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Deblonde GJP, Morrison K, Mattocks JA, Cotruvo JA, Zavarin M, Kersting AB. Impact of a Biological Chelator, Lanmodulin, on Minor Actinide Aqueous Speciation and Transport in the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20830-20843. [PMID: 37897703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06033] [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: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Minor actinides are major contributors to the long-term radiotoxicity of nuclear fuels and other radioactive wastes. In this context, understanding their interactions with natural chelators and minerals is key to evaluating their transport behavior in the environment. The lanmodulin family of metalloproteins is produced by ubiquitous bacteria and Methylorubrum extorquens lanmodulin (LanM) was recently identified as one of nature's most selective chelators for trivalent f-elements. Herein, we investigated the behavior of neptunium, americium, and curium in the presence of LanM, carbonate ions, and common minerals (calcite, montmorillonite, quartz, and kaolinite). We show that LanM's aqueous complexes with Am(III) and Cm(III) remain stable in carbonate-bicarbonate solutions. Furthermore, the sorption of Am(III) to these minerals is strongly impacted by LanM, while Np(V) sorption is not. With calcite, even a submicromolar concentration of LanM leads to a significant reduction in the Am(III) distribution coefficient (Kd, from >104 to ∼102 mL/g at pH 8.5), rendering it even more mobile than Np(V). Thus, LanM-type chelators can potentially increase the mobility of trivalent actinides and lanthanide fission products under environmentally relevant conditions. Monitoring biological chelators, including metalloproteins, and their biogenerators should therefore be considered during the evaluation of radioactive waste repository sites and the risk assessment of contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier J-P Deblonde
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Keith Morrison
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Joseph A Mattocks
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Joseph A Cotruvo
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
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2
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Ma H, Shen M, Tong Y, Wang X. Radioactive Wastewater Treatment Technologies: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041935. [PMID: 36838922 PMCID: PMC9965242 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With the wide application of nuclear energy, the problem of radioactive pollution has attracted worldwide attention, and the research on the treatment of radioactive wastewater is imminent. How to treat radioactive wastewater deeply and efficiently has become the most critical issue in the development of nuclear energy technology. The radioactive wastewater produced after using nuclear technology has the characteristics of many kinds, high concentration, and large quantity. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the treatment technology of radioactive wastewater in reprocessing plants. The process flow and waste liquid types of the post-treatment plant are reviewed. The commonly used evaporation concentration, adsorption, precipitation, ion exchange, biotechnology, membrane separation, and photocatalysis are summarized. The basic principles and technological characteristics of them are introduced. The advantages and disadvantages of different single and combined processes are compared, and the development trend of future processing technology is prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Ma
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, 7098 Liuxian Boulevard, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Minghai Shen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yao Tong
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, 7098 Liuxian Boulevard, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (Y.T.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiao Wang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China
- Correspondence: (Y.T.); (X.W.)
