies TC, Van Staden J. Can the use of natural biostimulants be a potential means of phytoremediating contaminated soils from goldmines in South Africa? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2016; 18:427-434. [PMID: 26555317 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2015.1109602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biostimulants offer great potential in improving phytoremediation of contaminated soils. In the current greenhouse-based study, Brassica juncea seedlings grown on soils collected from Krugersdorp Goldmine and the adjourning areas (a Game Reserve and private farmland) were supplemented with different biostimulants (Kelpak® = KEL, vermicompost leachate = VCL, smoke-water = SW). Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was included in the study for comparative purposes because these biostimulants are known to enhance rooting. Prior to the pot trial, concentrations of elements in the three soil types were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Plants were harvested after 105 days and the growth and concentrations of elements in the various plant organs were determined. TheB. juncea seedlings with and without biostimulants did not survive when growing in soil from the Krugersdorp Goldmine. The Game Reserve and private farmland soils supplemented with KEL produced the highest plant biomass and the lowest accumulation of metals in the organs of B. juncea. High concentrations (>13 000 mg kg(-1)) of zinc and aluminium were quantified in the roots of IBA-supplemented soils from the Game Reserve. Generally, IBA and SW enhanced the phytoremediation of B. juncea due to elevated levels of elements that accumulated in their different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina D Arthur
- a Mangosuthu University of Technology, Jacobs , Durban , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
| | - Adeyemi O Aremu
- b Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg , Scottsville , South Africa
| | - Manoj G Kulkarni
- b Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg , Scottsville , South Africa
| | - Ambrose Okem
- b Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg , Scottsville , South Africa
| | - Wendy A Stirk
- b Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg , Scottsville , South Africa
| | - Theophilus C Davies
- a Mangosuthu University of Technology, Jacobs , Durban , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
| | - Johannes Van Staden
- b Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg , Scottsville , South Africa
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12
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Bouzidi A, Ararem A, Imessaoudene D, Yabrir B. Sequential extraction of Cs and Sr from Ain Oussera soils around Es-Salam research reactor facility. J Environ Sci (China) 2015; 36:163-172. [PMID: 26456618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Four types of undisturbed soil in Ain Oussera region around the Es-Salam reactor facility, located in the south of Algiers, Algeria, at about 200km, were artificially contaminated for one year with stable CsCl and SrCl2 in order to simulate an accidental release of these elements. This study was performed using sequential extraction procedure based on Shultz method and containing six fractions. The selectivity of the extraction protocol was confirmed by analyzing some elements (Ca, C, Fe, Mn, Si and Al) designed as indicators of the targeted phases. The obtained results showed an acceptable reproducibility, in view of the coefficients of variation that were in most cases less than 15%. The results revealed a clear proportional correlation between the extracted Cs and Sr in fractions for each soil and some of soils physicochemical properties. Organic matter appears to play an important role in the soil retention, particularly for Cs where the extracted percentage exceeds to 30% in whole soils. In contrast, strontium expresses a remarkable affinity for the fraction bound to carbonates. The obtained data also indicate that the availability of Cs in the four soils is less important compared to Sr availability. This is illustrated by the higher value of extracted Sr in the easily extractible phase, including the water-soluble and the exchangeable fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Benalia Yabrir
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, University of Djelfa, Algeria
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13
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Viehweger K. How plants cope with heavy metals. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2014; 55:35. [PMID: 28510963 PMCID: PMC5432744 DOI: 10.1186/1999-3110-55-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the earth's crust but anthropogenic and industrial activities have led to drastic environmental pollutions in distinct areas. Plants are able to colonize such sites due to several mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance. Understanding of these pathways enables different fruitful approaches like phytoremediation and biofortification.Therefore, this review addresses mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance and toxicity in plants possessing a sophisticated network for maintenance of metal homeostasis. Key elements of this are chelation and sequestration which result either in removal of toxic metal from sensitive sites or conduct essential metal to their specific cellular destination. This implies shared pathways which can result in toxic symptoms especially in an excess of metal. These overlaps go on with signal transduction pathways induced by heavy metals which include common elements of other signal cascades. Nevertheless, there are specific reactions some of them will be discussed with special focus on the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Viehweger
- Radiotherapeutics Division, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf eV; Institute of Radiopharmacy, P.O. Box 510119, D-01314, Dresden, Germany.
