Speciation and Coordination Chemistry of Uranyl(VI)−Citrate Complexes in Aqueous Solution

Reactions of gas-phase uranyl formate/acetate anions: reduction of carboxylate ligands to aldehydes by intra-complex hydride attack

In a previous study, electrospray ionization, collision-induced dissociation (CID), and gas-phase ion-molecule reactions were used to create and characterize ions derived from homogeneous precursors composed of a uranyl cation (UVIO22+) coordinated by either formate or acetate ligands [E. Perez, C. Hanley, S. Koehler, J. Pestok, N. Polonsky and M. Van Stipdonk, Gas phase reactions of ions derived from anionic uranyl formate and uranyl acetate complexes, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 2016, 27, 1989-1998]. Here, we describe a follow-up study of anionic complexes that contain a mix of formate and acetate ligands, namely [UO2(O2C-CH3)2(O2C-H)]- and [UO2(O2C-CH3)(O2C-H)2]-. Initial CID of either anion causes decarboxylation of a formate ligand to create carboxylate-coordinated U-hydride product ions. Subsequent CID of the hydride species causes elimination of acetaldehyde or formaldehyde, consistent with reactions that include intra-complex hydride attack upon bound acetate or formate ligands, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reproduce the experimental observations, including the favored elimination of formaldehyde over acetaldehyde by hydride attack during CID of [UO2(H)(O2C-CH3)(O2C-H)]-. We also discovered that MSn CID of the acetate-formate complexes leads to generation of the oxyl-methide species, [UO2(O)(CH3)]-, which reacts with H2O to generate [UO2(O)(OH)]-. DFT calculations support the observation that formation of [UO2(O)(OH)]- by elimination of CH4 is favored over H2O addition and rearrangement to create [UO2(OH)2(CH3)]-.

Insights at the molecular level into the formation of oxo-bridged trinuclear uranyl complexes

Reaction of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-N-(2-hydroxy)-naphthylidene glucosamine (HL(Ac)) with uranyl acetate in ethanol leads to formation of dinuclear [(UO₂)₂(L)₂] (1). In a second step 1 is quantitatively transferred into the trinuclear oxo-bridged complex [(UO₂)₃(μ₃-O)(L)₃]^2- (2^2-) via deprotonation and coordination of a water molecule. This transformation was followed by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and it proved possible to selectively introduce ¹⁸O into the μ₃-bridge.

Saccharified Uranyl Ions: Self-Assembly of UO2 2+ into Trinuclear Anionic Complexes by the Coordination of Glucosamine-Derived Schiff Bases

The reaction of UO2 (OAc)2  ⋅ 2H2 O with the biologically inspired ligand 2-salicylidene glucosamine (H2 L1 ) results in the formation of the anionic trinuclear uranyl complex [(UO2 )3 (μ3 -O)(L1 )3 ]2- (12- ), which was isolated in good yield as its Cs-salt, [Cs]2 1. Recrystallization of [Cs]2 1 in the presence of 18-crown-6 led to formation of a neutral ion pair of type [M(18-crown-6)]2 1, which was also obtained for the alkali metal ions Rb+ and K+ (M=Cs, Rb, K). The related ligand, 2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene) glucosamine (H2 L2 ) in a similar procedure with Cs+ gave the corresponding complex [Cs(18-crown-6)]2 [(UO2 )3 (μ3 -O)(L2 )3 ([Cs(18-crown-6)]2 2). From X-ray investigations, the [(UO2 )3 O(Ln )3 ]2- anion (n=1, 2) in each complex is a discrete trinuclear uranyl species that coordinates to the alkali metal ion via three uranyl oxygen atoms. The coordination behavior of H2 L1 and H2 L2 towards UO2 2+ was investigated by NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, revealing the in situ formation of the 12- and 22- dianions in solution.

