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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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2
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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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Liu S, Liu J, She J, Xie Z, Zhou L, Dai Q, Zhang X, Wan Y, Yin M, Dong X, Zhao M, Chen D, Wang J. Microbial features with uranium pollution in artificial reservoir sediments at different depths under drought stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170694. [PMID: 38325477 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170694] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The uranium (U) containing leachate from uranium tailings dam into the natural settings, may greatly affect the downstream environment. To reveal such relationship between uranium contamination and microbial communities in the most affected downstream environment under drought stress, a 180 cm downstream artificial reservoir depth sediment profile was collected, and the microbial communities and related genes were analyzed by 16S rDNA and metagenomics. Besides, the sequential extraction scheme was employed to shed light on the distinct role of U geochemical speciations in shaping microbial community structures. The results showed that U content ranged from 28.1 to 70.1 mg/kg, with an average content of 44.9 mg/kg, significantly exceeding the value of background sediments. Further, U in all the studied sediments was related to remarkably high portions of mobile fractions, and U was likely deposited layer by layer depending on the discharge/leachate inputs from uranium-involving anthoropogenic facilities/activities upstream. The nexus between U speciation, physico-chemical indicators and microbial composition showed that Fe, S, and N metabolism played a vital role in microbial adaptation to U-enriched environment; meanwhile, the fraction of Ureducible and the Fe and S contents had the most significant effects on microbial community composition in the sediments under drought stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingye She
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Xie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Environment and Resource, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycling, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Qunwei Dai
- School of Environment and Resource, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycling, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuebing Wan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiling Yin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinjiao Dong
- School of Life & Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Min Zhao
- School of Life & Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Diyun Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou, China.
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Dang DH, Wang W, Winkler G, Chatzis A. Rare earth element uptake mechanisms in plankton in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160394. [PMID: 36427738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The global shift toward green energy alternatives escalates demands for new resources, including rare earth elements (REEs), as per their implications in various green innovations. However, our understanding of their environmental cycle, especially the interactions with aquatic organisms, remains deficient, ultimately hindering environmental protection efforts. Here, we investigate the accumulation of REEs and 18 other elements in bulk and sorted plankton collected with different net mesh sizes (30, 63, 200, 333, 500 μm) in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence in the summer and winter of 2020. We observed significant correlations between the concentrations of REEs and elements of different charge numbers and ionic radii (Ba, Co, Cs, Fe, Mn, Pb, Rb and V), indicating non-selective uptake of REEs into plankton. All these elements have their highest concentrations in the fluvial corridor and upper estuary, with more significant enrichment in phytoplankton ([La] = 26.4 ± 4.8 mg kg-1) than zooplankton ([La] = 11.6 ± 8.3 mg kg-1). Their concentrations decrease to the minimum in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, especially in zooplankton ([La] = 4.8 × 10-2 ± 3.2 × 10-2 mg kg-1). We also assessed REE patterns to identify differential REE fractionation processes and anomalies. The freshwater plankton exhibits enrichment of middle REEs (MREEs) relative to the light and heavy REEs (LREEs and HREEs), potentially because of the higher binding affinity of MREEs on cellular surface transporters and metal loading effects. In estuarine and marine settings, the REE patterns in biological samples align with suspended particles, exhibiting a linear trend with LREE enrichment. This process is more noticeable in sorted macrozooplankton, which have significant Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* up to 2), indicating differential incorporation of REEs into the chitin shells. This study highlights the significant enrichment of REEs into freshwater primary producers and the accumulation pathway similar to other inorganic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Water Quality Center, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - Gesche Winkler
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Canada
| | - Anique Chatzis
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
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5
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Morereau A, Jaegler H, Hain K, Steier P, Golser R, Beaumais A, Lepage H, Eyrolle F, Grosbois C, Cazala C, Gourgiotis A. Deciphering sources of U contamination using isotope ratio signatures in the Loire River sediments: Exploring the relevance of 233U/ 236U and stable Pb isotope ratios. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135658. [PMID: 35835235 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A broad range of contaminants has been recorded in sediments of the Loire River over the last century. Among a variety of anthropogenic activities of this nuclearized watershed, extraction of uranium and associated activities during more than 50 years as well as operation of several nuclear power plants led to industrial discharges, which could persist for decades in sedimentary archives of the Loire River. Highlighting and identifying the origin of radionuclides that transited during the last decades and were recorded in the sediments is challenging due to i) the low concentrations which are often close or below the detection limits of routine environmental surveys and ii) the mixing of different sources. The determination of the sources of anthropogenic radioactivity was performed using multi-isotopic fingerprints (236U/238U, 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb) and the newly developed 233U/236U tracer. For the first time 233U/236U data in a well-dated river sediment core in the French river Loire are reported here. Results highlight potential sources of contamination among which a clear signature of anthropogenic inputs related to two accidents of a former NUGG NPP that occurred in 1969 and 1980. The 233U and 236U isotopes were measured by recent high performance analytical methods due to their ultra-trace levels in the samples and show a negligible radiological impact on health and on the environment. The determination of mining activities by the use of stable Pb isotopes is still challenging probably owing to the limited dissemination of the Pb-bearing material marked by the U-ore signature downstream to the former U mines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Morereau
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Hugo Jaegler
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Karin Hain
- Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steier
- Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robin Golser
- Faculty of Physics, Isotope Physics, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aurélien Beaumais
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Hugo Lepage
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Frédérique Eyrolle
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Cécile Grosbois
- Université de Tours, EA 6293 Géohydrosystèmes Continentaux (GéHCO), Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, Cedex, France
| | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA, SEDRE/LELI, BP 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France.