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3
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Kinsela AS, Payne TE, Bligh MW, Vázquez-Campos X, Wilkins MR, Comarmond MJ, Rowling B, Waite TD. Contaminant release, mixing and microbial fluctuations initiated by infiltrating water within a replica field-scale legacy radioactive waste trench. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158241. [PMID: 36007652 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158241] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Numerous legacy near-surface radioactive waste sites dating from the mid 20th century have yet to be remediated and present a global contamination concern. Typically, there is insufficient understanding of contaminant release and redistribution, with invasive investigations often impractical due to the risk of disturbing the often significantly radiotoxic contaminants. Consequently, a replica waste trench (~5.4 m3), constructed adjacent to a legacy radioactive waste site (Little Forest Legacy Site, LFLS), was used to assist our understanding of the release and mixing processes of neodymium (Nd) - a chemical analogue for plutonium(III) and americium(III), two significant radionuclides in many contaminated environments. In order to clarify the behaviour of contaminants released from buried objects such as waste containers, a steel drum, representative of the hundreds of buried drums within the LFLS, was placed within the trench. Dissolved neodymium nitrate was introduced as a point-source contaminant to the base of the trench, outside the steel drum. Hydrologic conditions were manipulated to simulate natural rainfall intensities with dissolved lithium bromide added as a tracer. Neodymium was primarily retained both at its point of release at the bottom of the trench (>97 %) as well as at a steel container corrosion point, simulated through the emplacement of steel wool. However, over the 8-month field experiment, advective mixing initiated by surface water intrusions rapidly redistributed a small proportion of Nd to shallower waters (~1.5-1.7 %), as well as throughout the buried steel drum. Suspended particulate forms of Nd (>0.2 μm) were measured at all depths in the suboxic trench and were persistent across the entire study. Analyses of the microbial communities showed that their relative abundances and metabolic functions were strongly influenced by the prevailing geochemical conditions as a result of fluctuating water depths associated with rainfall events. The site representing steel corrosion exhibited divergent biogeochemical results with anomalous changes (sharp decrease) observed in both dissolved contaminant concentration as well as microbial diversity and functionality. This research demonstrates that experimental trenches provide a safe and unique method for simulating the behaviour of subsurface radioactive contaminants with results demonstrating the initial retention, partial shallow water redistribution, and stability of particulate form(s) of this radioactive analogue. These results have relevance for appropriate management and remediation strategies for the adjacent legacy site as well as for similar sites across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Kinsela
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Mark W Bligh
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xabier Vázquez-Campos
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Brett Rowling
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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4
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Zong P, Xu M, Yan N, Shao M, Xu X, Yang Y, Chen J, Qiu Z, Wang S. Comprehensive evaluation of cobalt incorporated cryptomelane-type manganese oxide molecular sieve as an efficient adsorbent for enhanced removal of europium from wastewater systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113965. [PMID: 35948145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113965] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Extraction of radionuclide contaminants from wastewater systems has recently drawn widespread attention, and then developing a novel and green extracting technology has also become an enormous challenge. Herein, a facile hydrothermal method was employed to fabricate cobalt-incorporated cryptomelane-type manganese oxide molecular sieve (Co-OMS-2) for extraction Eu(III) from wastewater under diverse experimental conditions. All kinds of characterized techniques, such as SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, EDS and XPS had verified the qualified synthesis process and splendid structural features of the Co-OMS-2. The maximum adsorption capacity of Co-OMS-2 was 7.62 × 10-4 mol/g for Eu(III) at 298 K, which was superior than primarily traditional materials reported previous literatures. The high adsorption capacity of Eu(III) onto Co-OMS-2 was primarily attributed to high specific surface area and abundant surface functional groups, and the interactions were mainly contributed to strong surface complexation and electrostatic attraction. Under the condition of low pH, the outer-sphere surface complexation and cation exchange were primary mechanisms to Eu(III) adsorption onto Co-OMS-2 composites, while inner-sphere surface complexation was mainly assigned to Eu(III) adsorption onto Co-OMS-2 under the high pH sections. The Co-OMS-2 composite achieved equilibrium in a relatively short time, and this excellent performance was conducive to the treatment of Eu(III) under the extreme emergency conditions. In view of the extraordinary adsorption capacity and recycled reusability, the Co-OMS-2 composites can be as prospective adsorbents adopted for the extraction of Eu(III) in real wastewater management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zong
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China.
| | - Ming Xu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Ning Yan
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Min Shao
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Xuejuan Xu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Yixuan Yang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Zhengrong Qiu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Education, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Functional Nanocomposites, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
| | - Shoufang Wang
- School of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030051, PR China
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5
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Zhang H, Hou X, Qiao J, Lin J. Determination of 241Am in Environmental Samples: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:4536. [PMID: 35889408 PMCID: PMC9315525 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of 241Am in the environment is of importance in monitoring its release and assessing its environmental impact and radiological risk. This paper aims to give an overview about the recent developments and the state-of-art analytical methods for 241Am determination in environmental samples. Thorough discussions are given in this paper covering a wide range of aspects, including sample pre-treatment and pre-concentration methods, chemical separation techniques, source preparation, radiometric and mass spectrometric measurement techniques, speciation analyses, and tracer applications. The paper focuses on some hyphenated separation methods based on different chromatographic resins, which have been developed to achieve high analytical efficiency and sample throughput for the determination of 241Am. The performances of different radiometric and mass spectrometric measurement techniques for 241Am are evaluated and compared. Tracer applications of 241Am in the environment, including speciation analyses of 241Am, and applications in nuclear forensics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Zhang
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China; (H.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Xiaolin Hou
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jixin Qiao
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Risø Campus, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jianfeng Lin
- Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China; (H.Z.); (J.L.)
