1
|
Li Z, Sun P, Zhang C, Zhu N, Xu N, Li D, Gao Y, Zhao J. Translocation and transformation of uranium along the aquatic food chain: New insights into uranium risks to the environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135499. [PMID: 39141939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Uranium pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses a threat to organisms. However, the metabolism and toxicity of uranium along aquatic food chains remain unknown. Here, we established an artificial aquatic ecosystem to investigate the fate of uranium along the food chain and reveal its potential toxicity. The results displayed a dose- and time-dependent toxicity of uranium on algae, leading to cell deformation and impeding cell proliferation. When uranium-exposed algae are ingested by fish, uranium tends to concentrate in the intestinal system and bones of fish. Comparatively, direct water uranium exposure resulted in a remarkable uranium accumulation in the head, skin, and muscles of fish, suggesting different toxicity depending on distinct exposure pathways. High-level uranium pollution (20 mg L-1) intensifies the toxicity to fish through food intake compared to direct water exposure. It has also revealed that approximately 25 % and 20 % of U(VI) were reduced to lower valence forms during its accumulation in algae and fish, respectively, and over 10 % of U(IV, VI) converted to U(0) ultimately, through which uranium toxicity was mitigated due to the lower solubility and bioavailability. Overall, this study provides new insights into the fate of uranium during its delivery along the aquatic food chain and highlights the risks associated with consuming uranium-contaminated aquatic products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanming Li
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peipei Sun
- Tianjin University of Science and Technology, College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Tianjin University of Science and Technology, College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Nali Zhu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Nan Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Dongrui Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Skierszkan EK, Schoepfer VA, Fellwock M, Lindsay MBJ. Uranium Speciation and Mobilization in Thawing Permafrost. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39269719 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c05594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Uranium is a toxic and pervasive geogenic contaminant often associated with organic matter. Its abundance and speciation in organic-rich permafrost soils are unknown, thereby limiting our ability to assess risks associated with uranium mobilization during permafrost thaw. In this study, we assessed uranium speciation in permafrost soil and porewater liberated during thaw using active-layer and permafrost samples from a study area in Yukon, Canada where elevated uranium concentrations occur in bedrock and groundwater. Permafrost contained 1.1-28 wt % organic carbon and elevated uranium (range 7.6-1040 μg g-1, median 25 μg g-1) relative to local bedrock. The highest soil uranium concentrations were encountered in catchments hosting uranium-enriched bedrock and correlated positively with soil organic carbon. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, micro-X-ray fluorescence, and electron microscopy analyses revealed that solid-phase uranium predominantly occurs as uranium(VI) associated with soil organic matter. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses suggested the presence of uranium(VI) coordinated with carbon, consistent with bidentate-mononuclear uranyl complexation on carboxyl groups. Permafrost thaw produced circumneutral pH porewater (pH 6.2-7.5) with elevated dissolved uranium (0.5-203 μg L-1). Geochemical modeling indicated that calcium-uranyl-carbonate complexes dominated the dissolved uranium speciation. This study highlights that permafrost soil can mobilize uranium upon thaw and that uranium fate is linked to dynamic biogeochemical reactions involving organic carbon and groundwater chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliott K Skierszkan
- Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, 2115 Herzberg Laboratories, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Valerie A Schoepfer
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Matthew Fellwock
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Matthew B J Lindsay
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Miller C, Neidhart A, Hess K, Ali AMS, Benavidez A, Spilde M, Peterson E, Brearley A, Wang X, Dhanapala BD, Cerrato JM, Gonzalez-Estrella J, El Hayek E. Uranium accumulation in environmentally relevant microplastics and agricultural soil at acidic and circumneutral pH. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171834. [PMID: 38521258 PMCID: PMC11141427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) with potentially toxic metals in the environment stresses the need to address their physicochemical interactions and the potential ecological and human health implications. Here, we investigated the reaction of aqueous U with agricultural soil and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through the integration of batch experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy. The aqueous initial concentration of U (100 μM) decreased between 98.6 and 99.2 % at pH 5 and between 86.2 and 98.9 % at pH 7.5 following the first half hour of reaction with 10 g of soil. In similar experimental conditions but with added HDPE, aqueous U decreased between 98.6 and 99.7 % at pH 5 and between 76.1 and 95.2 % at pH 7.5, suggesting that HDPE modified the accumulation of U in soil as a function of pH. Uranium-bearing precipitates on the cracked surface of HDPE were identified by SEM/EDS after two weeks of agitation in water at both pH 5 and 7.5. Accumulation of U on the near-surface region of reacted HDPE was confirmed by XPS. Our findings suggest that the precipitation of U was facilitated by the weathering of the surface of HDPE. These results provide insights about surface-mediated reactions of aqueous metals with MPs, contributing relevant information about the mobility of metals and MPs at co-contaminated agricultural sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey Miller
- Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrew Neidhart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Kendra Hess
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Angelica Benavidez
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric Peterson
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Xuewen Wang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - B Dulani Dhanapala
- College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - José M Cerrato
- Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, EN0059, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 740784, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li R, Zhang L, Chen Y, Xia Q, Liu D, Huang Y, Dong H. Oxidation of Biogenic U(IV) in the Presence of Bioreduced Clay Minerals and Organic Ligands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1541-1550. [PMID: 38199960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Bioreduction of soluble U(VI) to sparingly soluble U(IV) is proposed as an effective approach to remediating uranium contamination. However, the stability of biogenic U(IV) in natural environments remains unclear. We conducted U(IV) reoxidation experiments following U(VI) bioreduction in the presence of ubiquitous clay minerals and organic ligands. Bioreduced Fe-rich nontronite (rNAu-2) and Fe-poor montmorillonite (rSWy-2) enhanced U(IV) oxidation through shuttling electrons between oxygen and U(IV). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citrate, and siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) promoted U(IV) oxidation via complexation with U(IV). In the presence of both rNAu-2 and EDTA, the rate of U(IV) oxidation was between those in the presence of rNAu-2 and EDTA, due to a clay/ligand-induced change of U(IV) speciation. However, the rate of U(IV) oxidation in other combinations of reduced clay and ligands was higher than their individual ones because both promoted U(IV) oxidation. Unexpectedly, the copresence of rNAu-2/rSWy-2 and DFOB inhibited U(IV) oxidation, possibly due to (1) blockage of the electron transport pathway by DFOB, (2) inability of DFOB-complexed Fe(III) to oxidize U(IV), and (3) stability of the U(IV)-DFOB complex in the clay interlayers. These findings provide novel insights into the stability of U(IV) in the environment and have important implications for the remediation of uranium contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runjie Li
- Center for Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Research, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Center for Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Research, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingyin Xia
- Center for Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Research, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hailiang Dong
- Center for Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Research, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ali S, Baloch SB, Bernas J, Konvalina P, Onyebuchi EF, Naveed M, Ali H, Jamali ZH, Nezhad MTK, Mustafa A. Phytotoxicity of radionuclides: A review of sources, impacts and remediation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117479. [PMID: 37884073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117479] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities and natural sources contribute to the presence of radioactive materials in the environment, posing a serious threat to phytotoxicity. Contamination of soil and water by radioactive isotopes degrades the environmental quality and biodiversity. They persist in soils for a considerable amount of time and disturb the fauna and flora of any affected area. Hence, their removal from the contaminated medium is inevitable to prevent their entry into the food chain and the organisms at higher levels of the food chain. Physicochemical methods for radioactive element remediation are effective; however, they are not eco-friendly, can be expensive and impractical for large-scale remediation. Contrastingly, different bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation using appropriate plant species for removing the radionuclides from the polluted sites, and microbe-based remediation, represent promising alternatives for cleanup. In this review, sources of radionuclides in soil as well as their hazardous impacts on plants are discussed. Moreover, various conventional physicochemical approaches used for remediation discussed in detail. Similarly, the effectiveness and superiority of various bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation and microbe-based remediation, over traditional approaches have been explained in detail. In the end, future perspectives related to enhancing the efficiency of the phytoremediation process have been elaborated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahzaib Ali
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sadia Babar Baloch
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Bernas
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Konvalina
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eze Festus Onyebuchi
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Ali
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Zameer Hussain Jamali
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mohammad Tahsin Karimi Nezhad
- Department of Forest Ecology, The Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental 13 Gardening, Lidicka, 25/27, Brno, 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Adnan Mustafa
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510650, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Suárez-Navarro JA, Gil-Pacheco E, Expósito-Suárez VM, Gómez-Mancebo MB, Vicente-Prieto N, García-Gómez H, Suárez-Navarro MJ, Sánchez-González SM, Caro A, Hernáiz G, Barragán M, Cid-Morillo C. Influence of soil chemical composition on U, 226Ra and 210Pb uptake in leaves and fruits of Quercus ilex L. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 264:107187. [PMID: 37186982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To determine their transfer factors, activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were measured in the leaves and acorns of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) trees collected from seven locations with different soil properties and radionuclide activity concentrations. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the soils were also analysed to investigate the effect these had on radionuclide absorption by the trees. Soil chemistry showed significant effects on radionuclide incorporation into Quercus ilex L. tissues. A significant relationship was established between activity concentrations and soil content of Ca and P with 238U and 226Ra in the leaves and acorns of Quercus ilex L. Differentiated transfer was found for 40K, which showed greater transfer to the leaves than the other radionuclides. The activity concentration of U and 226Ra was higher in the fruits than in the leaves, with the opposite effect being observed for 40K. The risk of U and 226Ra transfer into the food chain through acorn consumption by livestock is predicted to increase in soils poor in Ca and rich in P.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Suárez-Navarro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Gil-Pacheco
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), CSIC, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Cordel de Merinas, 40, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| | - V M Expósito-Suárez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M B Gómez-Mancebo
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - H García-Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Suárez-Navarro
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Departamento de Hidráulica, Energía y Medioambiente, E.T.S.I. Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Profesor Aranguren s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - S M Sánchez-González
- Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, C/Padre Julio Chevalier, 2, 47012, Valladolid, Spain
| | - A Caro
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Hernáiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Barragán
