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Geng T, Mangeret A, Péron O, Suhard D, Gorny J, Darricau L, Le Coz M, Ait-Ouabbas N, David K, Debayle C, Blanchart P, Montavon G, Gourgiotis A. Unveiling the origins and transport processes of radioactive pollutants downstream from a former U-mine site using isotopic tracers and U-238 series disequilibrium. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134416. [PMID: 38703677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
High U concentrations (reaching up to 14,850 mg ⋅ kg-1), were determined in soils and sediments of a wetland downstream of a former U mine in France. This study aims to identify the origin of radioactive contaminants in the wetland by employing Pb isotope fingerprinting, (234U/238U) disequilibrium, SEM, and SIMS observations. Additionally, information about U and 226Ra transport processes was studied using U-238 series disequilibrium. The results of Pb fingerprinting highlighted inherited material inputs of different U-mines with mainly two types of U-ores: i) pitchblende (UO2), and ii) parsonsite (Pb2(UO2)(PO4)2). Moreover, significant disequilibrium of (230Th/238U) and (226Ra/230Th) activity ratios highlighted the mobility of 238U and 226Ra in the wetland, primarily driven by the water table fluctuations. Finally, this work uncovered a limitation of Pb isotope fingerprinting in the case of parsonsite materials, as the high natural Pb content of this mineral may hide the uranogenic Pb signature in the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Geng
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3, 4, rue Alfred Kastler, Nantes 44307, France; Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Olivier Péron
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3, 4, rue Alfred Kastler, Nantes 44307, France
| | - David Suhard
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Josselin Gorny
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Louise Darricau
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Mathieu Le Coz
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Nicolas Ait-Ouabbas
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Karine David
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3, 4, rue Alfred Kastler, Nantes 44307, France
| | - Christophe Debayle
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France
| | - Gilles Montavon
- Laboratoire SUBATECH, UMR 6457, IMT Atlantique/Université de Nantes/CNRS/IN2P3, 4, rue Alfred Kastler, Nantes 44307, France
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92260, France.
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Mallet C, Rossi F, Hassan-Loni Y, Holub G, Thi-Hong-Hanh L, Diez O, Michel H, Sergeant C, Kolovi S, Chardon P, Montavon G. Assessing the chronic effect of the bioavailable fractions of radionuclides and heavy metals on stream microbial communities: A case study at the Rophin mining site. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170692. [PMID: 38325491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170692] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the potential impact of long-term chronic exposure (69 years) to naturally-occurring radionuclides (RNs) and heavy metals on microbial communities in sediment from a stream flowing through a watershed impacted by an ancient mining site (Rophin, France). Four sediment samples were collected along a radioactivity gradient (for 238U368 to 1710 Bq.Kg-1) characterized for the presence of the bioavailable fractions of radionuclides (226Ra, 210Po), and trace metal elements (Th, U, As, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe). Results revealed that the available fraction of contaminants was significant although it varied considerably from one element to another (0 % for As and Th, 5-59 % for U). Nonetheless, microbial communities appeared significantly affected by such chronic exposure to (radio)toxicities. Several microbial functions carried by bacteria and related with carbon and nitrogen cycling have been impaired. The high values of fungal diversity and richness observed with increasing downstream contamination (H' = 4.4 and Chao1 = 863) suggest that the community had likely shifted toward a more adapted/tolerant one as evidenced, for example, by the presence of the species Thelephora sp. and Tomentella sp. The bacterial composition was also affected by the contaminants with enrichment in Myxococcales, Acidovorax or Nostocales at the most contaminated points. Changes in microbial composition and functional structure were directly related to radionuclide and heavy metal contaminations, but also to organic matter which also significantly affected, directly or indirectly, bacterial and fungal compositions. Although it was not possible to distinguish the specific effects of RNs from heavy metals on microbial communities, it is essential to continue studies considering the available fraction of elements, which is the only one able to interact with microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Mallet
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, F-63170 Aubière, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France.
| | - Florent Rossi
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'institut de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Yahaya Hassan-Loni
- SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Guillaume Holub
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I Bordeaux, UMR5797, F- 33170 Gradignan, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Le Thi-Hong-Hanh
- ICN UMR 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06108 Nice, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Olivier Diez
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SPDR/LT2S, 31 Avenue de la division Leclerc, F-922602 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Hervé Michel
- ICN UMR 7272, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06108 Nice, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Claire Sergeant
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I Bordeaux, UMR5797, F- 33170 Gradignan, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Sofia Kolovi
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, LPC Clermont, F-63170 Aubière, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Patrick Chardon
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, LPC Clermont, F-63170 Aubière, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France
| | - Gilles Montavon
- SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS, F-44000 Nantes, France; LTSER "Zone Atelier Territoires Uranifères", F-63170, France.