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6
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Islam MR, Sanderson P, Payne TE, Johansen MP, Naidu R. Desorption and Migration Behavior of Beryllium from Contaminated Soils: Insights for Risk-Based Management. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:30686-30697. [PMID: 34805696 PMCID: PMC8600622 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Factors influencing the desorption, distribution, and vertical migration behavior of Be in contaminated soils are not fully understood. This study examined the desorption and migration of Be in a soil profile from a legacy radioactive waste disposal site using different batch leaching [monofilled waste extraction procedure (MWEP); synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP); simulated acid rain solution (SARS); and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure] and sequential leaching [community bureau of reference (BCR)] methods for insights relevant to the application of risk-based management. The results showed that Be desorption was higher in the presence of organic than the inorganic leachate composition (MWEP < SPLP < SARS < TCLP < BCR first-step). The desorption followed three diffusion control mechanisms, which resulted in three desorption rate constant estimates of 157, 87.1, and 40.4 Be/kg.h0.5, and the estimated desorption maximum was 556 μg/kg. The desorption process was, spontaneous (ΔG > 0), enthalpically and entropically influenced. Increasing the incubation period and heat treatment resulted in a decrease of Be desorption and migration. The soil clay content and pH were the primary factors influencing Be desorption, and the results suggested that Be was desorbed from metal oxyhydroxides and surfaces of silicates (e.g., reactive surfaces of clay minerals), organic matters, and soil pores. Because of high K d values, the mobility of Be was limited, and no exceedances of ecological or human health risk index or guidelines were determined for the current contamination levels at the site. However, Be released from the waste trenches has the ongoing potential to increase Be concentration in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Rashidul Islam
- Global
Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering,
Science and Environment; The University
of Newcastle (UoN), University
Drive, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Cooperative
Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the
Environment (CRC CARE), The University of
Newcastle (UoN), University
Drive, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Peter Sanderson
- Global
Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering,
Science and Environment; The University
of Newcastle (UoN), University
Drive, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Cooperative
Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the
Environment (CRC CARE), The University of
Newcastle (UoN), University
Drive, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Timothy E. Payne
- Australian
Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia
| | - Mathew P. Johansen
- Australian
Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global
Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering,
Science and Environment; The University
of Newcastle (UoN), University
Drive, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Cooperative
Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the
Environment (CRC CARE), The University of
Newcastle (UoN), University
Drive, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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7
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Vázquez-Campos X, Kinsela AS, Bligh MW, Payne TE, Wilkins MR, Waite TD. Genomic Insights Into the Archaea Inhabiting an Australian Radioactive Legacy Site. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:732575. [PMID: 34737728 PMCID: PMC8561730 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.732575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During the 1960s, small quantities of radioactive materials were co-disposed with chemical waste at the Little Forest Legacy Site (LFLS, Sydney, Australia). The microbial function and population dynamics in a waste trench during a rainfall event have been previously investigated revealing a broad abundance of candidate and potentially undescribed taxa in this iron-rich, radionuclide-contaminated environment. Applying genome-based metagenomic methods, we recovered 37 refined archaeal MAGs, mainly from undescribed DPANN Archaea lineages without standing in nomenclature and 'Candidatus Methanoperedenaceae' (ANME-2D). Within the undescribed DPANN, the newly proposed orders 'Ca. Gugararchaeales', 'Ca. Burarchaeales' and 'Ca. Anstonellales', constitute distinct lineages with a more comprehensive central metabolism and anabolic capabilities within the 'Ca. Micrarchaeota' phylum compared to most other DPANN. The analysis of new and extant 'Ca. Methanoperedens spp.' MAGs suggests metal ions as the ancestral electron acceptors during the anaerobic oxidation of methane while the respiration of nitrate/nitrite via molybdopterin oxidoreductases would have been a secondary acquisition. The presence of genes for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates in most 'Ca. Methanoperedens' also appears to be a widespread characteristic of the genus for carbon accumulation. This work expands our knowledge about the roles of the Archaea at the LFLS, especially, DPANN Archaea and 'Ca. Methanoperedens', while exploring their diversity, uniqueness, potential role in elemental cycling, and evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Vázquez-Campos