Dimeric and Trimeric Uranyl(VI)-Citrate Complexes in Aqueous Solution

This research addresses a subject discussed controversially for almost 70 years. The interactions between the uranyl(VI) ion, U(VI), and citric acid, H₃Cit, were examined using a multi-method approach comprising nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR FT-IR), and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Combining ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculation provided an unambiguous decision on complex configurations, evidencing for the first time that the dimeric complex, (UO₂)₂(HCit_-H)₂^2-, exists as two diastereomers with the syn-isomer in aqueous solution strongly favored over the anti-isomer. Both isomers interconvert mutually with exchange rates of ∼30 s^-1 at -6 °C and ∼249 s^-1 at 60 °C in acidic solution corresponding to an activation barrier of about 24 kJ mol^-1. Upon increasing the pH value, ternary dimeric mono- and bis-hydroxo as well as trimeric complexes form, that is, (UO₂)₂(HCit_-H)₂(OH)^3-, (UO₂)₂(HCit_-H)₂(OH)₂^4-, (UO₂)₃(O)(Cit_-H)₃^8-, and (UO₂)₃(O)(OH)(Cit_-H)₂^5-, respectively. Stability constants were determined for all dimeric and trimeric species, with log β° = -(8.6 ± 0.2) for the 3:3 species being unprecedented. Additionally, in the 6:6 sandwich complex, formed from two units of 3:3 species, the ¹⁷O NMR resonance of the trinuclear uranyl(VI) core bridging μ₃-O is shown for the first time. Species distribution calculations suggest that the characterized polynuclear U(VI)-citrate species do not significantly increase uranium(VI) mobility in the environment. Furthermore, we revise the misconceptions in the aqueous U(VI)-citric acid solution chemistry, that is, structures proposed and repeatedly taken up, and outline generalized isostructural considerations to provide a basis for future U(VI) complexation studies.

Bioassociation of U(VI) and Eu(III) by Plant (Brassica napus) Suspension Cell Cultures-A Spectroscopic Investigation

In this study, we investigated the interaction of U(VI) and Eu(III) with Brassica napus suspension plant cells as a model system. Concentration-dependent (0-200 μM) bioassociation experiments showed that more than 75% of U(VI) and Eu(III) were immobilized by the cells. In addition to this phenomenon, time-dependent studies for 1 to 72 h of exposure showed a multistage bioassociation process for cells that were exposed to 200 μM U(VI), where, after initial immobilization of U(VI) within 1 h of exposure, it was released back into the culture medium starting within 24 h. A remobilization to this extent has not been previously observed. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to correlate the bioassociation behavior of Eu and U with the cell vitality. Speciation studies by spectroscopy and in silico methods highlighted various U and Eu species over the course of exposure. We were able to observe a new U species, which emerged simultaneously with the remobilization of U back into the solution, which we assume to be a U(VI) phosphate species. Thus, the interaction of U(VI) and Eu(III) with released plant metabolites could be concluded.

Impact of selected cement additives and model compounds on the solubility of Nd(III), Th(IV) and U(VI): screening experiments in alkaline NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 solutions at elevated ionic strength

The solubility of Nd(III), Th(IV) and U(VI) was studied from undersaturation conditions in the presence of selected organic cement additives and model compounds: adipic acid, methyl acrylate, citric acid, melamine, ethylene glycol, phthalic acid and gluconic acid. Experiments were performed under Ar atmosphere in NaCl (2.5 and 5.0 M), MgCl2 (1.0 and 3.5 M) and CaCl2 (1.0 and 3.5 M) solutions with 9 ≤ pHm ≤ 13 (pHm = −log[H+]). Initial concentrations of organic ligands in solution were set constant in all systems to [L]0 = 0.025 M, except in specific cases (e.g. adipic acid, melamine and phthalic acid) where the ligand concentration in the matrix solutions was lower and controlled by solubility. Adipic acid, methyl acrylate, melamine, ethylene glycol and phthalic acid do not impact the solubility of Nd(III), Th(IV) and U(VI) in the investigated NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 systems. Citrate significantly enhances the solubility of Nd(III), Th(IV) and U(VI) in NaCl systems. A similar effect was observed for Th(IV) and U(VI) in the presence of gluconate in NaCl systems. The impact of pH on the stability of the complexes is different for both ligands. Because of the larger number of alcohol groups in the gluconate molecule, this ligand is prone to form more stable complexes under hyperalkaline conditions that likely involve the deprotonation of several alcohol groups. The complexation of gluconate with U(VI) at pHm ≈ 13 is however weaker than at pHm ≈ 9 due to the competition with the highly hydrolysed moiety prevailing at pHm ≈ 13, i.e. UO2(OH)4 2−. The impact of citrate and gluconate in MgCl2 and CaCl2 systems is generally weaker than in NaCl systems, expectedly due to the competition with binary Mg-L and Ca-L complexes. However, the possible formation of ternary complexes further enhancing the solubility is hinted for the systems Mg/Ca-Th(IV)-GLU and Ca-U(VI)-GLU. These observations reflect again the differences in the complexation properties of citrate and gluconate, the key role of the alcohol groups present in the latter ligand, and the importances of interacting matrix cations. The screening experiments conducted within this study contribute to the identification of organic cement additives and model compounds potentially impacting the solution chemistry of An(III)/Ln(III), An(IV) and An(VI) under intermediate to high ionic strength conditions (2.5 ≤ I ≤ 10.5 M). This shows evident differences with respect to investigations conducted in dilute systems, and thus represents a very relevant input in the safety assessment of repositories for radioactive waste disposal where such elevated ionic strength conditions are expected.