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3
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Reymond M, Descostes M, Besançon C, Leermakers M, Billon S, Cherfallot G, Muguet M, Beaucaire C, Smolikova V, Patrier P. Assessment of 226Ra and U colloidal transport in a mining environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139497. [PMID: 37451635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The colloidal transport of trace (Fe, Al, Ba, Pb, Sr, U) and ultra-trace (226Ra) elements was studied in a mining environment. An original approach combining 0.45 μm filtered water sampling, the Diffusive Gradient in Thin films (DGT) technique, mineralogical characterization, and geochemical modelling was developed and tested at 17 sampling points. DGT was used for the truly dissolved fraction of the elements of interest, while the 0.45 μm filtration includes both colloidal and truly dissolved fractions (together referred to as total dissolved fraction). Results indicated a colloidal fraction for Al (up to 50%), Ba (up to 86%), and Fe (up to 99%) explained by the presence of submicrometric grains of kaolinite, barite, and ferrihydrite, respectively. Furthermore, the total dissolved 226Ra concentration in the water samples reached up to 10-25 Bq/L (1.2-3.0 10-12 mol/L) at 3 sampling points, while the truly dissolved aqueous 226Ra concentrations were in the mBq/L range. Such high total dissolved concentrations are explained by retention on colloidal barite, accounting for 95% of the total dissolved 226Ra concentration. The distribution of 226Ra between the truly dissolved and colloidal fractions was accurately reproduced using a (Rax,Ba1-x)SO4 solid solution, with values of the Guggenheim parameter a0 close to ideality. 226Ra sorption on ferrihydrite and kaolinite, other minerals well known for their retention properties, could not explain the measured colloidal fractions despite their predominance. This illustrates the key role of barite in such environments. The measured concentrations of total dissolved U were very low at all the sampling points (<4.5 10-10 mol/L) and the colloidal fraction of U accounted for less than 65%. U sorption on ferrihydrite could account for the colloidal fraction. This original approach can be applied to other trace and ultra-trace elements to complement when necessary classical environmental surveys usually performed by filtration on 0.45 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Reymond
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR 7285, Université de Poitiers, CNRS, HydrASA, F-86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Michael Descostes
- Orano Environmental R&D Dpt, 125 avenue de Paris, 92320, Châtillon, France; Centre de Géosciences, MINES Paris, PSL University, 35 rue St Honoré, 77300, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Clémence Besançon
- Orano Environmental R&D Dpt, 125 avenue de Paris, 92320, Châtillon, France.
| | - Martine Leermakers
- Analytical, Environmental & Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Billon
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR 7285, Université de Poitiers, CNRS, HydrASA, F-86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Gaël Cherfallot
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR 7285, Université de Poitiers, CNRS, HydrASA, F-86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Marie Muguet
- Orano Environmental R&D Dpt, 125 avenue de Paris, 92320, Châtillon, France.