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew S. Kinsela
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W. Bligh
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy E. Payne
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Kirrawee DC, NSW, Australia
| | - Marc R. Wilkins
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T. David Waite
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Kinsela AS, Bligh MW, Vázquez-Campos X, Sun Y, Wilkins MR, Comarmond MJ, Rowling B, Payne TE, Waite TD. Biogeochemical Mobility of Contaminants from a Replica Radioactive Waste Trench in Response to Rainfall-Induced Redox Oscillations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8793-8805. [PMID: 34110792 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01604] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Results of investigations into factors influencing contaminant mobility in a replica trench located adjacent to a legacy radioactive waste site are presented in this study. The trench was filled with nonhazardous iron- and organic matter (OM)-rich components, as well as three contaminant analogues strontium, cesium, and neodymium to examine contaminant behavior. Imposed redox/water-level oscillations, where oxygen-laden rainwater was added to the anoxic trench, resulted in marked biogeochemical changes including the removal of aqueous Fe(II) and circulation of dissolved carbon, along with shifts to microbial communities involved in cycling iron (Gallionella, Sideroxydans) and methane generation (Methylomonas, Methylococcaceae). Contaminant mobility depended upon element speciation and rainfall event intensity. Strontium remained mobile, being readily translocated under hydrological perturbations. Strong ion-exchange reactions and structural incorporation into double-layer clay minerals were likely responsible for greater retention of Cs, which, along with Sr, was unaffected by redox oscillations. Neodymium was initially immobilized within the anoxic trenches, due to either secondary mineral (phosphate) precipitation or via the chemisorption of organic- and carbonate-Nd complexes onto variably charged solid phases. Oxic rainwater intrusions altered Nd mobility via competing effects. Oxidation of Fe(II) led to partial retention of Nd within highly sorbing Fe(III)/OM phases, whereas pH decreases associated with rainwater influxes resulted in a release of adsorbed Nd to solution with both pH and OM presumed to be the key factors controlling Nd attenuation. Collectively, the behavior of simulated contaminants within this replica trench provided unique insights into trench water biogeochemistry and contaminant cycling in a redox oscillatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Kinsela
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Mark W Bligh
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Xabier Vázquez-Campos
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Yingying Sun
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- NSW Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Brett Rowling
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Environmental Research Theme, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- UNSW Water Research Centre and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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9
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Islam MR, Sanderson P, Johansen MP, Payne TE, Naidu R. The influence of soil properties on sorption-desorption of beryllium at a low level radioactive legacy waste site. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 268:129338. [PMID: 33383279 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129338] [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: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the influence of soil physicochemical properties on the sorption, desorption and kinetics of beryllium (Be) uptake and release on soils from a legacy waste site in Australia. This information is needed to help explain the current distribution of Be at the site and evaluate potential future environmental risks. Sorption was determined by a batch study and key soil properties were assessed to explain Be retention. The soil was favourable for sorption of Be (up to 99%) due to organic content, negative surface charge, soil oxyhydroxides (Fe/Al/Mn-O/OH) and the porosity of the soil structure. Lesser sorption was observed in the presence of a background electrolyte (NaNO3). Sorption closely followed pseudo second order kinetics and was best described by the Langmuir model. FTIR analysis suggested that chemisorption was the predominant mechanism of Be sorption. Desorption