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Cid-Morillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avd/Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ultrafast laser filament-induced fluorescence for detecting uranium stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17205. [PMID: 36229516 PMCID: PMC9562223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21404-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants and other photosynthetic organisms have been suggested as potential pervasive biosensors for nuclear nonproliferation monitoring. We demonstrate that ultrafast laser filament-induced fluorescence of chlorophyll in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a promising method for remote, in-field detection of stress from exposure to nuclear materials. This method holds an advantage over broad-area surveillance, such as solar-induced fluorescence monitoring, when targeting excitation of a specific plant would improve the detectability, for example when local biota density is low. After exposing C. reinhardtii to uranium, we find that the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll fluorescence lifetime, and carotenoid content increase. The increased fluorescence lifetime signifies a decrease in non-photochemical quenching. The simultaneous increase in carotenoid content implies oxidative stress, further confirmed by the production of radical oxygen species evidence in the steady-state absorption spectrum. This is potentially a unique signature of uranium, as previous work finds that heavy metal stress generally increases non-photochemical quenching. We identify the temporal profile of the chlorophyll fluorescence to be a distinguishing feature between uranium-exposed and unexposed algae. Discrimination of uranium-exposed samples is possible at a distance of [Formula: see text]35 m with a single laser shot and a modest collection system, as determined through a combination of experiment and simulation of distance-scaled uncertainty in discriminating the temporal profiles. Illustrating the potential for remote detection, detection over 125 m would require 100 laser shots, commensurate with the detection time on the order of 1 s.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mertens A, Horemans N, Saenen E, Nauts R, Cuypers A. Calcium affects uranium responses in Arabidopsis thaliana: From distribution to toxicity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 185:101-111. [PMID: 35667317 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uranium, a heavy metal and primordial radionuclide, is present in surface waters and soils both naturally and due to industrial activities. Uranium is known to be toxic to plants and its uptake and toxicity can be influenced by multiple factors such as pH and the presence of different ions. However, the precise role of the different ions in uranium uptake is not yet known. Here we investigated whether calcium influences uranium uptake and toxicity in the terrestrial plant Arabidopsis thaliana. To this end, A. thaliana plants were exposed to different calcium and uranium concentrations and furthermore, calcium channels were blocked using the calcium channel blocker lanthanum chloride (LaCl3). Fresh weight, relative growth rate, concentration of nutrients and uranium and gene expression of oxidative stress-related genes and calcium transporters were determined in roots and shoots. Calcium affected plant growth and oxidative stress in both control (no uranium) and uranium-exposed plants. In shoots, this was influenced by the total calcium concentration, but not by the different tested uranium concentrations. Uranium in turn did influence calcium uptake and distribution. Uranium-exposed plants grown in a medium with a higher calcium concentration showed an increase in gene expression of NADPH oxidases RBOHC and RBOHE and calcium transporter CAX7 after uranium exposure. In roots, these calcium-dependent responses in gene expression were not observed. This indicates that calcium indeed affects uranium toxicity, but only in shoots. In addition, a clear influence of uranium and LaCl3 (separately and combined) on the expression of calcium transporters was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Mertens
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, Agoralaan D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, Agoralaan D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Eline Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Robin Nauts
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Ann Cuypers
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, Agoralaan D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sarthou MCM, Devime F, Baggio C, Figuet S, Alban C, Bourguignon J, Ravanel S. Calcium-permeable cation channels are involved in uranium uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127436. [PMID: 34638071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) is a non-essential and toxic element that is taken up by plants from the environment. The assimilation pathway of U is still unknown in plants. In this study, we provide several evidences that U is taken up by the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana through Ca2+-permeable cation channels. First, we showed that deprivation of Arabidopsis plants with calcium induces a 1.5-fold increase in the capacity of roots to accumulate U, suggesting that calcium deficiency promotes the radionuclide import pathway. Second, we showed that external calcium inhibits U accumulation in roots, suggesting a common route for the uptake of both cations. Third, we found that gadolinium, nifedipine and verapamil inhibit the absorption of U, suggesting that different types of Ca2+-permeable channels serve as a route for U uptake. Last, we showed that U bioaccumulation in Arabidopsis mutants deficient for the Ca2+-permeable channels MCA1 and ANN1 is decreased by 40%. This suggests that MCA1 and ANN1 contribute to the absorption of U in different zones and cell layers of the root. Together, our results describe for the first time the involvement of Ca2+-permeable cation channels in the cellular uptake of U.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon C M Sarthou
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Fabienne Devime
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Célia Baggio
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Figuet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Claude Alban
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Stéphane Ravanel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Revel B, Catty P, Ravanel S, Bourguignon J, Alban C. High-affinity iron and calcium transport pathways are involved in U(VI) uptake in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 422:126894. [PMID: 34416697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126894] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) is a naturally-occurring radionuclide that is toxic for all living organisms. To date, the mechanisms of U uptake are far from being understood. Here we provide a direct characterization of the transport machineries capable of transporting U, using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a unicellular eukaryote model. First, we evidenced a metabolism-dependent U transport in yeast. Then, competition experiments with essential metals allowed us to identify calcium, iron and copper entry pathways as potential routes for U uptake. The analysis of various metal transport mutants revealed that mutant affected in calcium (mid1Δ and cch1Δ) and Fe(III) (ftr1Δ) transport, exhibited highly reduced U uptake rates and accumulation, demonstrating the implication of the calcium channel Mid1/Cch1 and the iron permease Ftr1 in U uptake. Finally, expression of the Mid1 gene into the mid1Δ mutant restored U uptake levels of the wild type strain, underscoring the central role of the Mid1/Cch1 calcium channel in U absorption process in yeast. Our results also open up the opportunity for rapid screening of U-transporter candidates by functional expression in yeast, before their validation in more complex higher eukaryote model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Revel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INRAE, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice Catty
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, LCBM, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphane Ravanel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INRAE, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Claude Alban