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Wang S, Ma J, Wang C, Xi W, Bai Y, Lu W, Wang J. Elimination of radionuclide uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions using an α-MnO2@CTS composite adsorbent. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Dang DH, Ma L, Ha QK, Wang W. A multi-tracer approach to disentangle anthropogenic emissions from natural processes in the St. Lawrence River and Estuary. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 219:118588. [PMID: 35605395 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The ability to differentiate anthropogenic signatures from natural processes in complex hydrological systems is critical for environmental regulation perspectives, especially to curb pollution and implement effective water management strategies. Here, we report variations in the concentrations of 57 chemical variables, including nutrients, major, trace and ultra-trace elements, as well as the concentrations of Escherichia coli in different water masses along the St. Lawrence River-Estuary continuum. The constant ratios among major elements indicate consistent carbonate and silicate weathering processes in the drainage basins. We also suggest applying Ce anomalies to trace waters of low alkalinity and low complexing capacity as the dominance of Ce3+ free ion could promote Ce oxidation, and thus negative Ce anomalies. Furthermore, the positive Eu anomalies and elevated Tl concentrations could highlight the cation exchange processes on clay particles. In the fluvial and estuarine sections of the St. Lawrence System, we demonstrate significant contributions of wastewater discharge and discuss the suitability of several wastewater tracers, e.g., excess of B, Na, K, as well as Rb/Sr and Gd anomalies. We also highlight the inputs of several minor and trace elements (e.g., Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Ni) from south-shore tributaries to the St. Lawrence System. However, the complex anthropogenic activities in the watersheds did not allow clear source partitioning. Finally, increased mixing of different river water masses upstream of Quebec City, together with the estuarine salt front and suspended sediments, are also responsible for releasing these minor and trace elements into the aquatic media. The results presented here help support further environmental actions to curb the emission of contaminants in the St. Lawrence System and provide more robust tracers of natural and anthropogenic processes in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Water Quality Center, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
| | - Lan Ma
- School of Energy and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Quang Khai Ha
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Wei Wang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
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8
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Beaumais A, Mangeret A, Suhard D, Blanchart P, Neji M, Cazala C, Gourgiotis A. Combined U-Pb isotopic signatures of U mill tailings from France and Gabon: A new potential tracer to assess their fingerprint on the environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128484. [PMID: 35739667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uranium milling activities have produced high volumes of long-lived radioactive processed wastes stored worldwide in near surface environment. The aim of this study is to highlight relevant tracers that can be used for environmental impact assessment studies involving U mill tailings. A multi-tracer study involving elemental content, 238U decay products disequilibria and stable Pb isotopes was performed in different types of U mill tailings (alkaline, acid, neutralized acid) collected from five Tailings Management Facilities in France (Le Bosc, L'Ecarpière, Le Bernardan, and Bellezane) and Gabon (Mounana). Our results showed that U and Pb concentrations range between 30 and 594 ppm and 66-805 ppm, respectively. These tailings have a strong disequilibrium of (234U/238U) and (230Th/238U) activity ratios (1.27-1.87 and 6-65, respectively), as well as higher 206Pb/207Pb (1.86-7.15) and lower 208Pb/207Pb (0.22-2.39) compared to geochemical background ((234U/238U) and (230Th/238U) equal to unity; 206Pb/207Pb = 1.20; 208Pb/207Pb = 2.47). In situ analyzes (SEM, SIMS) showed that Pb-bearing phases with high 206Pb/207Pb are related to remaining U-rich phases, S-rich phases and potentially clay minerals or oxyhydroxides. We suggest that the combination of the 206Pb/207Pb with the (234U/238U) ratio is a relevant tool for the fingerprinting of the impact of U milling activities on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Beaumais
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - David Suhard
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Mejdi Neji
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE/LELI, LETIS, USDR, PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRSI, 31 Av. de la Division Leclerc, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France.