was very low and best described by the Freundlich model. The low desorption reflected the high Kd (up to 6624 L/kg), and the presence of hysteresis suggested partially irreversible binding of Be with active surfaces of the soil matrix (minerals, SOM, oxyhydroxides of Fe/Al/Mn etc.). Intra-particle diffusion of Be and entrapment in the pores contribute to the irreversible binding. The sorption behaviour of Be helped to explain the relative immobility of Be at the site despite the significant quantities of Be disposed. Soil physicochemical properties were significant for Be sorption, through influencing both the uptake and desorption, and this demonstrates the implications of these measurements for evaluating potential future risks to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rashidul Islam
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan Campus, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC-CARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Peter Sanderson
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan Campus, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC-CARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), The University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan Campus, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC-CARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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10
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Efficient Removal Of U(VI) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Tannic Acid/Graphene Oxide Composites. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10248870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tannic acid/graphene oxide (TA/GO) composites were prepared in the present research, and their properties and sorption performance were evaluated by corresponding characterization methods and bath sorption experiments, respectively. The applications of TA/GO to remove U(VI) from aqueous solution were investigated with the maximum adsorption capacity of 87.8 mg·g−1 at low pH (pH = 3.6 ± 0.03). The sorption of U(VI) ions on TA/GO followed the Langmuir model because of the complexation of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of TA/GO composites and uranium ions. TA/GO manifested excellent selective adsorption toward uranium ions with other metal ions (Cs+, Sr2+, Co2+). Furthermore, TA/GO as an effective adsorbent was reused to remove a large amount of U(VI) ions from aqueous solution. Therefore, TA/GO is an ideal material to remove highly toxic U(VI) ions from wastewater.
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11
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An analysis of the hydrolytic polymerization of Pu(IV) and its reaction paths in nitric acid solution. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Payne TE, Harrison JJ, Cendon DI, Comarmond MJ, Hankin S, Hughes CE, Johansen MP, Kinsela A, Shahin LM, Silitonga A, Thiruvoth S, Wilsher KL. Radionuclide distributions and migration pathways at a legacy trench disposal site. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106081. [PMID: 31666204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the distributions of several anthropogenic radionuclides (239+240Pu, 241Am, 137Cs, 90Sr, 60Co and 3H) at a legacy trench disposal site in eastern Australia. We compare the results to previously published data for Pu and tritium at the site. Plutonium has previously been shown to reach the surface by a bath-tubbing mechanism, following filling of the former trenches with water during intense rainfall events. This has led to some movement of Pu away from the trenched area, and we also provide evidence of elevated Pu concentrations in shallow subsurface layers above the trenched area. The distribution of 241Am is similar to Pu, and this is attributed to the similar chemistry of these actinides and the likely in-situ generation of 241Am from its parent 241Pu. Concentrations of 137Cs are mostly low in surface soils immediately above the trenches. However, similar to the actinides, there is evidence of elevated 137Cs and 90Sr concentrations in shallow subsurface layers above the trenched area. While the subsurface radionuclide peaks suggest a mechanism of subsurface transport, their interpretation is complicated by the presence of soil layers added following disposals and during the subsequent years. The distribution of 90Sr and 137Cs at the ground surface shows some elevated levels immediately above the trenches which were filled during the final 24 months of disposal operations. This is in agreement with disposal records, which indicate that greater amounts of fission products were disposed in this period. The surface distribution of 239+240Pu is also consistent with the disposal documents. Although there is extensive evidence of a mobile tritium plume in groundwater, migration of the other radionuclides by this pathway is limited. The data highlight the importance of taking into account multiple pathways for the mobilisation of key radioactive contaminants at legacy waste trench sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Payne
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia.