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INRAE, CNRS, IRIG, LPCV, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Y, Liu X, Xie Y, Chen B, Zhang Y. Effective and rapid adsorption of uranium via synergy of complexation and cation-π interaction. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
12
|
Velasco CA, Brearley AJ, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Ali AMS, Meza MI, Cabaniss SE, Thomson BM, Forbes TZ, Lezama Pacheco JS, Cerrato JM. From Adsorption to Precipitation of U(VI): What is the Role of pH and Natural Organic Matter? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:16246-16256. [PMID: 34797046 PMCID: PMC8680647 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated interfacial reactions of U(VI) in the presence of Suwannee River natural organic matter (NOM) at acidic and neutral pH. Laboratory batch experiments show that the adsorption and precipitation of U(VI) in the presence of NOM occur at pH 2 and pH 4, while the aqueous complexation of U by dissolved organic matter is favored at pH 7, preventing its precipitation. Spectroscopic analyses indicate that U(VI) is mainly adsorbed to the particulate organic matter at pH 4. However, U(VI)-bearing ultrafine to nanocrystalline solids were identified at pH 4 by electron microscopy. This study shows the promotion of U(VI) precipitation by NOM at low pH which may be relevant to the formation of mineralized deposits, radioactive waste repositories, wetlands, and other U- and organic-rich environmental systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen A Velasco
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian J Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - María Isabel Meza
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Stephen E Cabaniss
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Bruce M Thomson
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Tori Z Forbes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Juan S Lezama Pacheco
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen L, Liu J, Zhang W, Zhou J, Luo D, Li Z. Uranium (U) source, speciation, uptake, toxicity and bioremediation strategies in soil-plant system: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 413:125319. [PMID: 33582470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium(U), a highly toxic radionuclide, is becoming a great threat to soil health development, as returning nuclear waste containing U into the soil systems is increased. Numerous studies have focused on: i) tracing the source in U contaminated soils; ii) exploring U geochemistry; and iii) assessing U phyto-uptake and its toxicity to plants. Yet, there are few literature reviews that systematically summarized the U in soil-plant system in past decade. Thus, we present its source, geochemical behavior, uptake, toxicity, detoxification, and bioremediation strategies based on available data, especially published from 2018 to 2021. In this review, we examine processes that can lead to the soil U contamination, indicating that mining activities are currently the main sources. We discuss the relationship between U bioavailability in the soil-plant system and soil conditions including redox potential, soil pH, organic matter, and microorganisms. We then review the soil-plant transfer of U, finding that U mainly accumulates in roots with a quite limited translocation. However, plants such as willow, water lily, and sesban are reported to translocate high U levels from roots to aerial parts. Indeed, U does not possess any identified biological role, but provokes numerous deleterious effects such as reducing seed germination, inhibiting plant growth, depressing photosynthesis, interfering with nutrient uptake, as well as oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Yet, plants tolerate U toxicity via various defense strategies including antioxidant enzymes, compartmentalization, and phytochelatin. Moreover, we review two biological remediation strategies for U-contaminated soil: (i) phytoremediation and (ii) microbial remediation. They are quite low-cost and eco-friendly compared with traditional physical or chemical remediation technologies. Finally, we conclude some promising research challenges regarding U biogeochemical behavior in soil-plant systems. This review, thus, further indicates that the combined application of U low accumulators and microbial inoculants may be an effective strategy for the bioremediation of U-contaminated soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Western China Grassland Industry; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Jinrong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Western China Grassland Industry; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China.
| | - Weixiong Zhang
- Third Institute Geological and Mineral Exploration of Gansu Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, PR China
| | - Jiqiang Zhou
- Gansu Nonferrous Engineering Exploration & Design Research Institute, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu, PR China
| | - Danqi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems; Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, Gansu Tech Innovation Center of Western China Grassland Industry; College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Zimin Li
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Earth and Life Institute, Soil Science, Louvain-La-Neuve 1348, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
DeVore CL, Hayek EE, Busch T, Long B, Mann M, Rudgers JA, Ali AMS, Howard T, Spilde MN, Brearley A, Ducheneaux C, Cerrato JM. Arsenic Accumulation in Hydroponically Grown Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Amended with Root-Colonizing Endophytes. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2021; 5:1278-1287. [PMID: 34308092 PMCID: PMC8302048 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We integrated microscopy, spectroscopy, culturing and molecular biology, and aqueous chemistry techniques to evaluate arsenic (As) accumulation in hydroponically grown Schizachyrium scoparium inoculated with endophytic fungi. Schizachyrium scoparium grows in historically contaminated sediment in the Cheyenne River Watershed and was used for laboratory experiments with As(V) ranging from 0 to 2.5 mg L-1 at circumneutral pH. Arsenic accumulation in regional plants has been a community concern for several decades, yet mechanisms affecting As accumulation in plants associated with endophytic fungi remain poorly understood. Colonization of roots by endophytic fungi supported better external and vascular cellular structure, increased biomass production, increased root lengths and increased P uptake, compared to noninoculated plants (p value <0.05). After exposure to As(V), an 80% decrease of As was detected in solution and accumulated mainly in the roots (0.82-13.44 mg kg-1) of noninoculated plants. Endophytic fungi mediated intracellular uptake into root cells and translocation of As. Electron microprobe X-ray mapping analyses detected Ca-P and Mg-P minerals with As on the root surface of exposed plants, suggesting that these minerals could lead to As adsorption on the root surface through surface complexation or coprecipitation. Our findings provide new insights regarding biological and physical-chemical processes affecting As accumulation in plants for risk assessment applications and bioremediation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cherie L DeVore
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States; Present Address: Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States; Present Address: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Taylor Busch
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Benson Long
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael Mann
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Jennifer A Rudgers