| | | | - Vendula Smolikova
- Analytical, Environmental & Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patricia Patrier
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR 7285, Université de Poitiers, CNRS, HydrASA, F-86073, Poitiers, France
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4
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Wang Y, Cheng H. Environmental fate and ecological impact of the potentially toxic elements from the geothermal springs. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:6287-6303. [PMID: 37289258 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01628-2] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements from geothermal springs can cause significant pollution of the surrounding environment and pose potential risk to the ecosystem. The fate of potentially toxic elements in the water-soil-plant system in the Yangbajain geothermal field on the Tibetan Plateau, China was investigated to assess their impact on the eco-environment. The concentrations of Be, F, As, and Tl were highly elevated in the headwaters of the Yangbajain geothermal springs, and their concentrations in the local surface water impacted by the geothermal springs reached 8.1 μg/L (Be), 23.9 mg/L (F), 3.83 mg/L (As), and 8.4 μg/L (Tl), respectively, far exceeding the corresponding thresholds for surface and drinking water. The absence of As-Fe co-precipitation, undersaturated F-, and weak adsorption on minerals at high geothermal spring pH may be responsible for the As- and F-rich drainage, which caused pollution of local river. As concentrations in the leaves of Orinus thoroldii (Stapf ex Hemsl.) Bor were up to 42.7 μg/g (dry weight basis), which is an order of magnitude higher than the allowable limit in animal feeds. The locally farmed yaks are exposed to the excessive amount of F and As with high exposure risk through water-drinking and grass-feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, No.5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Hefa Cheng
- MOE Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, No.5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Cain DJ, Croteau MN, Fuller CC, Beisner KR, Campbell KM, Stoliker DL, Schenk ER. Aquatic insect accumulation of uranium at spring outflows in the Grand Canyon region as influenced by aqueous and sediment geochemistry and biological factors: implications for monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:841. [PMID: 37318641 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Potential adverse ecological effects of expanded uranium (U) mining within the Grand Canyon region motivated studies to better understand U exposure and risk to endemic species. This study documents U exposures and analyzes geochemical and biological factors affecting U bioaccumulation at spring-fed systems within the Grand Canyon region. The principal objective was to determine if aqueous U was broadly indicative of U accumulated by insect larvae, a dominate fauna. Analyses focused on three widely distributed taxa: Argia sp. (a predatory damselfly), Culicidae (suspension feeding mosquitos), and Limnephilus sp. (a detritivorous caddisfly). The study showed that U accumulated by aquatic insects (and periphyton) generally correlated positively with total dissolved U, although correlations were strongest when based on modeled concentrations of the U-dicarbonato complex, UO2(CO3)2-2, and UO2(OH)2. Sediment metal concentration was a redundant indicator of U bioaccumulation. Neither insect size or U in the gut content of Limnephilus sp. substantially affected correlations between aqueous U and whole-body U concentrations. However, in Limnephilus sp., the gut and its content contained large quantities of U. Estimates of the sediment burden in the gut indicated that sediment was a minor source of U mass but contributed substantially to the total insect weight. As a result, whole-body U concentration would tend to vary inversely with the sediment burden of the gut. The correlations between aqueous U and bioaccumulated U provide an initial relational baseline against which newly acquired data could be evaluated for changes in U exposure during and after mining operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Cain
- US Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Kate M Campbell
- US Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, CO, 80226, USA
| | | | - Edward R Schenk
- Flagstaff Water Services, 2323 N. Walgreens Dr., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004, USA
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6
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Song M, Su Y, Jiang L, Peng K, Li J, Liu S, Sun Y, Chen CE, Luo C. Assessing the bioavailability of antibiotics in soil with the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130935. [PMID: 36860072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique is an excellent method for investigating the dynamic processes of antibiotics in soils. However, whether it is applicable in antibiotic bioavailability assessment is yet to be disclosed. This study employed DGT to determine the antibiotic bioavailability in soil, and compared the results with plant uptake, soil solutions, and solvent extraction methods. DGT exhibited predictive capability for plant taking in antibiotics proved by the significant linear relationship between the DGT based concentration (CDGT) and antibiotic concentration in roots and shoots. Although the performance of soil solution was acceptable based on linear relationship analysis, its stability was weaker than DGT. The results based on plant uptake and DGT indicated the bioavailable antibiotic contents in different soils were inconsistent because of the distinct mobility and resupply of sulphonamides and trimethoprim in different soils, as represented by Kd and Rds, which were affected by soil properties. Plant species played an important role in antibiotic uptake and translocation. Antibiotic uptake by plants depends on antibiotic, plant and soil. These results confirmed the capability of DGT in determining antibiotic bioavailability for the first time. This work provided a simple and powerful tool for environmental risk evaluation of antibiotics in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Song