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14
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Vandenhove H, Vanhoudt N, Duquène L, Antunes K, Wannijn J. Comparison of two sequential extraction procedures for uranium fractionation in contaminated soils. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 137:1-9. [PMID: 24980511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Two sequential extraction procedures were carried out on six soils with different chemical properties and contamination history to estimate the partitioning of uranium (U) between different soil fractions. The first standard method (method of Schultz) was specifically developed for actinides, while the second one (method of Rauret) was initially created for heavy metals. Reproducibility of both methods was compared by means of the coefficient of variation (CV). A soil-to-plant transfer experiment was also carried out with ryegrass to verify if one of the extracted fractions efficiently predicted plant uptake. In artificially contaminated soils, most of the U was retrieved from the exchangeable and the carbonates fractions. In soils with high natural levels of U or contaminated by industrial activity, most of the U was found in the less available fractions. Different U concentrations were found in the fractions which were supposed to be comparable in the two methods. Extracted fractions following Schultz differentiated more strongly between the tested soils but no relationships with soil parameters could be established. As expected, the highest U transfer factors (TF) were observed for ryegrass grown on artificially contaminated soils and the lowest on soils with high natural concentrations or industrial contamination, in agreement with the extraction procedures. No good relation was found between the soil-to-shoot TF and the extracted U concentrations. On the other hand, the U concentration in the roots, the U concentration in the shoots and the soil-to-root TF are well correlated to the U concentration determined in the first extracted fractions (so called exchangeable fractions) from the method of Schultz. We conclude that the extraction method according to Schultz should be preferably used for U, and that the exchangeable fraction can be proposed as a potential indicator to evaluate plant uptake in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegarde Vandenhove
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Vanhoudt
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Lise Duquène
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Kenny Antunes
- Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen, Department of Health-Care and Chemistry, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Jean Wannijn
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Biosphere Impact Studies, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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15
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Assessment of a sequential phase extraction procedure for uranium-series isotope analysis of soils and sediments. Appl Radiat Isot 2014; 83 Pt A:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Qiao J, Hansen V, Hou X, Aldahan A, Possnert G. Speciation analysis of 129I, 137Cs, 232Th, 238U, 239Pu and 240Pu in environmental soil and sediment. Appl Radiat Isot 2012; 70:1698-708. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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Sakan SM, Dorđević DS, Lazić MM, Tadić MM. Assessment of arsenic and mercury contamination in the Tisa River sediments and industrial canal sediments (Danube alluvial formation), Serbia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2012; 47:109-116. [PMID: 22217089 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2012.630290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of As and Hg and mobility of these contaminants in the sediments of the River Tisa and canal sediments (alluvial formation of the Danube River, Serbia), in order to determine the degree to which the ecosystem is harmed by these pollutants. The sequential extraction procedure (modified Tessier method) was used to extract the metals from the sediments. Arsenic is extracted in the second, third and fifth fraction, with dominant extraction in the second fraction. This distribution indicates that As is significantly present in the form of carbonates, whereas the part of As is present in the form of oxides. The most important extraction of Hg is in the fifth stage (extraction with 6M HCl), with over 80 % of extracted element in both types of sediment, indicating a strong association between Hg and Fe crystalline oxides as well as presence of Hg in the form of sulfides. Based on arsenic and mercury content in sediments and results of sequential extraction it can be concluded that on the studied localities there is no significant As and Hg contamination.