| | - Jennifer J Harrison
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Dioni I Cendon
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Stuart Hankin
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Catherine E Hughes
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Andrew Kinsela
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Lida Mokhber Shahin
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Adella Silitonga
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Sangeeth Thiruvoth
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Kerry L Wilsher
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
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Joseph C, Balboni E, Baumer T, Treinen K, Kersting AB, Zavarin M. Plutonium Desorption from Nuclear Melt Glass-Derived Colloids and Implications for Migration at the Nevada National Security Site, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:12238-12246. [PMID: 31589027 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The migration of low levels of plutonium has been observed at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and attributed to colloids. To better understand the mechanism(s) of colloid-facilitated transport at this site, we performed flow cell desorption experiments with mineral colloid suspensions produced by hydrothermal alteration of NNSS nuclear melt glass, residual material left behind from nuclear testing. Three different colloid suspensions were used: (1) colloidal material from hydrothermal alteration of nuclear melt glass at 140 °C; (2) at 200 °C; and (3) plutonium sorbed to SWy-1 montmorillonite at room temperature. The 140 °C sample contained only montmorillonite, while zeolite and other phases were present in the 200 °C sample. Overall, more plutonium was desorbed from the 140 °C colloids (ca. 9-16%) than from the 200 °C colloids (ca. 4-8%). Furthermore, at the end of the 4.5 day flow cell experiments, the desorption rates for the 140 °C colloids and the Pu-montmorillonite colloids were similar while the desorption rates from the 200 °C colloids were up to an order of magnitude lower. We posit that the formation of zeolites and clays hydrothermally altered at 200 °C may lead to a more stable association of plutonium with colloids, resulting in lower desorption rates. This may give rise to more extensive colloid-facilitated transport and help explain why trace levels of plutonium are found downgradient from their original source decades after a nuclear detonation. Interestingly, in the case of cesium (a co-contaminant of plutonium), no difference was observed between the 140 and 200 °C colloids. This reflects intrinsic differences between cesium and plutonium sorption/desorption behavior (charge, cation size) and suggests that the Cs sorption mechanism (cation exchange) is not similarly affected by colloid formation temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Joseph
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , L-231 , P.O. Box 808, Livermore , California 94550 , United States
| | - Enrica Balboni
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , L-231 , P.O. Box 808, Livermore , California 94550 , United States
| | - Teresa Baumer
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences , University of Notre Dame , Notre Dame , Indiana 46556 , United States
| | - Kerri Treinen
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , L-231 , P.O. Box 808, Livermore , California 94550 , United States
| | - Annie B Kersting
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , L-231 , P.O. Box 808, Livermore , California 94550 , United States
| | - Mavrik Zavarin
- Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, Physical & Life Sciences Directorate , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , L-231 , P.O. Box 808, Livermore , California 94550 , United States
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14
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Zong P, Cao D, Cheng Y, Wang S, Hayat T, Alharbi NS, Guo Z, Zhao Y, He C. Enhanced performance for Eu(iii) ion remediation using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles synthesized by plasma technology. Inorg Chem Front 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8qi00901e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/iron oxides/MWCNTs composites by a plasma technique and their application to the decontamination of europium ions from aqueous solutions under controlled laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- North University of China
- Taiyuan
- P. R. China
| | - Duanlin Cao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- North University of China
- Taiyuan
- P. R. China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- North University of China
- Taiyuan
- P. R. China
| | - Shoufang Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- North University of China
- Taiyuan
- P. R. China
| | - Tasawar Hayat
- Department of Mathematics
- Quaid-I-Azam University
- Islamabad
- Pakistan
- NAAM Research Group
| | - Njud S. Alharbi
- Biotechnology Research Group
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- King Abdulaziz University
- Jeddah
| | - Zhiqiang Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- Hefei University of Technology