Trimeric uranyl(vi)-citrate forms Na+, Ca2+, and La3+ sandwich complexes in aqueous solution

M. Basile, et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 5306-5309, showed that a sodium ion is sandwiched by uranyl(vi) oxygen atoms of two 3 : 3 uranyl(vi)-citrate complex molecules in single-crystals. By means of NMR spectroscopy supported by DFT calculations we provide unambiguous evidence for this complex to persist in aqueous solution above a critical concentration of 3 mM uranyl citrate. Unprecedented Ca²⁺ and La³⁺ coordination by a bis-(η³-uranyl(vi)-oxo) motif advances the understanding of uranium's aqueous chemistry. As determined from ¹⁷O NMR, Ca²⁺ and more distinctly La³⁺ cause strong O[double bond, length as m-dash]U[double bond, length as m-dash]O polarization, which opens up new ways for uranyl(vi)-oxygen activation and functionalization.

Ionic liquids with polychloride anions as effective oxidants for the dissolution of UO2

Polychloride ionic liquids can not only successfully dissolve UO₂, but also raise the chlorine efficiency.

Detection and identification of solids, surfaces, and solutions of uranium using vibrational spectroscopy

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of uranium speciation using vibrational spectroscopy methods including Raman and IR. Uranium is a naturally occurring, radioactive element that is utilized in the nuclear energy and national security sectors. Fundamental uranium chemistry is also an active area of investigation due to ongoing questions regarding the participation of 5f orbitals in bonding, variation in oxidation states and coordination environments, and unique chemical and physical properties. Importantly, uranium speciation affects fate and transportation in the environment, influences bioavailability and toxicity to human health, controls separation processes for nuclear waste, and impacts isotopic partitioning and geochronological dating. This review article provides a thorough discussion of the vibrational modes for U(IV), U(V), and U(VI) and applications of infrared absorption and Raman scattering spectroscopies in the identification and detection of both naturally occurring and synthetic uranium species in solid and solution states. The vibrational frequencies of the uranyl moiety, including both symmetric and asymmetric stretches are sensitive to the coordinating ligands and used to identify individual species in water, organic solvents, and ionic liquids or on the surface of materials. Additionally, vibrational spectroscopy allows for the in situ detection and real-time monitoring of chemical reactions involving uranium. Finally, techniques to enhance uranium species signals with vibrational modes are discussed to expand the application of vibrational spectroscopy to biological, environmental, inorganic, and materials scientists and engineers.

Collision-induced dissociation of [UVI O2 (ClO4 )]+ revisited: Production of [UVI O2 (Cl)]+ and subsequent hydrolysis to create [UVI O2 (OH)]. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2018;32:1085-1091. [PMID: 29645301 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

RATIONALE

In a previous study [Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2004;18:3028-3034], collision-induced dissociation (CID) of [U^VI O₂ (ClO₄ )]⁺ appeared to be influenced by the high levels of background H₂ O in a quadrupole ion trap. The CID of the same species was re-examined here with the goal of determining whether additional, previously obscured dissociation pathways would be revealed under conditions in which the level of background H₂ O was lower.