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9
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Ye Y, Jin J, Liang Y, Qin Z, Tang X, Feng Y, Lv M, Miao S, Li C, Chen Y, Chen F, Wang Y. Efficient and durable uranium extraction from uranium mine tailings seepage water via a photoelectrochemical method. iScience 2021; 24:103230. [PMID: 34712926 PMCID: PMC8531663 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Current photocatalytic uranium (U) extraction methods have intrinsic obstacles, such as the recombination of charge carriers, and the deactivation of catalysts by extracted U. Here we show that, by applying a bias potential on the photocatalyst, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) method can address these limitations. We demonstrate that, owing to efficient spatial charge-carriers separation driven by the applied bias, the PEC method enables efficient and durable U extraction. The effects of multiple operation conditions are investigated. The U extraction proceeds via single-step one-electron reduction, resulting in the formation of pentavalent U, which can facilitate future studies on this often-overlooked U species. In real seepage water the PEC method achieves an extraction capacity of 0.67 gU m-3·h-1 without deactivation for 156 h continuous operation, which is 17 times faster than the photocatalytic method. This work provides an alternative tool for U resource recovery and facilitates future studies on U(V) chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ye
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Jian Jin
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Yanru Liang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Zemin Qin
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Xin Tang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Yanyue Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Miao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Shiyu Miao
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, P. R. China
| | - Cui Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Yanlong Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Fan Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
| | - Yuheng Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 710129 Xi’an, P. R. China
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Le Coz M, Gourgiotis A, Blanchart P, Mangeret A. Factorial kriging for estimating and mapping the geochemical background from in situ gamma dose rate measurements downstream of a former uranium mine. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 237:106681. [PMID: 34144247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106681] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A geostatistical approach is applied for extracting the geochemical background from gamma dose rate data acquired downstream of a former French uranium mining area. The exploratory data analysis shows that the spatial structure of the gamma dose rate consists of two components: a short isotropic component (10 m-range) that corresponds to the geochemical background; and a long anisotropic component (30-60 m-range) that corresponds to the drainage network features previously fed by the mine discharge water. The gamma dose rate on the whole area of interest was estimated and simulated (to deal with uncertainties) through a kriging of the measured values. The spatial component related to the geochemical background was then extracted through factorial kriging. The proportion of the gamma dose rate explained by the geochemical background according to factorial kriging is consistent within uncertainties with geochemical analyses performed on soil and sediment samples. This study thus highlights the potential of such geostatistical approaches for better exploiting radiometric data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Le Coz
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 31 avenue de la Division Leclerc, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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11
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Lefebvre P, Sabatier P, Mangeret A, Gourgiotis A, Le Pape P, Develle AL, Louvat P, Diez O, Reyss JL, Gaillardet J, Cazala C, Morin G. Climate-driven fluxes of organic-bound uranium to an alpine lake over the Holocene. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146878. [PMID: 33865129 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) isotopic signatures and concentration in sediments are widely used as paleo-redox proxies, as the behavior of U is often controlled by bottom water oxygenation. Here, we investigated the processes controlling U accumulation in the sediments of Lake Nègre (Mediterranean Alps, South-East France) over the past 9200 years. Exceptionally high natural U concentrations (350-1250 μg·g-1) allowed the measurement of U along with other elements by high-resolution X-Ray Fluorescence core-scanning. Weathering and erosion proxies (Ti content, Zr/Al and K/Ti ratios) indicate that sedimentary inputs were controlled by Holocene climatic variations. After a period of low erosion during the Holocene Climatic Optimum, a major regime shift was recorded at 4.2 kyr BP when terrigenous fluxes consistently increased until present with high sensitivity to centennial-scale climatic events. Sedimentary organic matter (OM) inputs were dominated by terrigenous OM from the catchment soils until 2.4 kyr BP, as attested by carbon to nitrogen (C/N) and bromine to organic carbon (Br/TOC) ratios. From 2.4 kyr BP to present, lake primary production and soils equally contributed to sedimentary OM. Uranium fluxes to the sediments were well correlated to terrigenous OM fluxes from 7 kyr BP to present, showing that U supply to the lake was controlled by U scavenging in the soils of the watershed followed by transport of U bound to detrital organic particles. Higher U/OM ratios before 7 kyr BP likely reflect the development of the upstream wetland. The fluctuations of U sedimentary inputs appear to be independent of bottom water oxygenation, as estimated from constant Fe/Mn ratios and δ238U isotopic signatures, and rather controlled by the production, erosion and sedimentation of terrigenous OM. This finding confirms that the use of U (and potentially other metals with high affinity to OM) concentrations alone should be used with caution for paleo-redox reconstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Lefebvre
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université-CNRS-MNHN-IRD, Paris, France.