- Hefei
- P. R. China
| | - Yaolin Zhao
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an
- P. R. China
| | - Chaohui He
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an
- P. R. China
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Rowling B, Kinsela AS, Comarmond MJ, Hughes CE, Harrison JJ, Johansen MP, Payne TE. Measurement of tributyl phosphate (TBP) in groundwater at a legacy radioactive waste site and its possible role in contaminant mobilisation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 178-179:377-384. [PMID: 28687277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
At many legacy radioactive waste sites, organic compounds have been co-disposed, which may be a factor in mobilisation of radionuclides at these sites. Tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) is a component of waste streams from the nuclear fuel cycle, where it has been used in separating actinides during processing of nuclear fuels. Analyses of ground waters from the Little Forest Legacy Site (LFLS) in eastern Australia were undertaken using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GCMS). The results indicate the presence of TBP several decades after waste disposal, with TBP only being detected in the immediate vicinity of the main disposal area. TBP is generally considered to degrade in the environment relatively rapidly. Therefore, it is likely that its presence is due to relatively recent releases of TBP, possibly stemming from leakage due to container degradation. The ongoing presence and solubility of TBP has the potential to provide a mechanism for nuclide mobilisation, with implications for long term management of LFLS and similar legacy waste sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Rowling
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Andrew S Kinsela
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - M Josick Comarmond
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Catherine E Hughes
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Harrison
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
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16
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Response of Microbial Community Function to Fluctuating Geochemical Conditions within a Legacy Radioactive Waste Trench Environment. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.00729-17. [PMID: 28667104 PMCID: PMC5561297 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00729-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During the 1960s, small quantities of radioactive materials were codisposed with chemical waste at the Little Forest Legacy Site (Sydney, Australia) in 3-meter-deep, unlined trenches. Chemical and microbial analyses, including functional and taxonomic information derived from shotgun metagenomics, were collected across a 6-week period immediately after a prolonged rainfall event to assess the impact of changing water levels upon the microbial ecology and contaminant mobility. Collectively, results demonstrated that oxygen-laden rainwater rapidly altered the redox balance in the trench water, strongly impacting microbial functioning as well as the radiochemistry. Two contaminants of concern, plutonium and americium, were shown to transition from solid-iron-associated species immediately after the initial rainwater pulse to progressively more soluble moieties as reducing conditions were enhanced. Functional metagenomics revealed the potentially important role that the taxonomically diverse microbial community played in this transition. In particular, aerobes dominated in the first day, followed by an increase of facultative anaerobes/denitrifiers at day 4. Toward the mid-end of the sampling period, the functional and taxonomic profiles depicted an anaerobic community distinguished by a higher representation of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and methanogenesis pathways. Our results have important implications to similar near-surface environmental systems in which redox cycling occurs. IMPORTANCE The role of chemical and microbiological factors in mediating the biogeochemistry of groundwaters from trenches used to dispose of radioactive materials during the 1960s is examined in this study. Specifically, chemical and microbial analyses, including functional and taxonomic information derived from shotgun metagenomics, were collected across a 6-week period immediately after a prolonged rainfall event to assess how changing water levels influence microbial ecology and contaminant mobility. Results demonstrate that oxygen-laden rainwater rapidly altered the redox balance in the trench water, strongly impacting microbial functioning as well as the radiochemistry. Two contaminants of concern, plutonium and americium, were shown to transition from solid-iron-associated species immediately after the initial rainwater pulse to progressively more soluble moieties as reducing conditions were enhanced. Functional metagenomics revealed the important role that the taxonomically diverse microbial community played in this transition. Our results have important implications to similar near-surface environmental systems in which redox cycling occurs.
