1
|
Xie T, Qian T, Lian B, Chen C, Liang P, Liu X, Li T, Wang T, Chen K, Zhang A, Zhu J. Research on leaching behavior of uranium from a uranium tailing and its adsorption behavior in geotechnical media. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 353:120207. [PMID: 38281428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120207] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The release of uranium from uranium tailings into the aqueous environment is a complex process controlled by a series of interacting geochemical reactions. In this paper, uranium tailings from a uranium tailings pond in southern China were collected at different depths by means of borehole sampling and mixed to analyze the fugacity state of U. Static leaching experiments of U at different pH, oxidant concentration and solid-to-liquid ratios and dynamic leaching experiments of U at different pH were carried out, and the adsorption and desorption behaviour of U in five representative stratigraphic media were investigated. The results show that U is mainly present in the residue state in uranium tailings, that U release is strong in the lower pH range, that the leached U is mainly in the form of U(VI), mainly from the water-soluble, Fe/Mn oxides and exchangeable fraction of uranium tailings, and that the reduction in U leaching at higher pH is mainly due to the combined effect of precipitation formation and larger particle size of platelets in uranium tailings. Experiments with different oxidant concentrations and solid-liquid ratios showed that the oxygen-enriched state and low solid-liquid ratios were favorable for the leaching of U from uranium tailings. Adsorption and desorption experiments show that U is weakly adsorbed in representative strata, reversibly adsorbed, and that U is highly migratory in groundwater. The present research results have important guiding significance for the management of existing uranium tailings ponds and the control of U migration in groundwater, which is conducive to ensuring the long-term safety, stability and sustainability of uranium mining sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Xie
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China; China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Tianwei Qian
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
| | - Bing Lian
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Chao Chen
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Pengliang Liang
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Xiaona Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China
| | - Ting Li
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Ting Wang
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Ke Chen
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Aiming Zhang
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, China; School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caño A, Suárez-Navarro JA, Puertas F, Fernández-Jiménez A, Alonso MDM. New Approach to Determine the Activity Concentration Index in Cements, Fly Ashes, and Slags on the Basis of Their Chemical Composition. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2677. [PMID: 37048970 PMCID: PMC10095990 DOI: 10.3390/ma16072677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The manufacture of Portland cement entails high energy and environmental costs, and various solutions have been implemented in recent years to mitigate this negative impact. These solutions include improvements in the manufacture of cement clinker or the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash (FA) or slag as a replacement for a portion of the clinker in cement. The incorporation of these SCMs in cement may increase its radiological content as they are naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). The Activity Concentration Index (ACI) is a screening tool established in the European EURATOM Directive 2013/59 to determine the radiation protection suitability of a final construction material. The ACI is determined by the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, usually determined by gamma spectrometry. The methodology of gamma spectrometry is accurate and appropriate, but this technique is not available in all laboratories. For this reason, and taking into account that there is a relationship between the chemical and radiological composition of these building materials, a new approach is proposed to determine the radiological content of these materials from a chemical analysis such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA) is used to establish the relationships between the chemical composition and radiological content of cements, FAs, and slags of different natures. Through PCA it was possible to group the cements based on two variables: CaO content and Fe2O3-Al2O3-TiO2 content. A lower correlation was observed for the FAs and slags, as the sample scores were centered around the origin of the coordinates and showed greater dispersion than the cements. The clusters obtained in the HJ-Biplots allowed the determination, using multiple regression, of models relating the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th (212Pb), and 40K to the oxide percentages obtained for the three matrices studied. The models were validated using five cements, one FA and one slag with relative percentage deviations (RSD(%)) equal to or less than 30% for 89% of the activity concentrations and 100% of the ACI determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Caño
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Suárez-Navarro
- Environmental Radioactivity and Radiological Monitoring Unit (URAyVR), Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avda Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Puertas
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Jiménez
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - María del Mar Alonso
