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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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Seder-Colomina M, Mangeret A, Bauda P, Brest J, Stetten L, Merrot P, Julien A, Diez O, Barker E, Billoir E, Poupin P, Thouvenot A, Cazala C, Morin G. Influence of microorganisms on uranium release from mining-impacted lake sediments under various oxygenation conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1830-1843. [PMID: 36082760 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00104g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial processes can be involved in the remobilization of uranium (U) from reduced sediments under O2 reoxidation events such as water table fluctuations. Such reactions could be typically encountered after U-bearing sediment dredging operations. Solid U(IV) species may thus reoxidize into U(VI) that can be released in pore waters in the form of aqueous complexes with organic and inorganic ligands. Non-uraninite U(IV) species may be especially sensitive to reoxidation and remobilization processes. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the effect of microbially mediated processes on the behaviour of U under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Seder-Colomina
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Pascale Bauda
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France
| | - Jessica Brest
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université -MNHN-IRD, case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Lucie Stetten
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université -MNHN-IRD, case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Pauline Merrot
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université -MNHN-IRD, case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Anthony Julien
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Olivier Diez
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Evelyne Barker
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Elise Billoir
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France
| | - Pascal Poupin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-57000 Metz, France
| | | | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Guillaume Morin
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université -MNHN-IRD, case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
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Krot A, Vlasova I, Trigub A, Averin A, Yapaskurt V, Kalmykov S. From EXAFS of reference compounds to U(VI) speciation in contaminated environments. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2022; 29:303-314. [PMID: 35254292 PMCID: PMC8900840 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577521013473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the speciation of technogenic uranium in natural systems is crucial for estimating U migration and bioavailability and for developing remediation strategies for contaminated territories. Reference EXAFS data of model laboratory-prepared uranium compounds (`standards') are necessary to analyze U-contaminated samples from nuclear legacy sites. To minimize errors associated with measurements on different synchrotrons, it is important not only to compare data obtained on environmentally contaminated samples with the literature but also with `standards' collected at the same beamline. Before recording the EXAFS spectra, all reference compounds were thoroughly characterized by Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The U(VI) local molecular environments in the reference compounds, i.e. uranyl oxyhydroxides, phosphates, carbonates and uranates, were examined using XAFS. Based on the EXAFS fitting results obtained, including the nature of the bonding, interatomic distances and coordination numbers, parameters that are typical for a particular U compound were differentiated. Using data for `standards', U speciation in the sample of radioactively contaminated soil was determined to be a mixture of U oxyhydroxide and carbonate phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Krot
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Irina Vlasova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Trigub
- National Research Center ‘Kurchatov Institute’, Ploshchad Akademika Kurchatova 1, Moscow 123182, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey Averin
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 31, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation
| | - Vasily Yapaskurt
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Stepan Kalmykov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
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Diagenetic formation of uranium-silica polymers in lake sediments over 3,300 years. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021844118. [PMID: 33479173 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021844118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term fate of uranium-contaminated sediments, especially downstream former mining areas, is a widespread environmental challenge. Essential for their management is the proper understanding of uranium (U) immobilization mechanisms in reducing environments. In particular, the long-term behavior of noncrystalline U(IV) species and their possible evolution to more stable phases in subsurface conditions is poorly documented, which limits our ability to predict U long-term geochemical reactivity. Here, we report direct evidence for the evolution of U speciation over 3,300 y in naturally highly U-enriched sediments (350-760 µg ⋅ g-1 U) from Lake Nègre (Mercantour Massif, Mediterranean Alps, France) by combining U isotopic data (δ238U and (234U/238U)) with U L 3 -edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Constant isotopic ratios over the entire sediment core indicate stable U sources and accumulation modes, allowing for determination of the impact of aging on U speciation. We demonstrate that, after sediment deposition, mononuclear U(IV) species associated with organic matter transformed into authigenic polymeric U(IV)-silica species that might have partially converted to a nanocrystalline coffinite (UIVSiO4·nH2O)-like phase. This diagenetic transformation occurred in less than 700 y and is consistent with the high silica availability of sediments in which diatoms are abundant. It also yields consistency with laboratory studies that proposed the formation of colloidal polynuclear U(IV)-silica species, as precursors for coffinite formation. However, the incomplete transformation observed here only slightly reduces the potential lability of U, which could have important implications to evaluate the long-term management of U-contaminated sediments and, by extension, of U-bearing wastes in silica-rich subsurface environments.