METHODS

Water- and methanol-coordinated [U^VI O₂ (ClO₄ )]⁺ precursor ions were generated by electrospray ionization. Multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry (MSⁿ ) for CID and ion-molecule reaction (IMR) studies was performed using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Under conditions of low background H₂ O, CID of [U^VI O₂ (ClO₄ )]⁺ generates [U^VI O₂ (Cl)]⁺ , presumably by elimination of two O₂ molecules. Using low isolation/reaction times, we found that [U^VI O₂ (Cl)]⁺ will undergo an IMR with H₂ O to generate [U^VI O₂ (OH)]⁺ .

CONCLUSIONS

With lower levels of background H₂ O, CID experiments reveal that the intrinsic dissociation pathway for [U^VI O₂ (ClO₄ )]⁺ leads to [U^VI O₂ (Cl)]⁺ , apparently by loss of two O₂ molecules. We propose that the results reported in the earlier CID study reflected a two-step process: initial formation of [U^VI O₂ (Cl)]⁺ by CID, followed by a very rapid hydrolysis reaction to leave [U^VI O₂ (OH)]⁺ .

Influence of Background H2O on the Collision-Induced Dissociation Products Generated from [UO2NO3]<sup/>

Developing a comprehensive understanding of the reactivity of uranium-containing species remains an important goal in areas ranging from the development of nuclear fuel processing methods to studies of the migration and fate of the element in the environment. Electrospray ionization (ESI) is an effective way to generate gas-phase complexes containing uranium for subsequent studies of intrinsic structure and reactivity. Recent experiments by our group have demonstrated that the relatively low levels of residual H₂O in a 2-D, linear ion trap (LIT) make it possible to examine fragmentation pathways and reactions not observed in earlier studies conducted with 3-D ion traps (Van Stipdonk et al. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 14, 1205-1214, 2003). In the present study, we revisited the dissociation of complexes composed of uranyl nitrate cation [U^VIO₂(NO₃)]⁺ coordinated by alcohol ligands (methanol and ethanol) using the 2-D LIT. With relatively low levels of background H₂O, collision-induced dissociation (CID) of [U^VIO₂(NO₃)]⁺ primarily creates [UO₂(O₂)]⁺ by the ejection of NO. However, CID (using He as collision gas) of [U^VIO₂(NO₃)]⁺ creates [UO₂(H₂O)]⁺ and UO₂⁺ when the 2-D LIT is used with higher levels of background H₂O. Based on the results presented here, we propose that product ion spectrum in the previous experiments was the result of a two-step process: initial formation of [U^VIO₂(O₂)]⁺ followed by rapid exchange of O₂ for H₂O by ion-molecule reaction. Our experiments illustrate the impact of residual H₂O in ion trap instruments on the product ions generated by CID and provide a more accurate description of the intrinsic dissociation pathway for [U^VIO₂(NO₃)]⁺. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Speciation of uranium-mandelic acid complexes using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and density functional theory

RATIONALE

Mandelic acid is a complexing agent employed for the liquid chromatographic separation of actinides. However, the types of species and the structural details of the uranyl-mandelate complexes are still unknown. Understanding the nature of these complex species would provide better insight into the mechanism of their separation in liquid chromatography.

METHODS

Formation of different species of the uranyl ion (UO₂ ) with mandelic acid was studied using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) with a quadrupole time-of-flight analyzer. The different species of uranyl nitrate with mandelic acid (MA) at ligand (L) to metal ratios in the range 1-10 were examined in both positive and negative ion modes. The stability of different species with the possible pathways of formation was scrutinized using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

RESULTS

In negative ion mode, nitrate-containing UO₂ (MA)₁ , UO₂ (MA)₂ and UO₂ (MA)₃ species were found in good abundance. In positive ion mode, under-coordinated uranyl-mandelate species, and solvated (S) species of types UO₂ (MA)₁ (S), UO₂ (MA)₁ (S)₂ and UO₂ (MA)₂ (S), were observed whereas nitrate-containing species were absent. Interestingly, doubly and singly charged dimeric species were also identified in positive ion mode. The theoretically computed energetics of the various species are in close agreement with their experimentally observed intensities in ESI-MS.