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aeppli M, Schladow G, Lezama Pacheco JS, Fendorf S. Iron Reduction in Profundal Sediments of Ultraoligotrophic Lake Tahoe under Oxygen-Limited Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1529-1537. [PMID: 36633549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increased periods of bottom water anoxia in deep temperate lakes due to decreasing frequency and depth of water column mixing in a warming climate may result in the reductive dissolution of iron minerals and increased flux of nutrients from the sediment into the water column. Here, we assessed the sediment properties and reactivities under depleted oxygen concentrations of Lake Tahoe, a deep ultraoligotrophic lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Using whole-core incubation experiments, we found that a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration in the top 2 cm of the sediment resulted in an extension of the microbial iron reduction zone from below 4.5 to below 1.5 cm depth. Concentrations of reactive iron generally decreased with sediment depth, and microbial iron reduction seemingly ceased as concentrations of Fe(II) approximated concentrations of reactive iron. These findings suggest that microorganisms preferentially utilized reactive iron and/or iron minerals became less reactive due to mineral transformation and surface passivation. The estimated release of iron mineral-associated phosphorus is not expected to change Lake Tahoe's trophic state but will likely contribute to increased phytoplankton productivity if mixed into surface waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meret Aeppli
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California94305, United States
- School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Vaud1015, Switzerland
| | - Geoffrey Schladow
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Davis, Davis, California95616, United States
- UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Incline Village, Nevada89451, United States
| | - Juan S Lezama Pacheco
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California94305, United States
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California94025, United States
| | - Scott Fendorf
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California94305, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu Y, Wu S, Nguyen TAH, Chan TS, Lu YR, Huang L. Biochar mediated uranium immobilization in magnetite rich Cu tailings subject to organic matter amendment and native plant colonization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 427:127860. [PMID: 34823947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organic matter (OM) amendments and plant colonization can accelerate mineral weathering and soil formation in metal mine tailings for ecological rehabilitation. However, the weathering effects may dissolve uranium (U)-bearing minerals (e.g., ianthinite) and increase U dissolution in porewater and seepages. The present study aimed to characterize the U solubility and distribution among different fractions and investigate if biochar (BC) could decrease soluble U levels and facilitate U immobilization in the OM-amended and plant-colonized tailings. A native plant species, Red Flinders grass (Iseilema vaginiflorum) was cultivated in the tailings for four weeks, which were amended with sugarcane residue (SR) with or without BC addition. The results showed that OM amendment and plant colonization increased porewater U concentrations by almost 10 folds from ~ 0.2 mg L-1 to > 2.0 mg L-1. The BC addition decreased porewater U concentrations by 40%. Further micro-spectroscopic analysis revealed that U was immobilized through adsorption onto BC porous surfaces, via possibly complexing with oxygen-rich organic groups. Besides, the BC amendment facilitated U sequestration by secondary Fe minerals in the tailings. These findings provide important information about U biogeochemistry in Cu-tailings mediated by BC, OM and rhizosphere interactions for mitigating potential pollution risks of tailings rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunjia Liu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Songlin Wu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Tuan A H Nguyen
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ting-Shan Chan
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30078, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Rui Lu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30078, Taiwan
| | - Longbin Huang
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang J, Zhou W, Shi Y, Li Y, Xian D, Guo N, Liu C. Uranium sorption on oxyhydroxide minerals by surface complexation and precipitation. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
7
|
Brix K, Baur S, Haben A, Kautenburger R. Building the bridge between U(VI) and Ca-bentonite - Influence of concentration, ionic strength, pH, clay composition and competing ions. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131445. [PMID: 34265724 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131445] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the context of a high-level nuclear waste disposal, the retention of U(VI) on non-pre-treated Ca-bentonite as potential technical barrier is studied. The objective of this study is to reveal the retention behaviour of U(VI) under extreme geochemical conditions, such as hyperalkaline pH range as well as high salinity at the same time, and taking into account other relevant parameters. This should lead to a better understanding of necessary safety precautions for avoiding a release of U(VI) in the environment. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the initial U(VI) concentration, salinity, pH value, clay composition and the presence of other elements (Ca(II), I-, Cs(I), Eu(III)). After the sorption experiments, the remaining U(VI) concentration in solution was determined via mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. U(VI) can be immobilised from 10% to 100% under all investigated conditions. Precipitation plays a role in the U(VI) retention but only at higher concentrations (≥10-5 mol L-1). The retention is reversible especially with decreasing pH (<10.5) as the aquo complex Ca2UO2(CO3)3(aq) is formed. Ca(II) strongly enhances the U(VI) adsorption onto Ca-bentonite in the hyperalkaline pH range, probably due to the formation of Ca(II)-bridges. The best retention could be observed on natural bentonite compared to pure montmorillonite and altered bentonite. From a waste cocktail containing important elements of the repository inventory (Cs(I), Eu(III), U(VI) and iodide), only Eu(III) as homologous element to trivalent actinoids competes with U(VI) for binding sites, especially at low metal concentrations, but also facilitates the precipitation at higher concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Brix
- Institute of Inorganic Solid State Chemistry - WASTe-Elemental Analysis Group, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Sandra Baur
- Institute of Inorganic Solid State Chemistry - WASTe-Elemental Analysis Group, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Aaron Haben
- Institute of Inorganic Solid State Chemistry - WASTe-Elemental Analysis Group, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ralf Kautenburger
- Institute of Inorganic Solid State Chemistry - WASTe-Elemental Analysis Group, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dumpala RMR, Boda A, Srivastava A, Kumar P, Rawat N, Ali SM. Aquatic interaction of uranium with two naturally ubiquitous pyrazine compounds: Speciation studies by experiment and theory. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 249:126116. [PMID: 32058132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present studies interpret the speciation of uranyl (UO22+) with the most ubiquitous class of natural species named pyrazines in terms of stability, speciation and its identification, thermodynamics, spectral properties determined by a range of experimental techniques and further evidenced by theoretical insights. UO22+ forms ML and ML2 kind of species with a qualitative detection of ML3 species, while the ESI-MS identified the formation of all the complexes including ML3. Both the ligands act as bidentate chelators with a difference in ring size and coordinating atoms in the complex formed. The ML3 complexes involve the third ligand participation as monodentate via carboxylate only due to the restricted coordination number and space around the UO22+ ion to accommodate three ligand molecules in its primary coordination sphere. All the complexes are found to be endothermic and purely entropy driven formations. The complex formations showed redshift in the absorption spectra and the shift was further enhanced from ML to ML2 formation. The UO22+ ion redox properties are used to explore the redox potential and heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetic parameters as a function of pH and concentration of UO22+ in presence of pyrazine carboxylates. Interestingly, the cyclic voltammograms identified the ligands also as redox sensitive. The theoretical calculation gave inputs to understand the complex formation at the molecular level with major emphasis on geometry optimization, energetics, bonding parameters, molecular orbital diagrams and bond critical point analyses. The experimental observations in combination with theoretical addendum provided detailed knowledge on the interaction of UO22+ with pyrazine-2-carboxylate and pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anil Boda
- Chemical Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Ashutosh Srivastava
- Radioanalytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Pranaw Kumar
- Fuel Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Neetika Rawat
- Radioanalytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Sk Musharaf Ali
- Chemical Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gonzalez-Estrella J, Meza I, Burns AJ, Ali AMS, Lezama-Pacheco JS, Lichtner P, Shaikh N, Fendorf S, Cerrato JM. Effect of Bicarbonate, Calcium, and pH on the Reactivity of As(V) and U(VI) Mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3979-3987. [PMID: 32176846 PMCID: PMC7189768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Natural or anthropogenic processes can increase the concentration of uranium (U) and arsenic (As) above the maximum contaminant levels in water sources. Bicarbonate and calcium (Ca) can have major impacts on U speciation and can affect the reactivity between U and As. We therefore investigated the reactivity of aqueous U and As mixtures with bicarbonate and Ca for acidic and neutral pH conditions. In experiments performed with 1 mM U and As mixtures, 10 mM Ca, and without added bicarbonate (pCO2 = 3.5), aqueous U decreased to <0.25 mM at pH 3 and 7. Aqueous As decreased the most at pH 3 (∼0.125 mM). Experiments initiated with 0.005 mM As and U showed similar trends. X-ray spectroscopy (i.e., XAS and EDX) and diffraction indicated that U-As-Ca- and U-Ca-bearing solids resemble uranospinite [Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2·10H2O] and becquerelite [Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6·8(H2O)]. These findings suggest that U-As-Ca-bearing solids formed in mixed solutions are stable at pH 3. However, the dissolution of U-As-Ca and U-Ca-bearing solids at pH 7 was observed in reactors containing 10 mM bicarbonate and Ca, suggesting a kinetic reaction of aqueous uranyl-calcium-carbonate complexation. Our study provides new insights regarding U and As mobilization for risk assessment and remediation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Isabel Meza
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Annie Jane Burns
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2040, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Juan S Lezama-Pacheco
- Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Peter Lichtner
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Nabil Shaikh
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Scott Fendorf
- Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1070, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Center for Water and the Environment, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Uranium pollution status and speciation analysis in the farmland-rice system around a uranium tailings mine in southeastern China. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-06783-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
11
|
Yang J, Ge M, Jin Q, Chen Z, Guo Z. Co-transport of U(VI), humic acid and colloidal gibbsite in water-saturated porous media. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 231:405-414. [PMID: 31146132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The release of uranyl from uranium tailing sites is a widely concerned environmental issue, with limited investigations on the effect of coexistence of various colloids. Gibbsite colloids extensively exist, together with ubiquitous humic substances, in uranium polluted waters at tailing sites, due to high concentration of dissolved Al in acid mine drainage. In this context, we investigated the co-transport of U(VI), gibbsite colloids and humic acid (HA) as a function of pH and ionic strength at a U(VI) concentration (5.0 × 10-5 M) relevant within mine tailings and related waste. It was found that, owing to electrostatic attraction, gibbsite colloids and HA associated with each other and transported simultaneously regardless of U(VI) presence. Besides the impact of pH and ionic strength, whether gibbsite colloids facilitated U(VI) transport depended on HA concentration. Gibbsite colloids impeded U(VI) transport at relatively low HA concentration (≤5 mg L-1), because associated colloids loaded with U(VI) were positively charged which favored colloid retention on negatively charged quartz sand in the column. U(VI) together with gibbsite colloids and low concentration HA was completely blocked at natural pH and/or high ionic strength. At relatively high HA concentration (20 mg L-1), however, the associated colloids showed negative zeta potential which facilitated U(VI) transport because of repulsion between negatively charged colloids and quartz sand. Meanwhile, high concentration of HA dramatically accelerated the transport of gibbsite colloids. These results implied that gibbsite colloids might imped U(VI) migration at uranium tailing sites unless the aquifers are enriched with abundant humic substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Yang
- Radiochemistry Lab, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; The Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mengtuan Ge
- Radiochemistry Lab, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; The Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Jin
- Radiochemistry Lab, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; The Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zongyuan Chen
- Radiochemistry Lab, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; The Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Zhijun Guo
- Radiochemistry Lab, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; The Key Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bower WR, Morris K, Livens FR, Mosselmans JFW, Fallon CM, Fuller AJ, Natrajan L, Boothman C, Lloyd JR, Utsunomiya S, Grolimund D, Ferreira Sanchez D, Jilbert T, Parker J, Neill TS, Law GTW. Metaschoepite Dissolution in Sediment Column Systems-Implications for Uranium Speciation and Transport. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:9915-9925. [PMID: 31317743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metaschoepite is commonly found in U-contaminated environments and metaschoepite-bearing wastes may be managed via shallow or deep disposal. Understanding metaschoepite dissolution and tracking the fate of any liberated U is thus important. Here, discrete horizons of metaschoepite (UO3·nH2O) particles were emplaced in flowing sediment/groundwater columns representative of the UK Sellafield Ltd. site. The column systems either remained oxic or became anoxic due to electron donor additions, and the columns were sacrificed after 6- and 12-months for analysis. Solution chemistry, extractions, and bulk and micro/nano-focus X-ray spectroscopies were used to track changes in U distribution and behavior. In the oxic columns, U migration was extensive, with UO22+ identified in effluents after 6-months of reaction using fluorescence spectroscopy. Unusually, in the electron-donor amended columns, during microbially mediated sulfate reduction, significant amounts of UO2-like colloids (>60% of the added U) were found in the effluents using TEM. XAS analysis of the U remaining associated with the reduced sediments confirmed the presence of trace U(VI), noncrystalline U(IV), and biogenic UO2, with UO2 becoming more dominant with time. This study highlights the potential for U(IV) colloid production from U(VI) solids under reducing conditions and the complexity of U biogeochemistry in dynamic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William R Bower
- Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
- Radiochemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry , The University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland , 00014
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | - Francis R Livens
- Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | | | - Connaugh M Fallon
- Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
- Radiochemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry , The University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland , 00014
| | - Adam J Fuller
- Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | - Louise Natrajan
- Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | - Satoshi Utsunomiya