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Biogeochemical Modelling of Uranium Immobilization and Aquifer Remediation Strategies Near NCCP Sludge Storage Facilities. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11062875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nitrate is a substance which influences the prevailing redox conditions in groundwater, and in turn the behaviour of U. The study of groundwater in an area with low-level radioactive sludge storage facilities has shown their contamination with sulphate and nitrate anions, uranium, and some associated metals. The uranyl ion content in the most contaminated NO3–Cl–SO4–Na borehole is 2000 times higher (1.58 mg/L) than that in the background water. At the same time, assessment of the main physiological groups of microorganisms showed a maximum number of denitrifying and sulphate-reducing bacteria (e.g., Sulfurimonas) in the water from the same borehole. Biogenic factors of radionuclide immobilization on sandy rocks of upper aquifers have been experimentally investigated. Different reduction rates of NO3−, SO42−, Fe(III) and U(VI) with stimulated microbial activity were dependent on the pollution degree. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene analysis of the microbial community after whey addition revealed a significant decrease in microbial diversity and the activation of nonspecific nitrate-reducing bacteria (genera Rhodococcus and Rhodobacter). The second influential factor can be identified as the formation of microbial biofilms on the sandy loam samples, which has a positive effect on U sorption (an increase in Kd value is up to 35%). As PHREEQC physicochemical modelling numerically confirmed, the third most influential factor that drives U mobility is the biogenic-mediated formation of a sulphide redox buffer. This study brings important information, which helps to assess the long-term stability of U in the environment of radioactive sludge storage facilities.
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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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Gourgiotis A, Mangeret A, Manhès G, Blanchart P, Stetten L, Morin G, Le Pape P, Lefebvre P, Le Coz M, Cazala C. New Insights into Pb Isotope Fingerprinting of U-Mine Material Dissemination in the Environment: Pb Isotopes as a Memory Dissemination Tracer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:797-806. [PMID: 31821755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Stable Pb isotope ratios were measured and compared to U distributions in three soil cores located in a wetland highly impacted by water discharge of a former U-mine. Pb isotope ratios showed notable alignments in binary mixing plots, demonstrating the dissemination of radioactive-enriched material from the U-mine. Thanks to these alignments and to the measurement of the 204Pb isotope, a precise characterization of the Pb isotope composition of the U-ore was performed without the use of U-ore samples. The well-defined end-members with the help of a reevaluated isotope mixing model allowed the accurate determination of the radiogenic Pb percentages in the cores that were overall found to be >50%. Noncorrelated distributions of radiogenic 206Pb and U are observed in several of the wetland soil samples. They reveal postdepositional U redistribution explained by major U speciation changes due to redox cycling in the wetland. On the contrary, the radiogenic 206Pb showed no or little postdepositional mobility and thus can be considered to be a memory tracer of the dissemination of U-rich radioactive material: even after an important U loss, the radiogenic 206Pb is able to reveal past contamination by U-rich materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/LELI , Fontenay-aux-Roses 92262 , France
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/LELI , Fontenay-aux-Roses 92262 , France
| | - Gérard Manhès
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, UMR CNRS 7154 , 1 rue Jussieu , Paris 75238 Cedex , France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/USDR , Fontenay-aux-Roses 92262 , France
| | - Lucie Stetten
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/LELI , Fontenay-aux-Roses 92262 , France
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université IRD-MNHN , Case 115, 4 place Jussieu , Paris 75252 Cedex 5 , France
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science , University of Vienna , Althanstraße 14, UZA II , Vienna 1090 , Austria
| | - Guillaume Morin
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université IRD-MNHN , Case 115, 4 place Jussieu , Paris 75252 Cedex 5 , France
| | - Pierre Le Pape
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université IRD-MNHN , Case 115, 4 place Jussieu , Paris 75252 Cedex 5 , France
| | - Pierre Lefebvre
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université IRD-MNHN , Case 115, 4 place Jussieu , Paris 75252 Cedex 5 , France
| | - Mathieu Le Coz
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/LELI , Fontenay-aux-Roses 92262 , France
| | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire - PSE/ENV - SEDRE/LELI , Fontenay-aux-Roses 92262 , France
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