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Tamara Howard
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael N Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Carlyle Ducheneaux
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, South Dakota 57625, United States
| | - Josée M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jessat J, Sachs S, Moll H, John W, Steudtner R, Hübner R, Bok F, Stumpf T. Bioassociation of U(VI) and Eu(III) by Plant ( Brassica napus) Suspension Cell Cultures-A Spectroscopic Investigation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:6718-6728. [PMID: 33929840 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the interaction of U(VI) and Eu(III) with Brassica napus suspension plant cells as a model system. Concentration-dependent (0-200 μM) bioassociation experiments showed that more than 75% of U(VI) and Eu(III) were immobilized by the cells. In addition to this phenomenon, time-dependent studies for 1 to 72 h of exposure showed a multistage bioassociation process for cells that were exposed to 200 μM U(VI), where, after initial immobilization of U(VI) within 1 h of exposure, it was released back into the culture medium starting within 24 h. A remobilization to this extent has not been previously observed. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to correlate the bioassociation behavior of Eu and U with the cell vitality. Speciation studies by spectroscopy and in silico methods highlighted various U and Eu species over the course of exposure. We were able to observe a new U species, which emerged simultaneously with the remobilization of U back into the solution, which we assume to be a U(VI) phosphate species. Thus, the interaction of U(VI) and Eu(III) with released plant metabolites could be concluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Jessat
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Sachs
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Henry Moll
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Warren John
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Steudtner
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - René Hübner
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Bok
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stumpf
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Burger A, Weidinger M, Baumann N, Vesely A, Lichtscheidl I. The response of the accumulator plants Noccaea caerulescens, Noccaea goesingense and Plantago major towards the uranium. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 229-230:106544. [PMID: 33556790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106544] [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: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) is a naturally occurring metal; its environmental levels can be increased due to processes in the nuclear industry and fertilizer production. The transfer of U in the food chain from plants is associated with deleterious chemical and radiation effects. To date, limited information is available about U toxicity on plant physiology. This study investigates the responses of metal-accumulating plants to different concentrations of U. The plants Noccaea caerulescens and Noccaea goesingense are known as metal hyperaccumulators and therefore could serve as candidates for the phytoremediation of radioactive hotspots; Plantago major is a widely used pharmaceutical plant that pioneers polluted grounds and therefore should not contain high concentrations of toxic elements. The experimental plants were grown hydroponically at U concentrations between 1 μM and 10 mM. The content of U and essential elements was analyzed in roots and leaves by ICP-MS. The amount of accumulated U was influenced by its concentration in the hydroponics. Roots contained most of the metal, whereas less was transported up to the leaves, with the exception of N. goesingense in a medium concentration of U. U also influenced the nutrient profile of the plants. We localized the U in plant tissues using EDX in the SEM. U was evenly distributed in roots and leaves of Noccaea species, with one exception in the roots of N. goesingense, where the central cylinder contained more U than the cortex. The toxicity of U was assessed by measuring growth and photosynthetic parameters. While root biomass of N. caerulescens was not affected by U, root biomass of N. goesingense decreased significantly at high U concentrations of 0.1 and 10 mM and root biomass of P. major decreased at 10 mM U. Dry weight of leaves was decreased at different U concentrations in the three plant species; a promotive effect was observed in N. caerulescens at lowest concentration offered. Chlorophyll a fluorescence was not affected or negatively affected by U in both Noccaea species, whereas in Plantago also positive effects were observed. Our results show that the impact of U on Plantago and Noccaea relates to its external concentration and to the plant species. When growing in contaminated areas, P. major should not be used for medicinal purpose. Noccaea species and P. major could immobilize U in their rhizosphere in hotspots contaminated by U, and they could extract limited amounts of U into their leaves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burger
- Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marieluise Weidinger
- Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nils Baumann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Vesely
- Nuclear Engineering Seibersdorf GmbH, 2444, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Irene Lichtscheidl
- Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shang C, Reiller PE. The determination of the thermodynamic constants of MgUO 2(CO 3) 32- complex in NaClO 4 and NaCl media by time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy, and applications in different geochemical contexts. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:4363-4379. [PMID: 33693449 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt04124f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The formation constants and specific ion interaction coefficients of MgUO2(CO3)32- complex were determined in 0.1 to 1.0 mol kgw-1 NaCl and 0.10 to 2.21 mol kgw-1 NaClO4 media in the framework of the specific ion interaction theory (SIT), by time-resolved laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy. The upper limits of ionic strength were chosen in order to limit luminescence quenching effects generated by high concentrations of Cl- and ClO4- already observed during our earlier studies on CanUO2(CO3)3(4-2n)- complexes (Shang & Reiller, Dalton Trans., 49, 466; Shang et al., Dalton Trans., 49, 15443). The cumulative formation constant determined is , and the specific ion interaction coefficients are ε(MgUO2(CO3)32-, Na+) = 0.19 ± 0.11 kgw mol-1 in NaClO4 and ε(MgUO2(CO3)32-, Na+) = 0.09 ± 0.16 kgw mol-1 in NaCl. Two gratings of 300 and 1800 lines per mm were used to acquire MgUO2(CO3)32- luminescence spectra, where the high-resolution 1800 lines per mm grating detected slight spectral shifts for the principal luminescent bands relative to CanUO2(CO3)3(4-2n)-. The applications of the consistent set of thermodynamic constants and ε values for MnUO2(CO3)3(4-2n)- (M = Mg and Ca) were examined in different geochemical contexts, where Mg over Ca concentration ratio varies to help defining the relative importance of these species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengming Shang