- Kyushu University , Department of Chemistry , 744 Motooka , Nishi-ku , Fukuoka Japan , 819-0395
| | - Daniel Grolimund
- Swiss Light Source , Paul Scherrer Institute , Villigen , Switzerland , 5232
| | | | - Tom Jilbert
- Ecosystems and Environmental Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences , The University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland , 00014
| | - Julia Parker
- Diamond Light Source , Harwell Science and Innovation Campus , Didcot , U.K. , OX11 0DE
| | - Thomas S Neill
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
| | - Gareth T W Law
- Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry , The University of Manchester , Manchester , U.K. , M13 9PL
- Radiochemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry , The University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland , 00014
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stetten L, Blanchart P, Mangeret A, Lefebvre P, Le Pape P, Brest J, Merrot P, Julien A, Proux O, Webb SM, Bargar JR, Cazala C, Morin G. Redox Fluctuations and Organic Complexation Govern Uranium Redistribution from U(IV)-Phosphate Minerals in a Mining-Polluted Wetland Soil, Brittany, France. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13099-13109. [PMID: 30339761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands have been proposed to naturally attenuate U transfers in the environment via U complexation by organic matter and potential U reduction. However, U mobility may depend on the identity of particulate/dissolved uranium source materials and their redox sensitivity. Here, we examined the fate of uranium in a highly contaminated wetland (up to 4500 mg·kg-1 U) impacted by former mine water discharges. Bulk U LIII-EXAFS and (micro-)XANES combined with SEM-EDXS analyses of undisturbed soil cores show a sharp U redox boundary at the water table, together with a major U redistribution from U(IV)-minerals to U(VI)-organic matter complexes. Above the water table, U is fully oxidized into mono- and bidentate U(VI)-carboxyl and monodentate U(VI)-phosphoryl complexes. Minute amounts of U(VI)-phosphate minerals are also observed. Below the water table, U is fully reduced and is partitioned between U(IV)-phosphate minerals (i.e., ningyoite and a lermontovite-like phase), and bidentate U(IV)-phosphoryl and monodentate U(IV)-carboxyl complexes. Such a U redistribution from U-minerals inherited from mine water discharge deposits could result from redox cycling nearby the water table fluctuation zone. Oxidative dissolution of U(IV)-phosphate minerals could have led to U(VI)-organic matter complexation, followed by subsequent reduction into U(IV)-organic complexes. However, uranium(IV) minerals could have been preserved in permanently waterlogged soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Stetten
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC) , UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université-IRD-MNHN , case 115, 4 place Jussieu , 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN , 31 Avenue de la Division Leclerc , 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses , France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN , 31 Avenue de la Division Leclerc , 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses , France
| | - Arnaud Mangeret
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN , 31 Avenue de la Division Leclerc , 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses , 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 , 75252 Paris 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 , 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Jessica Brest
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC) , UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université-IRD-MNHN , case 115, 4 place Jussieu , 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Pauline Merrot
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC) , UMR 7590 CNRS-Sorbonne Université-IRD-MNHN , case 115, 4 place Jussieu , 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Anthony Julien
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN , 31 Avenue de la Division Leclerc , 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses , France
| | - Olivier Proux
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD Irstea Météo, OSUG, FAME , 38000 Grenoble , France
- BM30B/CRG-FAME, ESRF , Polygone Scientifique Louis Néel , 71 avenue des Martyrs , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Samuel M Webb
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) , SLAC National Accelerator National Laboratory , MS 69, 2575 Sand Hill Road , Menlo Park , California 94025 , United States
| | - John R Bargar
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) , SLAC National Accelerator National Laboratory , MS 69, 2575 Sand Hill Road , Menlo Park , California 94025 , United States
| | - Charlotte Cazala
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, IRSN , 31 Avenue de la Division Leclerc , 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses , France
| | - 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 , 75252 Paris Cedex 5, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu B, Peng T, Sun H. Leaching behavior of U, Mn, Sr, and Pb from different particle-size fractions of uranium mill tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:15804-15815. [PMID: 28534266 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by the release of heavy metals from tailings constitutes a potential threat to the environment. To characterize the processes governing the release of Mn, Sr, Pb, and U from the uranium mill tailings, a dynamic leaching test was applied for different size of uranium mill tailings samples. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were performed to determine the content of Mn, Sr, Pb, and U in the leachates. The release of mobile Mn, Sr, Pb, and U fraction was slow, being faster in the initial stage and then attained a near steady-state condition. The experimental results demonstrate that the release of Mn, Sr, Pb, and U from uranium mill tailings with different size fractions is controlled by a variety of mechanisms. Surface wash-off is the release mechanism for Mn. The main release mechanism of Sr and Pb is the dissolution in the initial leaching stage. For U, a mixed process of wash-off and diffusion is the controlling mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongjiang Peng