CONCLUSIONS

The most intense peak observed in ESI-MS, UO₂ (MA)₃ , was found to be the energetically most favorable amongst different UO₂ (MA)_n type species. Metal-ligand equilibria studied in the two modes yielded similar results. The combined experimental and quantum chemical investigations predict that T-shape complexes may be formed even in the gas phase. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Redox speciation of uranyl in citrate medium: kinetics and reduction mechanism with in situ spectroelectrochemical investigation

Electrochemical methodology to investigate the redox speciation of uranyl–citrate complexes.

Raman spectral titration method: an informative technique for studying the complexation of uranyl with uranyl(vi)–DPA/oxalate systems as examples

Spectral titration method with Raman spectroscopy is a powerful method for studying the complexation of uranyl(vi) with various ligands.

Gas Phase Reactions of Ions Derived from Anionic Uranyl Formate and Uranyl Acetate Complexes

The speciation and reactivity of uranium are topics of sustained interest because of their importance to the development of nuclear fuel processing methods, and a more complete understanding of the factors that govern the mobility and fate of the element in the environment. Tandem mass spectrometry can be used to examine the intrinsic reactivity (i.e., free from influence of solvent and other condensed phase effects) of a wide range of metal ion complexes in a species-specific fashion. Here, electrospray ionization, collision-induced dissociation, and gas-phase ion-molecule reactions were used to create and characterize ions derived from precursors composed of uranyl cation (U^VIO₂²⁺) coordinated by formate or acetate ligands. Anionic complexes containing U^VIO₂²⁺ and formate ligands fragment by decarboxylation and elimination of CH₂=O, ultimately to produce an oxo-hydride species [U^VIO₂(O)(H)]^-. Cationic species ultimately dissociate to make [U^VIO₂(OH)]⁺. Anionic complexes containing acetate ligands exhibit an initial loss of acetyloxyl radical, CH₃CO₂•, with associated reduction of uranyl to U^VO₂⁺. Subsequent CID steps cause elimination of CO₂ and CH₄, ultimately to produce [U^VO₂(O)]^-. Loss of CH₄ occurs by an intra-complex H⁺ transfer process that leaves U^VO₂⁺ coordinated by acetate and acetate enolate ligands. A subsequent dissociation step causes elimination of CH₂=C=O to leave [U^VO₂(O)]^-. Elimination of CH₄ is also observed as a result of hydrolysis caused by ion-molecule reaction with H₂O. The reactions of other anionic species with gas-phase H₂O create hydroxyl products, presumably through the elimination of H₂. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Collision-induced dissociation of uranyl-methoxide and uranyl-ethoxide cations: Formation of UO2 H(+) and uranyl-alkyl product ions

RATIONALE

The lower levels of adventitious H2 O in a linear ion trap allow the fragmentation reactions of [UO2 OCH3 ](+) and [UO2 OCH2 CH3 ](+) to be examined in detail.

METHODS

Methanol- and ethanol-coordinated UO2 (2+) -alkoxide precursors were generated by electrospray ionization (ESI). Multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry (MS(n) ) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) were performed using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

CID of [UO2 OCH3 (CH3 OH)n ](+) and [UO2 OCH2 CH3 (CH3 CH2 OH)n ](+) , n = 3 and 2, causes loss of neutral alcohol ligands, leading ultimately to bare uranyl-alkoxide species. Comparison of 'native' to deuterium-labeled precursors reveals dissociation pathways not previously observed in 3-D ion trap experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

UO2 H(+) is generated from [UO2 OCH3 ](+) by transfer of H from the methyl group. Variable-energy and variable-time CID experiments suggest that the apparent threshold for production of UO2 H(+) is lower than for UO2 (+) , but the pathway is kinetically less favored for the former than for the latter. CID experiments reveal that [UO2 OCH2 CH3 ](+) dissociates to generate [UO2 CH3 ](+) , a relatively rare species with a U-C bond, and [UO2 (O = CH2 )](+) .