- Joint Institute of Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yicheng Su
- Joint Institute of Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Longfei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ke Peng
- Joint Institute of Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jinling Li
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yingtao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Chang-Er Chen
- Environmental Research Institute/School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Chunling Luo
- Joint Institute of Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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7
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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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8
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Smolíková V, Pelcová P, Ridošková A, Leermakers M. Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films technique for uranium monitoring along a salinity gradient: A comparative study on the performance of Chelex-100, Dow-PIWBA, Diphonix, and Lewatit FO 36 resin gels in the Scheldt estuary. Talanta 2021; 240:123168. [PMID: 34954614 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring of uranium in the environment using the Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT) technique gains in importance as it can provide unique information about the bioavailability of the element and allows its long-term in-situ measurement. Hence, in this study, four DGT binding phases (Chelex-100, Dow-PIWBA, Diphonix, and Lewatit FO 36 resins) were evaluated for uranium monitoring to assess the robustness of their performance in estuarine and marine environments. These DGTs were deployed along the Scheldt estuary (Belgium and the Netherlands) over four campaigns between 2014 and 2021. The DGT performance (ratio of the DGT-determined vs. dissolved U concentration in grab water sample) varied with the water salinity. The Chelex-100 DGTs generally provided good performance in freshwater (median ratios close to 1.0), but an inverse correlation with the increasing salinity was observed (median ratios 0.7 at the stations with salinity >5). The Lewatit FO 36 DGTs provided good performance in the salinity range 0-18 (median ratios 1.0). However, a strong negative influence was observed at stations with high salinity levels (>18, ratio 0.6) and during the long-term deployment in seawater (ratios <0.5 over deployment periods ≥2 days). The Dow-PIWBA and Diphonix DGTs provided overall similar results with excellent performances along the whole salinity gradient (median ratios 1.1 and 1.0, respectively). Nevertheless, the long-term deployment trial in seawater (salinity ∼27) revealed the robustness of Diphonix DGTs that provided outstanding results even after 28 days of deployment (ratio 1.0). The differences in the performance of tested DGT resins were mostly given by the changes of U speciation along the salinity gradient. The speciation modelling of U showed that calcium uranyl carbonate complexes dominate along the Scheldt estuary (from 97 to 86% seawards) with increasing fraction of UO2(CO3)34- (from 2 to 14%) towards the mouth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vendula Smolíková
- Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Pelcová
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Ridošková
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martine Leermakers
- Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, Belgium.
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9
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Long-Term Evolution of Uranium Mobility within Sulfated Mill Tailings in Arid Regions: A Reactive Transport Study. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11111201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Management of mill tailings is an important part of mining operations that aims at preventing environmental dispersion of contaminants of concern. To this end, geochemical models and reactive transport modeling provide a quantitative assessment of the mobility of the main contaminants. In arid regions with limited rainfall and intense evaporation, solutes transport may significantly differ from the usual gravity-driven vertical flow. In the uranium tailings of the Cominak mine (Niger), these evaporative processes resulted in the crystallization of gypsum, and to a lesser extent jarosite, and in the formation of surface levels of sulfated gypcrete, locally enriched in uranium. We present a fully coupled reactive transport modeling approach using HYTEC, encompassing evaporation, to quantitatively reproduce the complex sequence of observed coupled hydrogeochemical processes. The sulfated gypcrete formation, porosity evolution and solid uranium content were successfully reproduced at the surface and paleosurfaces of the tailing deposit. Simulations confirm that high solubility uranyl-sulfate phase may form at the atmospheric boundary where evaporation takes place, which would then be transformed into uranyl-phosphate phases after being watered or buried under fresh tailings. As these phases usually exhibit a lower solubility, this transition is beneficial for mine operators and tailings management.