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Études Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette CEDEX, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rajabi F, Jessat J, Garimella JN, Bok F, Steudtner R, Stumpf T, Sachs S. Uranium(VI) toxicity in tobacco BY-2 cell suspension culture - A physiological study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 211:111883. [PMID: 33454591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, the physiological and cellular responses of Nicotiana tabacum (BY-2) cells to uranium (U) as an abiotic stressor were studied using a multi-analytic approach that combined biochemical analysis, thermodynamic modeling and spectroscopic studies. The goal of this investigation was to determine the U threshold toxicity in tobacco BY-2 cells, the influence of U on the homeostasis of micro-macro essential nutrients, as well as the effect of Fe starvation on U bioassociation in cultured BY-2 cells. Our findings demonstrated that U interferes with the homeostasis of essential elements. The interaction of U with BY-2 cells confirmed both time- and concentration-dependent kinetics. Under Fe deficiency, a reduced level of U was detected in the cells compared to Fe-sufficient conditions. Interestingly, blocking the Ca channels with gadolinium chloride caused a decrease in U concentration in the BY-2 cells. Spectroscopic studies evidenced changes in the U speciation in the culture media with increasing exposure time under both Fe-sufficient and deficient conditions, leading us to conclude that different stress response reactions are related to Fe metabolism. Moreover, it is suggested that U toxicity in BY-2 cells is highly dependent on the existence of other micro-macro elements as shown by negative synergistic effects of U and Fe on cell viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rajabi
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jenny Jessat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jawaharlal Nehru Garimella
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Bok
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Steudtner
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stumpf
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Sachs
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rodriguez-Freire L, DeVore CL, El Hayek E, Berti D, Ali AMS, Lezama Pacheco JS, Blake JM, Spilde MN, Brearley AJ, Artyushkova K, Cerrato JM. Emerging investigator series: entrapment of uranium-phosphorus nanocrystals inside root cells of Tamarix plants from a mine waste site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:73-85. [PMID: 33325952 PMCID: PMC8479813 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00306a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the mechanisms of uranium (U) uptake by Tamarix (salt cedars) growing along the Rio Paguate, which flows throughout the Jackpile mine near Pueblo de Laguna, New Mexico. Tamarix were selected for this study due to the detection of U in the roots and shoots of field collected plants (0.6-58.9 mg kg-1), presenting an average bioconcentration factor greater than 1. Synchrotron-based micro X-ray fluorescence analyses of plant roots collected from the field indicate that the accumulation of U occurs in the cortex of the root. The mechanisms for U accumulation in the roots of Tamarix were further investigated in controlled-laboratory experiments where living roots of field plants were macerated for 24 h or 2 weeks in a solution containing 100 μM U. The U concentration in the solution decreased 36-59% after 24 h, and 49-65% in two weeks. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses detected U precipitation in the root cell walls near the xylems of the roots, confirming the initial results from the field samples. High-resolution TEM was used to study the U fate inside the root cells, and needle-like U-P nanocrystals, with diameter <7 nm, were found entrapped inside vacuoles in cells. EXAFS shell-by-shell fitting suggest that U is associated with carbon functional groups. The preferable binding of U to the root cell walls may explain the U retention in the roots of Tamarix, followed by U-P crystal precipitation, and pinocytotic active transport and cellular entrapment. This process resulted in a limited translocation of U to the shoots in Tamarix plants. This study contributes to better understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms affecting the U uptake and accumulation by plants growing near contaminated sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rodriguez-Freire
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
| | - Cherie L DeVore
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Debora Berti
- Oceanography Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Juan S Lezama Pacheco
- Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Johanna M Blake
- Department of Chemistry, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA and U.S. Geological Survey, 6700 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113, USA
| | - Michael N Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Adrian J Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Kateryna Artyushkova
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shang C, Reiller PE, Vercouter T. Spectroluminescence measurements of the stability constants of Ca nUO 2(CO 3) 3(4-2n)- complexes in NaClO 4 medium and the investigation of interaction effects. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:15443-15460. [PMID: 33140787 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt03164j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The stability constants of ternary calcium uranyl tricarbonate complexes, CaUO2(CO3)32- and Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq), were determined in NaClO4 medium at various ionic strengths using time-resolved laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy (TRLS) - also known as time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). As in a previous study, the potential precipitation of schoepite (UO3·2H2O) and calcite (CaCO3) was avoided via titration of the triscarbonatouranyl complex with Ca2+ at varying pH values. The Ringböm coefficients relative to UO2(CO3)34- were individually evaluated under test sample conditions. Steadily enhanced luminescence intensity and increased decay-times were representative of complexation processes. The stoichiometry of calcium was quantified by slope analysis, and its measured intensity was corrected by using the corresponding Ringböm coefficient. The conditional formation constants, i.e. log10 Kn.1.3, were then assessed after rounding off the slope values to their nearest integers. Cumulative formation constants at infinite dilution log10 β°n.1.3, and specific ion interaction parameters ε were determined based on the experimental origin and slope values, respectively, over the range of 0.1-2.46 mol kgw-1 NaClO4 using the specific ion interaction theory (SIT) approach. The cumulative stability constants are log10 β°(CaUO2(CO3)32-) = 27.26 ± 0.04 and log10 β°(Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq)) = 30.53 ± 0.06. The specific ion interaction coefficients are estimated to be ε(CaUO2(CO3)32-,Na+) = (0.02 ± 0.04) kgw mol-1 and ε(Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq),NaClO4) = (0.18 ± 0.07) kgw mol-1. These latter values are different from the ones that were previously obtained in NaCl, and underlying causes are discussed from different aspects. This work provides valuable information to address the interaction effects between Ca-UO2-CO3 species and 1 : 1 type electrolytes. It is suggested that the affinity of the cation in a background electrolyte with CanUO2(CO3)3(4-2n)- (n = {1;2}) has to be taken into consideration at high ionic strengths, especially for globally non-charged species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengming Shang
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Études Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette CEDEX, France.