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongjuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu B, Peng T, Sun H, Yue H. Release behavior of uranium in uranium mill tailings under environmental conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 171:160-168. [PMID: 28254525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Uranium contamination is observed in sedimentary geochemical environments, but the geochemical and mineralogical processes that control uranium release from sediment are not fully appreciated. Identification of how sediments and water influence the release and migration of uranium is critical to improve the prevention of uranium contamination in soil and groundwater. To understand the process of uranium release and migration from uranium mill tailings under water chemistry conditions, uranium mill tailing samples from northwest China were investigated with batch leaching experiments. Results showed that water played an important role in uranium release from the tailing minerals. The uranium release was clearly influenced by contact time, liquid-solid ratio, particle size, and pH under water chemistry conditions. Longer contact time, higher liquid content, and extreme pH were all not conducive to the stabilization of uranium and accelerated the uranium release from the tailing mineral to the solution. The values of pH were found to significantly influence the extent and mechanisms of uranium release from minerals to water. Uranium release was monitored by a number of interactive processes, including dissolution of uranium-bearing minerals, uranium desorption from mineral surfaces, and formation of aqueous uranium complexes. Considering the impact of contact time, liquid-solid ratio, particle size, and pH on uranium release from uranium mill tailings, reducing the water content, decreasing the porosity of tailing dumps and controlling the pH of tailings were the key factors for prevention and management of environmental pollution in areas near uranium mines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China; Institute of Mineral Materials and Application, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tongjiang Peng
- Institute of Mineral Materials and Application, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Hongjuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Huanjuan Yue
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Déjeant A, Galoisy L, Roy R, Calas G, Boekhout F, Phrommavanh V, Descostes M. Evolution of uranium distribution and speciation in mill tailings, COMINAK Mine, Niger. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 545-546:340-352. [PMID: 26747998 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the evolution of uranium distribution and speciation in mill tailings from the COMINAK mine (Niger), in production since 1978. A multi-scale approach was used, which combined high resolution remote sensing imagery, ICP-MS bulk rock analyses, powder X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Focused Ion Beam--Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy. Mineralogical analyses showed that some ore minerals, including residual uraninite and coffinite, undergo alteration and dissolution during tailings storage. The migration of uranium and other contaminants depends on (i) the chemical stability of secondary phases and sorbed species (dissolution and desorption processes), and (ii) the mechanical transport of fine particles bearing these elements. Uranium is stabilized after formation of secondary uranyl sulfates and phosphates, and adsorbed complexes on mineral surfaces (e.g. clay minerals). In particular, the stock of insoluble uranyl phosphates increases with time, thus contributing to the long-term stabilization of uranium. At the surface, a sulfate-cemented duricrust is formed after evaporation of pore water. This duricrust limits water infiltration and dust aerial dispersion, though it is enriched in uranium and many other elements, because of pore water rising from underlying levels by capillary action. Satellite images provided a detailed description of the tailings pile over time and allow monitoring of the chronology of successive tailings deposits. Satellite images suggest that uranium anomalies that occur at deep levels in the pile are most likely former surface duricrusts that have been buried under more recent tailings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Déjeant
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, Case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot - Paris VII, 5 rue Thomas Mann, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Laurence Galoisy
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, Case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Régis Roy
- AREVA Mines - Geoscience Department, Tour AREVA, 1 place Jean Millier, 92084 Paris, La Défense, France
| | - Georges Calas
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, Case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Flora Boekhout
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, Case 115, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vannapha Phrommavanh
- AREVA Mines - R&D Department, BAL 0414C-2, Tour AREVA, 1 place Jean Millier, 92084 Paris, La Défense, France
| | - Michael Descostes
- AREVA Mines - R&D Department, BAL 0414C-2, Tour AREVA, 1 place Jean Millier, 92084 Paris, La Défense, France
| |
Collapse
|