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Kinsela AS, Jones AM, Bligh MW, Pham AN, Collins RN, Harrison JJ, Wilsher KL, Payne TE, Waite TD. Influence of Dissolved Silicate on Rates of Fe(II) Oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11663-11671. [PMID: 27704793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing concentrations of dissolved silicate progressively retard Fe(II) oxidation kinetics in the circum-neutral pH range 6.0-7.0. As Si:Fe molar ratios increase from 0 to 2, the primary Fe(III) oxidation product transitions from lepidocrocite to a ferrihydrite/silica-ferrihydrite composite. Empirical results, supported by chemical kinetic modeling, indicated that the decreased heterogeneous oxidation rate was not due to differences in absolute Fe(II) sorption between the two solids types or competition for adsorption sites in the presence of silicate. Rather, competitive desorption experiments suggest Fe(II) was associated with more weakly bound, outer-sphere complexes on silica-ferrihydrite compared to lepidocrocite. A reduction in extent of inner-sphere Fe(II) complexation on silica-ferrihydrite confers a decreased ability for Fe(II) to undergo surface-induced hydrolysis via electronic configuration alterations, thereby inhibiting the heterogeneous Fe(II) oxidation mechanism. Water samples from a legacy radioactive waste site (Little Forest, Australia) were shown to exhibit a similar pattern of Fe(II) oxidation retardation derived from elevated silicate concentrations. These findings have important implications for contaminant migration at this site as well as a variety of other groundwater/high silicate containing natural and engineered sites that might undergo iron redox fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Kinsela
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Adele M Jones
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Mark W Bligh
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - An Ninh Pham
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Richard N Collins
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Harrison
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Kerry L Wilsher
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, New South Wales 2232, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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18
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Xu L, Zheng T, Yang S, Zhang L, Wang J, Liu W, Chen L, Diwu J, Chai Z, Wang S. Uptake Mechanisms of Eu(III) on Hydroxyapatite: A Potential Permeable Reactive Barrier Backfill Material for Trapping Trivalent Minor Actinides. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:3852-3859. [PMID: 26965642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b05932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technique has attracted an increasing level of attention for the in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater. In this study, the macroscopic uptake behaviors and microscopic speciation of Eu(III) on hydroxyapatite (HAP) were investigated by a combination of theoretical modeling, batch experiments, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) fitting, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The underlying removal mechanisms were identified to further assess the application potential of HAP as an effective PRB backfill material. The macroscopic analysis revealed that nearly all dissolved Eu(III) in solution was removed at pH 6.5 within an extremely short reaction time of 5 min. In addition, the thermodynamic calculations, desorption experiments, and PXRD and XAS analyses definitely confirmed the formation of the EuPO4·H2O(s) phase during the process of uptake of dissolved Eu(III) by HAP via the dissolution-precipitation mechanism. A detailed comparison of the present experimental findings and related HAP-metal systems suggests that the relative contribution of precipitation to the total Eu(III) removal increases as the P:Eu ratio decreases. The dosage of HAP-based PRB for the remediation of groundwater polluted by Eu(III) and analogous trivalent actinides [e.g., Am(III) and Cm(III)] should be strictly controlled depending on the dissolved Eu(III) concentration to obtain an optimal P:M (M represents Eu, Am, or Cm) ratio and treatment efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zheng
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shitong Yang
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Linjuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics and Key Laboratory of Nuclear Radiation and Nuclear Energy Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 201800 Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jianqiang Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics and Key Laboratory of Nuclear Radiation and Nuclear Energy Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 201800 Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lanhua Chen
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Juan Diwu
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhifang Chai
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shuao Wang
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions , 215123 Suzhou, P. R. China
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19
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Husar R, Hübner R, Hennig C, Martin PM, Chollet M, Weiss S, Stumpf T, Zänker H, Ikeda-Ohno A. Intrinsic formation of nanocrystalline neptunium dioxide under neutral aqueous conditions relevant to deep geological repositories. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:1301-4. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc08103j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Simple dilution of an aqueous Np(iv) bicarbonate solution triggers the intrinsic formation of nanocrystalline neptunium dioxide (NpO2). This new formation route could be a likely scenario in the repository and disposal of radioactive waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Husar
- Institute of Resource Ecology
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
| | - René Hübner
- Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Christoph Hennig
- Institute of Resource Ecology
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
- The Rossendorf Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
| | - Philippe M. Martin
- Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)
- DEN
- DEC
- F-13108 Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance
- France
| | - Mélanie Chollet
- Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)
- DEN
- DEC
- F-13108 Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance
- France
| | - Stephan Weiss
- Institute of Resource Ecology
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Thorsten Stumpf
- Institute of Resource Ecology
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Harald Zänker
- Institute of Resource Ecology
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Atsushi Ikeda-Ohno
- Institute of Resource Ecology
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
- D-01328 Dresden
- Germany
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