| | - Pascal E Reiller
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Études Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette CEDEX, France.
| | - Thomas Vercouter
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Études Analytiques et de Réactivité des Surfaces (SEARS), F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette CEDEX, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moll H, Sachs S, Geipel G. Plant cell (Brassica napus) response to europium(III) and uranium(VI) exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:32048-32061. [PMID: 32504441 PMCID: PMC7392935 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Experiments conducted over a period of 6 weeks using Brassica napus callus cells grown in vitro under Eu(III) or U(VI) stress showed that B. napus cells were able to bioassociate both potentially toxic metals (PTM), 628 nmol Eu/gfresh cells and 995 nmol U/gfresh cells. Most of the Eu(III) and U(VI) was found to be enriched in the cell wall fraction. Under high metal stress (200 μM), cells responded with reduced cell viability and growth. Subsequent speciation analyses using both metals as luminescence probes confirmed that B. napus callus cells provided multiple-binding environments for Eu(III) and U(VI). Moreover, two different inner-sphere Eu3+ species could be distinguished. For U(VI), a dominant binding by organic and/or inorganic phosphate groups of the plant biomass can be concluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Moll
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Susanne Sachs
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerhard Geipel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pentyala VB, Eapen S. High efficiency phytoextraction of uranium using Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2020; 22:1137-1146. [PMID: 32212968 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2020.1741506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Uranium uptake, translocation and its effects on leaf anatomy in vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash) grown in hydroponics were investigated at a wide range of concentrations. At concentrations below 200 ppm (1, 5, 25, 100, and 200 ppm) almost 90-95% of uranium was depleted from the medium within 3 days of treatment, while at other concentrations viz., at 318, 500, 619, 1,000, 5,000, 7,500, and 11,900 ppm, it reached a maximum between 7 and 14 days, with a marginal increase in the depletion thereafter. Most of the uranium could be recovered from plants at concentrations below 200 ppm. On the contrary, a significant reduction in the recovery of uranium was noticed at higher concentrations and the percentage of recovery dropped from 82% at 318 ppm to 35% at 11,900 ppm. While most of the uranium taken up by the plants could be recovered from roots at lower concentrations, a preferential translocation of the element to shoot occurred at concentrations beyond 1,000 ppm. Histological studies of leaves from plants treated with 1,000 ppm uranium displayed the formation of multilayered cells between the epidermis and vascular bundles on the adaxial side in the distal regions of the leaves. The plants were also found to tolerate and survive the radiological and chemical constituents of both uranium mill tailings soil as well as various effluents of uranium mine and mill operations. Further, they could also survive in uranium ore containing 600 ppm of triuranium octoxide (U3O8) and could withstand the amendment of ore with citric acid. The ability of vetiver to take up uranium from solutions to high levels and its survival in effluents, mill tailings soil, and ore coupled with its ecological characteristics makes it an ideal plant for phytoextraction of uranium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venu-Babu Pentyala
- Plant Biotechnology and Secondary Metabolites Section, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Susan Eapen
- Plant Biotechnology and Secondary Products Section, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gupta DK, Vuković A, Semenishchev VS, Inouhe M, Walther C. Uranium accumulation and its phytotoxicity symptoms in Pisum sativum L. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:3513-3522. [PMID: 31836983 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by uranium (U) and other radionuclides is a serious problem worldwide, especially due to, e.g. mining activities. Ultimate accumulation of released U in aquatic systems and soils represent an escalating problem for all living organisms. In order to investigate U uptake and its toxic effects on Pisum sativum L., pea plantlets were hydroponically grown and treated with different concentrations of U. Five days after exposure to 25 and 50 μM U, P. sativum roots accumulated 2327.5 and 5559.16 mg kg-1 of U, respectively, while in shoots concentrations were 11.16 and 12.16 mg kg-1, respectively. Plants exposed to both U concentrations showed reduced biomass of shoots and reduced content of photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll and carotenoids) relative to control. As a biomarker of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined, while antioxidative response was determined by catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities as well as cysteine (Cys) and non-protein thiol (NP-SH) concentrations, both in roots and shoots. Both U treatments significantly increased LPO levels in roots and shoots, with the highest level recorded at 50 μM U, 50.38% in shoots and 59.9% in roots relative to control. U treatment reduced GR activity in shoots, while CAT activity was increased only in roots upon treatment with 25 μM U. In pea roots, cysteine content was significantly increased upon treatment with both U concentrations, for 19.8 and 25.5%, respectively, compared to control plants, while NP-SH content was not affected by the applied U. This study showed significant impact of U on biomass production and biochemical markers of phytotoxicity in P. sativum, indicating presence of oxidative stress and cellular redox imbalance in roots and shoots. Obtained tissue-specific response to U treatment showed higher sensitivity of shoots compared to roots. Much higher accumulation of U in pea roots compared to shoots implies potential role of this species in phytoremediation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra K Gupta
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, Aliganj, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi, 110003, India.