Element mobilization from Bakken shales as a function of water chemistry

Waters that return to the surface after injection of a hydraulic fracturing fluid for gas and oil production contain elements, including regulated metals and metalloids, which are mobilized through interactions between the fracturing fluid and the shale formation. The rate and extent of mobilization depends on the geochemistry of the formation and the chemical characteristics of the fracturing fluid. In this work, laboratory scale experiments investigated the influence of water chemistry on element mobilization from core samples taken from the Bakken formation, one of the most productive shale oil plays in the US. Fluid properties were systematically varied and evaluated with regard to pH, oxidant level, solid:water ratio, temperature, and chemical additives. Element mobilization strongly depended on solution pH and redox conditions and to a lesser extent on the temperature and solid:water ratio. The presence of oxygen and addition of hydrogen peroxide or ammonium persulfate led to pyrite oxidation, resulting in elevated sulfate concentrations. Further, depending on the mineral carbonates available to buffer the system pH, pyrite oxidation could lower the system pH and enhance the mobility of several metals and metalloids.

Chemical controls on uranyl citrate speciation and the self-assembly of nanoscale macrocycles and sandwich complexes in aqueous solutions

Uranyl citrate forms trimeric species at pH > 5.5, but exact structural characteristics of these important oligomers have not previously been reported. Crystallization and structural characterization of the trimers suggests the self-assembly of the 3 : 3 and 3 : 2 U : Cit complexes into larger sandwich and macrocyclic molecules. Raman spectroscopy and ESI-MS have been utilized to investigate the relative abundance of these species in solution under varying pH and citrate concentrations. Additional dynamic light scattering experiments indicate that self-assembly of the larger molecules does occur in aqueous solution.

The coordination of amidoxime ligands with uranyl in the gas phase: a mass spectrometry and DFT study

The coordination of three amidoxime ligands (NAO, GIO, and GDO) with uranyl was compared by MS studies and DFT calculations in the gas phase to reveal the structural information.

Effect of anthropogenic organic complexants on the solubility of Ni, Th, U(IV) and U(VI)

The influence of anthropogenic organic complexants (citrate, EDTA and DTPA from 0.005 to 0.1M) on the solubility of nickel(II), thorium(IV) and uranium (U(IV) and U(VI)) has been studied. Experiments were carried out in 95%-saturated Ca(OH)2 solutions, representing the high pH conditions anticipated in the near field of a cementitious intermediate level radioactive waste repository. Results showed that Ni(II) solubility increased by 2-4 orders of magnitude in the presence of EDTA and DTPA and from 3 to 4 orders of magnitude in the case of citrate. Citrate had the greatest effect on the solubility of Th(IV) and U(IV)/(VI). XRD and SEM analyses indicate that the precipitates are largely amorphous; only in the case of Ni(II), is there some evidence of incipient crystallinity, in the form of Ni(OH)2 (theophrastite). A study of the effect of calcium suggests that U(VI) and Ni(II) may form metal-citrate-OH complexes stabilised by Ca(2+). Thermodynamic modelling underestimates the concentrations in solution in the presence of the ligands for all the elements considered here. Further investigation of the behaviour of organic ligands under hyperalkaline conditions is important because of the use of the thermodynamic constants in preparing the safety case for the geological disposal of radioactive wastes.

Structural characterization of environmentally relevant ternary uranyl citrate complexes present in aqueous solutions and solid state materials

Structural characterization of U(vi) : (Al(iii), Fe(iii)) : citrate complexes provides insight into the formation of polynuclear clusters present in environmentally-relevant aqueous solutions.

Uranium release from sediment to groundwater: influence of water chemistry and insights into release mechanisms

Uranium (U) contamination in groundwater often results from natural geochemical processes such as mineral dissolution and desorption of adsorbed U from mineral surface. Although U adsorption and U mineral dissolution have been extensively studied, current knowledge of minerals and water chemistry conditions that control U release in uncontaminated soil and aquifers is still limited. Identification of these minerals and the knowledge of how water chemistry conditions influence U release is critical to better understand, predict, and manage geogenic U contamination in soil and groundwater. The objective of this study is to determine the extent and mechanisms of U release from a heterogeneous natural sediment under water chemistry conditions relevant to natural soil water and groundwater. A sediment sample was collected and characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX and extraction methods, and examined using laboratory leaching experiments. Our results show that Fe-Mn (oxy)hydroxides and silicate minerals are the major U hosting minerals, and a substantial fraction of U exists as adsorbed ions on minerals. We also found that U release is controlled by a number of interactive processes including dissolution of U-bearing minerals, U desorption from mineral surface, formation of aqueous U complexes, and reductive precipitation of U. Results from this study shed light on the important geochemical reactions that need be considered for developing a conceptual model that predicts U contamination in subsurface environment.