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Strok M, Smodis B. Fractionation of natural radionuclides in soils from the vicinity of a former uranium mine Zirovski vrh, Slovenia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2010; 101:22-28. [PMID: 19762128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
As a result of former uranium mining and milling activities at Zirovski vrh, Slovenia, 0.6 million tons of uranium mill tailings (UMT) were deposited onto a nearby waste pile Borst. Resulting enhanced levels of natural radionuclides in UMT could pose threat for the surrounding environment. Therefore, sequential extraction protocol was performed to assess mobility and bioavailability of (238)U, (234)U, (230)Th and (226)Ra in soils from the waste pile and its surrounding. The radionuclides associated with exchangeable, organic, carbonate, Fe/Mn oxides and residual fraction, respectively, were determined. Results showed that the highest activity concentrations for the studied radionuclides were on the bottom of the waste pile. In non-contaminated locations, about 80% of all radionuclides were in the residual fraction. Considering activity concentrations in the UMT, (238)U and (234)U are the most mobile. Mobility of (226)Ra is suppressed by high sulphate concentrations and is similar to mobility of (230)Th.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Strok
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Strok M, Smodis B. Comparison of two sequential extraction protocols for fractionation of natural radionuclides in soil samples. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2010. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.2010.1710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Radioactive impact of a bauxite beneficiation plant in the Itea Gulf (Gulf of Corinth, Greece). J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-008-7412-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Desideri D, Roselli C, Meli M, Feduzi L. Analytical methods for the characterization and the leachability evaluation of a solid waste generated in a phosphoric acid production plant. Microchem J 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2007.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Radenković MB, Cupać SA, Joksić JD, Todorović DJ. Depleted uranium mobility and fractionation in contaminated soil (Southern Serbia). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2008; 15:61-7. [PMID: 18306889 DOI: 10.1065/espr2007.03.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND During the Balkan conflict in 1999, soil in contaminated areas was enriched in depleted uranium (DU) isotopic signature, relative to the in-situ natural uranium present. After the military activities, most of kinetic DU penetrators or their fragments remained buried in the ground in certain geomorphological and geochemical environments exposed to local weathering conditions. The contamination distribution, mobility and/or fixation of DU in the contaminated soil profile at one hot spot were the subject of our study. The results should disclose what happened with released DU corrosion products in three years elapsed, given the scope of their geochemical fractionation, and mark out the most probable host substrates in investigated soil type. METHODS Gamma-spectrometric analysis of soil samples taken in the DU penetrator impact-zone was done to obtain present contamination levels. Set of samples is subjected to five-step and three-step sequential extraction procedures, specifically selective to different physical/chemical associations in soil. The stable elements are determined in extracts by the atomic absorption spectroscopy. After the ion-exchange based uranium separation procedure, alpha-spectrometric analysis of obtained fractions was done and DU distribution in five extraction phases found from 235U/238U and 234U/238U isotopic ratios. RESULTS Depleted uranium concentration falls down to the 1% of the initial value, at approximately 150 mm distance to the source. Carbonates and iron/manganese hydrous oxides are indicated as the most probable substrates for depleted uranium in the characterized soil type. Therefore, in the highly contaminated soil samples, depleted uranium is still weakly bonded and easy exchangeable. The significant levels of organic-bonded depleted uranium are found in surface soil only. DISCUSSION Dependence of the fractionation on the contamination levels is evident. Samples with higher DU contents have shown a longer maintenance in the exchangeable phases, probably because adsorption/desorption mass transfer through the medium was not very fast. Organic-bonded, depleted uranium is present in surface soil samples due to its higher humus content. Considering geochemical composition of investigated soil, the indicating chemical associations as substrates are in agreement with some considerations based on the results for low-level waste unsaturated zones. CONCLUSIONS The soil contamination with depleted uranium in investigated area is still 'spot' type and not widespread. Dependence of the fractionation on the contamination levels and presence of weakly bonded, depleted uranium in the hot spots areas is evident. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES A detailed study may be undertaken with suitable extractive reagents to define a bio-available fraction of depleted uranium in soil. The comparison of results for different soil types investigated by the same methodology may be useful. An applied combination of physical/chemical procedures and analysis may help in the decision making on the remediation strategy for sites contaminated with depleted uranium used in military operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana B Radenković
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences 'Vinca', Radiation and Environmental Protection Laboratory, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro.
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Abstract
Since their introduction in the late 1970s, sequential extraction procedures have experienced a rapid increase in use. They are now applied for a large number of potentially toxic elements in a wide range of sample types. This review uses evidence from the literature to consider the usefulness and limitations of sequential extraction and thereby to assess its future role in environmental chemical analysis. It is not the intention to provide a comprehensive survey of all applications of sequential extractions or to consider the merits and disadvantages of individual schemes. These aspects have been covered adequately in other, recent reviews. This review focuses in particular on various key issues surrounding sequential extractions such as nomenclature, methodologies, presentation of data and interpretation of data, and discusses typical applications from the recent literature for which sequential extraction can provide useful and meaningful information. Also covered are emerging developments such as accelerated procedures using ultrasound- or microwave energy-assisted extractions, dynamic extractions, the use of chemometrics, the combination of sequential extraction with isotope analysis, and the extension of the approach to non-traditional analytes such as arsenic, mercury, selenium and radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Bacon
- The Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UKAB15 8QH
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Radenković MB, Kandić AB, Vukanać IS, Joksić JD, Djordjević DS. Chemical and radiochemical characterization of depleted uranium in contaminated soils. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A 2007. [DOI: 10.1134/s0036024407090191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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