- Institut für Radioökologie und Strahlenschutz (IRS), Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ana Vuković
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vladimir S Semenishchev
- Radiochemistry and Applied Ecology Department, Ural Federal University, Physical Technology Institute, Mira Str, 19, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Masahiro Inouhe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Clemens Walther
- Institut für Radioökologie und Strahlenschutz (IRS), Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Straße 2, 30419, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hayek EE, Brearley AJ, Howard T, Hudson P, Torres C, Spilde MN, Cabaniss S, Ali AMS, Cerrato JM. Calcium in Carbonate Water Facilitates the Transport of U(VI) in Brassica juncea Roots and Enables Root-to-Shoot Translocation. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2019; 3:2190-2196. [PMID: 31742240 PMCID: PMC6859903 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.9b00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The role of calcium (Ca) on the cellular distribution of U(VI) in Brassica juncea roots and root-to-shoot translocation was investigated using hydroponic experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy. Uranium accumulated mainly in the roots (727-9376 mg kg-1) after 30 days of exposure to 80 μM dissolved U in water containing 1 mM HCO3 - at different Ca concentrations (0-6 mM) at pH 7.5. However, the concentration of U in the shoots increased 22 times in experiments with 6 mM Ca compared to 0 mM Ca. In the Ca control experiment, transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy analyses detected U-P-bearing precipitates in the cortical apoplast of parenchyma cells. In experiments with 0.3 mM Ca, U-P-bearing precipitates were detected in the cortical apoplast and the bordered pits of xylem cells. In experiments with 6 mM Ca, U-P-bearing precipitates aggregated in the xylem with no apoplastic precipitation. These results indicate that Ca in carbonate water inhibits the transport and precipitation of U in the root cortical apoplast and facilitates the symplastic transport and translocation toward shoots. These findings reveal the considerable role of Ca in the presence of carbonate in facilitating the transport of U in plants and present new insights for future assessment and phytoremediation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2060, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian J. Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2040, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Tamara Howard
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, MSC08 4750, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Patrick Hudson
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Chris Torres
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1120, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael N. Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2040, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Stephen Cabaniss
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2060, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2040, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - José M. Cerrato
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Avasarala S, Torres C, Ali AMS, Thomson BM, Spilde MN, Peterson EJ, Artyushkova K, Dobrica E, Lezama-Pacheco JS, Cerrato JM. Effect of Bicarbonate and Oxidizing Conditions on U(IV) and U(VI) Reactivity in Mineralized Deposits of New Mexico. CHEMICAL GEOLOGY 2019; 524:345-355. [PMID: 31406388 PMCID: PMC6690612 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of bicarbonate and oxidizing agents on uranium (U) reactivity and subsequent dissolution of U(IV) and U(VI) mineral phases in the mineralized deposits from Jackpile mine, Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico, by integrating laboratory experiments with spectroscopy, microscopy and diffraction techniques. Uranium concentration in solid samples from mineralized deposit obtained for this study exceeded 7000 mg kg-1, as determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Results from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggest the coexistence of U(VI) and U(IV) at a ratio of 19:1 at the near surface region of unreacted solid samples. Analyses made using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microprobe detected the presence of coffinite (USiO4) and uranium-phosphorous-potassium (U-P-K) mineral phases. Imaging, mapping and spectroscopy results from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) indicate that the U-P-K phases were encapsulated by carbon. Despite exposing the solid samples to strong oxidizing conditions, the highest aqueous U concentrations were measured from samples reacted with 100% air saturated 10 mM NaHCO3 solution, at pH 7.5. Analyses using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) indicate that all the U(IV) in these solid samples were oxidized to U(VI) after reaction with dissolved oxygen and hypochlorite (OCl-) in the presence of bicarbonate (HCO3 -). The reaction between these organic rich deposits, and 100% air saturated bicarbonate solution (containing dissolved oxygen), can result in considerable mobilization of U in water, which has relevance to the U concentrations observed at the Rio Paguate across the Jackpile mine. Results from this investigation provide insights on the reactivity of carbon encapsulated U-phases under mild and strong oxidizing conditions that have important implication in U recovery, remediation and risk exposure assessment of sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumant Avasarala
- Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Chris Torres
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Bruce M. Thomson
- Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Michael N. Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Eric J. Peterson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Kateryna Artyushkova
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Elena Dobrica
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | | | - José M. Cerrato
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Velasco CA, Artyushkova K, Ali AMS, Osburn CL, Gonzalez-Estrella J, Lezama-Pacheco JS, Cabaniss SE, Cerrato JM. Organic Functional Group Chemistry in Mineralized Deposits Containing U(IV) and U(VI) from the Jackpile Mine in New Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:5758-5767. [PMID: 30998849 PMCID: PMC6557721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the functional group chemistry of natural organic matter (NOM) associated with both U(IV) and U(VI) in solids from mineralized deposits exposed to oxidizing conditions from the Jackpile Mine, Laguna Pueblo, NM. The uranium (U) content in unreacted samples was 0.44-2.6% by weight determined by X-ray fluorescence. In spite of prolonged exposure to ambient oxidizing conditions, ≈49% of U(IV) and ≈51% of U(VI) were identified on U LIII edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra. Loss on ignition and thermogravimetric analyses identified from 13% to 44% of NOM in the samples. Carbonyl, phenolic, and carboxylic functional groups in the unreacted samples were identified by fitting of high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) C 1s and O 1s spectra. Peaks corresponding to phenolic and carbonyl functional groups had intensities higher than those corresponding to carboxylic groups in samples from the supernatant from batch extractions conducted at pH 13, 7, and 2. U(IV) and U(VI) species were detected in the supernatant after batch extractions conducted under oxidizing conditions by fitting of high-resolution XPS U 4f spectra. The outcomes from this study highlight the importance of the influence of pH on the organic functional group chemistry and U speciation in mineralized deposits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen A. Velasco
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Kateryna Artyushkova
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Christopher L. Osburn
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Juan S. Lezama-Pacheco
- Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Stephen E. Cabaniss
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - José M. Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Corresponding Author. Telephone: (001) (505) 277-0870. Fax: (001) (505) 277-1918
| |
Collapse
|