Probing uranyl(VI) speciation in the presence of amidoxime ligands using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Extraction processes using poly(acrylamidoxime) resins are being developed to extract uranium from seawater. The main complexing agents in these resins are thought to be 2,6-dihydroxyiminopiperidine (DHIP) and N(1),N(5)-dihydroxypentanediimidamide (DHPD), which form strong complexes with uranyl(VI) at the pH of seawater. It is important to understand uranyl(VI) speciation in the presence of these and similar amidoxime ligands to understand factors affecting uranyl(VI) adsorption to the poly(acrylamidoxime) resins.

METHODS

Experiments were carried out in positive ion mode on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source. The ligands investigated were DHIP, DHPD, and N(1),N(2)-dihydroxyethanediimidamide (DHED). DHED and DHPD differ only in the number of carbons separating the oxime groups. The effects on the mass spectra of changes in uranyl(VI):ligand ratio, pH, and ligand type were examined.

RESULTS

DHIP binds uranyl(VI) more effectively than DHPD or DHED in the pH range investigated, forming ions derived from solution-phase species with uranyl(VI):DHIP stoichiometries of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:3. The 2:3 uranyl(VI):DHIP complex appears to be a previously undescribed solution species. Ions related to uranyl(VI):DHPD complexes were detected in very low abundance. DHED is a more effective complexing agent for uranyl(VI) than DHPD, forming ions having uranyl(VI):DHED stoichiometries of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 2:3.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a first look at the solution chemistry of uranyl(VI)-amidoxime complexes using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The appearance of previously undescribed solution species suggests that the uranyl-amidoxime system is a rich and relatively complex one, requiring a more in-depth investigation.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric studies on uranyl complex with α-hydroxyisobutyric acid in water-methanol medium

RATIONALE

Hydroxycarboxylic acids are extensively used as chelating agents in the liquid chromatographic separation of actinides and lanthanides. They are also used as model compounds to understand the binding characteristics of humic substances. A systematic study of the speciation of uranyl-α-hyydroxyisobutyric acid (HIBA) in water-methanol is essential, as it is important to understand the various mechanisms responsible for the separation of these species in liquid chromatography.

METHODS

ESI-MS studies were carried out using a tandem quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer in positive and negative ion mode. The effects of solution composition, solute concentration and supporting electrolyte concentration on the ESI-MS behavior of the uranyl species were studied. Transmission parameters such as the quadrupole ion energy and collision cell energy were optimized for acquiring the spectra of uranyl-HIBA species, ensuring that the spectra reflect the solution equilibrium conditions.

RESULTS

The solution composition and concentration of the uranyl salt were found to influence the major uncomplexed uranyl species. Although the ESI parameters did not influence the species distribution of uranyl-HIBA, the transmission parameters did have a significant effect. The overall trend in the complexation reaction between uranyl and HIBA was studied as a function of ligand-to-metal ratio. The species distribution obtained in positive ion mode was similar to that obtained in negative ion mode.

CONCLUSIONS

The study presents the optimization of the mobile phase conditions and the ESI-MS parameters for the speciation of the uranyl-HIBA system. The methodology was applied to obtaining the distribution of complexed and uncomplexed uranyl species for monitoring the trend in the complexation reaction.

Trace level uranyl complexation with phenylphosphonic acid in aqueous solution: direct speciation by high resolution mass spectrometry

The complexation of U(VI) by organic P-containing ligands in humic substances (HS) is an important issue of uranyl mobility in soil. We have investigated the complexation of uranyl by a model ligand for aromatic phosphorus functionalities in HS, phenylphosphonic acid, by using ultrahigh resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The high sensitivity permitted to investigate the complexation of trace level uranyl and to explore directly in the native aqueous solutions the nature of the uranyl-phenylphosphonate complexes. Positive identification of the complexes coexisting in solutions with low pH and varying ligand-to-metal ratio was achieved thanks to the high resolving power, high mass accuracy, and reliability of ion abundance of the technique. The positively charged and neutral uranyl species were detected simultaneously on negative ion mass spectra, evidencing formation of three types of U(VI)-phenylphosphonate complexes. Two complexes with a metal-to-ligand stoichiometry of 1:1 (in the monoprotonated and nonprotonated forms) existed in solutions at pH 3-5, and a 1:2 complex was additionally formed at relatively high ligand-to-metal ratio. A strategy based on the use of uranyl-phosphate solution complexes as internal standards was developed to determine from the ESI(-)MS results the stability constants of the complexes, which were calculated to be log K111 = 3.4 ± 0.2 for UO2(HPhPO3)(+), log K101 = 7.1 ± 0.1 for UO2PhPO3, and log K112 = 7.2 ± 0.2 for UO2(HPhPO3)2. The speciation model presented here suggests that organic P existing at low concentration in HS is involved significantly in binding by humic and fulvic acids of trace level uranyl in soil.