| | - Pierre Sabatier
- Univ Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Edytem, UMR 5204, Chambéry, France
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV SEDRE, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Alkiviadis Gourgiotis
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV SEDRE, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pierre Le Pape
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université-CNRS-MNHN-IRD, Paris, France
| | | | - Pascale Louvat
- Université de Paris-Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris-CNRS, UMR 7154, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Diez
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV SEDRE, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Jean-Louis Reyss
- Univ Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Edytem, UMR 5204, Chambéry, France
| | - Jérôme Gaillardet
- Université de Paris-Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris-CNRS, UMR 7154, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV SEDRE, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Guillaume Morin
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université-CNRS-MNHN-IRD, Paris, France
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12
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Wang J, Yin M, Liu J, Shen CC, Yu TL, Li HC, Zhong Q, Sheng G, Lin K, Jiang X, Dong H, Liu S, Xiao T. Geochemical and U-Th isotopic insights on uranium enrichment in reservoir sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125466. [PMID: 33657470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) geochemistry and its isotopic compositions of reservoir sediments in U mine area were poorly understood. Herein, U and Th isotopic compositions were employed to investigate source apportionment and geochemical behavior of U in 41 reservoir sediments from a U mining area, Guangdong, China. The remarkably high contents of both total U (207.3-1117.7 mg/kg) and acid-leachable U (90.3-638.5 mg/kg) in the sediments exhibit a severe U contamination and mobilization-release risk. The U/Th activity ratios (ARs) indicate that all sediments have been contaminated apparently by U as a result of discharge of U containing wastewater, especially uranium mill tailings (UMT) leachate, while the variations of U/Th ARs are dominated by U geochemical behaviors (mainly redox process and adsorption). The U isotopic compositions (δ238U) showed a large variance through the sediment profile, varying from - 0.62 to - 0.04‰. The relation between δ238U and acid-leachable U fraction demonstrates that the U isotopic fractionation in sediments can be controlled by bedrock weathering (natural activity), UMT leachate (anthropogenic activity) and subsequent biogeochemical processes. The findings suggest that U-Th isotopes are a powerful tool to better understand U geochemical processes and enrichment mechanism in sediments that were affected by combined sources and driving forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University; Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Meiling Yin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University; Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University; Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chuan-Chou Shen
- High-Precision Mass Spectrometry and Environment Change Laboratory (HISPEC), Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Research Center for Future Earth, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Luen Yu
- High-Precision Mass Spectrometry and Environment Change Laboratory (HISPEC), Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Research Center for Future Earth, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Marine Industry and Engineering Research Center, National Academy of Marine Research, Kaohsiung 80661, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Chun Li
- High-Precision Mass Spectrometry and Environment Change Laboratory (HISPEC), Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Qiaohui Zhong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University; Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guodong Sheng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Ke Lin
- High-Precision Mass Spectrometry and Environment Change Laboratory (HISPEC), Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Xiuyang Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-geographical Process of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Hongliang Dong
- Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research, Pudong, Shanghai 201203, China; State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201899, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University; Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University; Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
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13
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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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14
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Dang DH, Zhang Z. Hazardous motherboards: Changes in metal contamination related to the evolution of electronictechnologies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115731. [PMID: 33059269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115731] [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: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Proper management of electronic waste (e-waste) represents significant economic and environmental challenges because of the tremendous quantity of e-waste, the potential of extracting precious metals from recyclable electronics, and the risks of environmental contamination with a variety of toxic compounds. This study focused on the leaching potential of 57 elements from central processing unit mainboards manufactured over time (1980s-2010s) using river water at different pHs as an environmentally-relevant extractant. The exposure time was set to one week. The calculated contamination factors allowed classification of the elements released from mainboards into five groups with increasing leachability and thus environmental concerns. Also, the results demonstrated a changing nature of e-waste related to the technologies employed and the transition of metal contamination signatures from these electronics; newer computer mainboards have a lower risk of Pb and Sn leaching but a greater release of Li, Sb, and a few rare earth elements (Sm, Eu, Dy). These specific patterns of elemental release could become powerful geochemical forensic tracers of improper recycling activities of e-waste in the environment. Most studies until now have investigated just a few key contaminants, despite the cocktail of pollutants contained in electronics. Therefore, a full assessment of the leaching potential of pollutants from non-properly recycled e-waste and further ecotoxicological studies are timely needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment and Chemistry Department, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada.