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Khalidy R, Santos RM. Assessment of geochemical modeling applications and research hot spots-a year in review. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:3351-3374. [PMID: 33651264 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00862-w] [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: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Geochemical modeling has been employed in several fields of science and engineering in recent years. This review seeks to provide an overview of case studies that applied geochemical modeling in the 2019 year, which includes over 250 articles. This review is intended to inform new users on the possibilities that geochemical modeling brings, while also informing existing and past users on its latest developments. The survey of studies was conducted with an emphasis on the modeling techniques, the objective of studies, the prevalent simulated variables and the use of specific software packages. The analysis showed that geochemical modeling is still predominantly employed in experimental projects and in the form of equilibrium modeling. PHREEQC and Visual MINTEQ were recognized as the most popular software packages for simulating a wide range of processes, using equilibrium or other geochemical modeling forms. The study of fluid-rock interactions and pollution and remediation processes can be regarded as the principal geochemical modeling objectives, constituting 37% and 36% of the reviewed studies, respectively. Focusing on fluid-rock interactions, hydrogeochemical processes, carbon capture and storage and enhanced oil recovery have been the main topics examined with geochemical modeling. Assessments of the toxicity of metals in terms of leachate and mobilization, as well as their removal from soil and water systems, have been major topics investigated with the aid of geochemical modeling in terms of pollution and remediation research. It was found that the scholars benefit from geochemical modeling in their research both as a main technique and as an accessory tool. Saturation index, elemental concentration and speciation, mineral mass and composition and pH were among the most common variables modeled in reviewed studies. Geochemical modeling has gained a wider user base in recent years, and many research groups have used it in consecutive studies to deepen knowledge. However, much potential for further dissemination still remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Khalidy
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Rafael M Santos
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Lahrouch F, Guo N, Hunault MOJY, Solari PL, Descostes M, Gerard M. Uranium retention on iron oxyhydroxides in post-mining environmental conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 264:128473. [PMID: 33035952 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Investigating uranium migration mechanisms related to the weathering of waste rocks is essential for developing strategies that can address the potential environmental issues caused by uranium mining. This work is based on environmental samples containing 2 L ferrihydrite, lepidocrocite and goethite collected in the technosols from granitic waste rock piles, mine drainage conduits and mine waters. The results show the important role of iron oxyhydroxide in U immobilization and re-concentration. EXAFS spectroscopy combined with mineralogical and geochemical studies (Scanning electronic microscopy, Wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microprobe, inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry/mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction) allowed for the identification of uranyl ternary surface complexes at the ferrihydrite surface that were either composed of phosphate groups or organic matter. Moreover, goethite and lepidocrocite were also identified as a secondary trap for U immobilization. U(VI) is known to be mobile in oxidizing conditions. This study highlights the control of the uranyl mobility by various iron oxyhydroxides in supergene conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lahrouch
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7590, MNHN, IRD, Institut de minéralogie, de physique des matériaux et de cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, F-75005, Paris, France.
| | - Ning Guo
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7590, MNHN, IRD, Institut de minéralogie, de physique des matériaux et de cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Myrtille O J Y Hunault
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, Saint-Aubin, BP 48, F-91192, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Pier Lorenzo Solari
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, Saint-Aubin, BP 48, F-91192, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Michael Descostes
- ORANO Mines, R & D Department, 125 avenue de Paris, F-92330, Châtillon, France
| | - Martine Gerard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7590, MNHN, IRD, Institut de minéralogie, de physique des matériaux et de cosmochimie (IMPMC), 4 place Jussieu, F-75005, Paris, France.
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Reiller PE, Descostes M. Development and application of the thermodynamic database PRODATA dedicated to the monitoring of mining activities from exploration to remediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 251:126301. [PMID: 32145577 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A growing demand exists on the monitoring of both uranium mining activities and their environmental impacts. In order to help understanding and modelling both these aspects, a thermodynamic database dedicated to uranium mining activities is developed: the PRODATA database. Relevant species and phases for uranium and radium are chosen from existing compilations of data, complemented with important missing data for the application to mining activities and environmental monitoring. Important major anions and cations chemistry are included, as well as secondary pollutants such as arsenic, lead, or nickel. Applications of the PRODATA extracted database file for PhreeqC to theoretical speciation calculations of uranium and radium for actual water compositions - either linked to uranium mining activities, or under monitoring for environmental survey - are presented. Wider applications to other available water compositions from different geochemical concepts are also tested. For the tested cases, the major radium and uranium species obtained using PRODATA are compared with other available thermodynamic database (Thermochimie, LLNL, Wateq4f, Minteq, PSI/NAGRA). The choice of the database file - and of the ionic strength correction - can strongly impact the final speciation results. Sulphate complexes of radium and uranium are of particular importance in mining exploitation context, and carbonate uranium complexes - particularly [Formula: see text] complexes - are crucial for environmental monitoring. The latter complexes are key species for the aqueous speciation of uranium, even in reducing environment where U(IV) low solubility usually governs uranium mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal E Reiller
- Den - Service D'Études Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Michaël Descostes
- ORANO Group Mining R&D Dpt, 125 Avenue de Paris, F-92320, Châtillon, France
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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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