Electron transfer dissociation of dipositive uranyl and plutonyl coordination complexes

Reported here is a comparison of electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) of solvent-coordinated dipositive uranyl and plutonyl ions generated by electrospray ionization. Fundamental differences between the ETD and CID processes are apparent, as are differences between the intrinsic chemistries of uranyl and plutonyl. Reduction of both charge and oxidation state, which is inherent in ETD activation of [An(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(4) ](2+) , [An(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(4) ](2) , [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(5) ](2+) and [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(5) ](2+) (An = U or Pu), is accompanied by ligand loss. Resulting low-coordinate uranyl(V) complexes add O(2) , whereas plutonyl(V) complexes do not. In contrast, CID of the same complexes generates predominantly doubly-charged products through loss of coordinating ligands. Singly-charged CID products of [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(4,5) ](2+) , [U(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(4,5) ](2+) and [Pu(VI) O(2) (CH(3) CN)(4) ](2+) retain the hexavalent metal oxidation state with the addition of hydroxide or acetone enolate anion ligands. However, CID of [Pu(VI) O(2) (CH(3) COCH(3) )(4) ](2+) generates monopositive plutonyl(V) complexes, reflecting relatively more facile reduction of Pu(VI) to Pu(V).

Gas-phase coordination complexes of U(VI)O2(2+), Np(VI)O2(2+), and Pu(VI)O2(2+) with dimethylformamide

Electrospray ionization of actinyl perchlorate solutions in H(2)O with 5% by volume of dimethylformamide (DMF) produced the isolatable gas-phase complexes, [An(VI)O(2)(DMF)(3)(H(2)O)](2+) and [An(VI)O(2)(DMF)(4)](2+), where An = U, Np, and Pu. Collision-induced dissociation confirmed the composition of the dipositive coordination complexes, and produced doubly- and singly-charged fragment ions. The fragmentation products reveal differences in underlying chemistries of uranyl, neptunyl, and plutonyl, including the lower stability of Np(VI) and Pu(VI) compared with U(VI).

Potentiometric and spectrophotometric characterization of the UO2 2+-citrate complexes in aqueous solution, at different concentrations, ionic strengths and supporting electrolytes

In this paper we report an investigation on the interactions between dioxouranium(VI) and citrate using potentiometry (H+-glass electrode) and UV-spectrophotometry. Potentiometric measurements were carried out in NaCl and KNO3 aqueous solutions at t = 25 ºC in a wide range of experimental conditions (concentrations, ligand/metal molar ratio, pH, titrants). Measurements in NaCl were carried out at different ionic strength values (0.1 ≤ I/mol L−1 ≤ 1.0); different procedures were employed for the acquisition of experimental data and careful analysis of these data performed. In all cases the speciation model that best fits experimental data takes into account the formation of the following species: UO2(Cit)−, (UO2)2(Cit)2 2−, (UO2)2(Cit)2(OH) 2 4− , (UO2)2(Cit)2(OH)3−, (UO2)2(Cit)(OH)2 −, (UO2)2(Cit)(OH)0, (UO2)3(Cit)2(OH) 5 5−.

The dependence on ionic strength of formation constants was taken into account by using both a simple Debye–Hückel type equation and the SIT (specific ion interaction theory) approach.

Moreover, a visible absorption spectrum for each complex reaching a significant percentage of formation in solution (KNO3 medium) has been calculated to characterise the compounds found by pH-metric refinement.

Recommended values for the uranyl-citrate species were proposed for each ionic strength values in NaCl aqueous solution. Comparison with literature stability constants is reported too.