| | - Zhirou Zhang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
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15
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Hamza MF, Sallam OR, Khalafalla MS, Abbas AEA, Wei Y. Geological and radioactivity studies accompanied by uranium recovery: Um Bogma Formation, southwestern Sinai, Egypt. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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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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17
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Li N, Yin M, Tsang DCW, Yang S, Liu J, Li X, Song G, Wang J. Mechanisms of U(VI) removal by biochar derived from Ficus microcarpa aerial root: A comparison between raw and modified biochar. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 697:134115. [PMID: 32380609 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) is a toxic and radioactive element. Excessive amounts of aqueous U(VI) generated from U mining, processing and nuclear industry may result in severe and irreversible damage to the environment. Herein, Ficus microcarpa aerial root (FMAR), a biowaste material, was used to adsorb U(VI) from aqueous solutions for the first time. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4)-modified FMAR biochar was synthesised, characterised and compared with raw (unmodified) biochar with respect to U(VI) adsorption. The results showed that the adsorption capability of the modified FMAR biochar was evidently higher than that of the raw biochar. Multiple characterisation techniques confirmed that the discrepancy was mainly due to the increased content of O-H and formation of irregular sheet-like nanostructure with the ultrafine MnO2 nanoparticles on the biochar surfaces after KMnO4 modification. The abundance of O-H and nanoscale MnO2 notably enhanced the adsorption of U(VI) by means of coordination and Lewis acid-base interaction. The results indicate that KMnO4-modified FMAR biochar has a good potential to serve as an environment-friendly adsorbent for the removal of U(VI) from solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Li
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meiling Yin
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shitong Yang
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xue Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Gang Song
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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18
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Ma L, Dang DH, Wang W, Evans RD, Wang WX. Rare earth elements in the Pearl River Delta of China: Potential impacts of the REE industry on water, suspended particles and oysters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:190-201. [PMID: 30340165 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth element (REE) concentrations and patterns were measured in surface water, suspended particles (SP) and oysters from the Pearl River Estuary, China. During the rainy season of 2017, higher REE concentrations were found at the stations in the estuary (ΣREE = 0.06-0.42 μg L-1) than those at the river mouths (referred to as 'outlet' stations, ΣREE = 0.001-0.14 μg L-1). However, the reverse occurred in the dry season of 2016 (ΣREE = 0.07-0.16 μg L-1 in the mid-estuary vs. 0.001-0.02 μg L-1in the outlet stations). Elevated concentrations of Pr, Nd, Dy and Ho, relative to the other REEs were found in water in both seasons at most sampling locations. However, in some estuary stations, no anomalies were detected in the SP or in the oysters while some anomalies were seen in SP from the outlet stations. Significant correlations between REE concentrations in SP and oysters as well as between both total REE concentrations and the La/Yb ratio (reflecting enhanced accumulation of light REEs (LREEs)) in oysters indicate that, in the Pearl River Estuary, the dominant REE uptake pathway in oysters is from particles. The elevated concentrations of Pr, Nd, Dy and Ho, which are reported here for the first time suggest that elevated levels of these elements may result from REE recycling and other industrialized activities in this area of southern China. Specific REEs could be used to indicate emerging contamination by the modern REE industry; furthermore, REE anomalies and patterns may be suitable tools to track REE sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - R Douglas Evans
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- Marine Environmental Laboratory, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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19
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Sutcliffe B, Chariton AA, Harford AJ, Hose GC, Stephenson S, Greenfield P, Midgley DJ, Paulsen IT. Insights from the Genomes of Microbes Thriving in Uranium-Enriched Sediments. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 75:970-984. [PMID: 29128951 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-017-1102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Elevated uranium dose (4 g kg-1) causes a shift in billabong sediment communities that result in the enrichment of five bacterial species. These taxa include Geobacter, Geothrix and Dyella species, as well as a novel-potentially predatory-Bacteroidetes species, and a new member of class Anaerolineae (Chloroflexi). Additionally, a population of methanogenic Methanocella species was also identified. Genomic reconstruction and metabolic examination of these taxa reveal a host of divergent life strategies and putative niche partitioning. Resistance-nodulation-division heavy metal efflux (RND-HME) transporters are implicated as potential uranium tolerance strategies among the bacterial taxa. Potential interactions, uranium tolerance and ecologically relevant catabolism are presented in a conceptual model of life in this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brodie Sutcliffe
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), PO BOX 52, North Ryde, NSW, 1670, Australia
| | | | - Andrew J Harford
- Supervising Scientist Branch, Department of the Environment and Energy, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Grant C Hose
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sarah Stephenson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), PO BOX 52, North Ryde, NSW, 1670, Australia
| | - Paul Greenfield
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), PO BOX 52, North Ryde, NSW, 1670, Australia
| | - David J Midgley
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), PO BOX 52, North Ryde, NSW, 1670, Australia
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20
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Dang DH, Evans RD, Durrieu G, Layglon N, El Houssainy A, Mullot JU, Lenoble V, Mounier S, Garnier C. Quantitative model of carbon and nitrogen isotope composition to highlight phosphorus cycling and sources in coastal sediments (Toulon Bay, France). CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 195:683-692. [PMID: 29289013 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient loadings from either point or non-point sources to the environment are related to the growing global population. Subsequent negative impacts of nutrient loading to aquatic environments requires a better understanding of the biogeochemical cycling and better tools to track their sources. This study examines the carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) discharge and cycling in a Mediterranean coastal area from rivers to marine sediments and assesses the anthropogenic contributions. Carbon and N concentrations and isotope compositions in rivers particles, surface sediments, and sediment cores were investigated to build up a quantitative multiple-end-member mixing model for C and N isotopes. This model predicts the contribution of four natural and one anthropogenic sources to the sediments and highlighted the anthropogenic fraction of P based on the relationship with anthropogenic δ15N. Although P is a monoisotopic element and total P concentration has been the sole index to study P loading, this study suggests an alternative approach to differentiate anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic (diagenetic) P, revealed point and non-point sources of P, and the corresponding P loading. Also, the diagenetic P background has been calculated for the 50-cm sediment layer of the whole Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, K9L 0G2, ON, Canada; Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France.
| | - R Douglas Evans
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, K9L 0G2, ON, Canada; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, K9L 0G2, ON, Canada
| | - Gael Durrieu
- Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR7294, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France
| | - Nicolas Layglon
- Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR7294, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France
| | - Amonda El Houssainy
- Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR7294, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Centre National des Sciences Marines, CNRSL, Batroun, PO Box 534, Lebanon
| | | | - Véronique Lenoble
- Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR7294, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France
| | - Stéphane Mounier
- Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR7294, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France
| | - Cédric Garnier
- Université de Toulon, PROTEE, EA 3819, CS60584, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UMR7294, 83041, Toulon Cedex 9, France
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21
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Dang DH, Evans RD. Application of ESI-HRMS for molybdenum speciation in natural waters: An investigation of molybdate-halide reactions. Talanta 2018; 179:221-229. [PMID: 29310226 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
High resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS) was used to study the speciation of molybdate in interaction with halides (Cl, F, Br). Desolvation during electrospray ionization induced alteration of aqueous species but method optimization successfully suppressed artefact compounds. At low Mo concentrations, chloro(oxo)molybdate and fluoro(oxo)molybdate species were found and in natural samples, MoO3Cl was detected for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Apparent equilibrium constants for Cl substitution on molybdate were calculated for a range of pH values from 4.5 to 8.5. A minor alteration in speciation during the gas phase (conversion of doubly charged MoO42- to HMoO4-) did not allow investigation of the molybdate acid-base properties; however this could be determined by speciation modeling. This study provides further evidence that ESI-HRMS is a fast and suitable tool to Deceasedassess the speciation of inorganic compounds such as Mo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Huy Dang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9L 0G2.
| | - R Douglas Evans
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9L 0G2; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9L 0G2.
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