Dissolution and Mobilization of Uranium in a Reduced Sediment by Natural Humic Substances under Anaerobic Conditions

Biological reduction and precipitation of uranium (U) has been proposed as a remedial option for immobilizing uranium at contaminated sites, but the long-term stability and mobility of uranium remain a concern because the uranium is neither removed nor destroyed. In this study, the dissolution and m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2009-01, Vol.43 (1), p.152-156
Main Authors: Luo, Wensui, Gu, Baohua
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anaerobiosis
Applied sciences
Biodegradation, Environmental
Dissolution
Electrolytes
Exact sciences and technology
Geologic Sediments - chemistry
Humic Substances
Leaching
Oxidation-Reduction
Pollution
Remediation and Control Technologies
Sediments
Solubility
Studies
Uranium
Uranium - analysis
Uranium - metabolism
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Summary:Biological reduction and precipitation of uranium (U) has been proposed as a remedial option for immobilizing uranium at contaminated sites, but the long-term stability and mobility of uranium remain a concern because the uranium is neither removed nor destroyed. In this study, the dissolution and mobilization of reduced and oxidized forms of uranium [U(IV) and U(VI)] by natural humic substances were investigated in batch and column-flow systems using a bioreduced sediment containing both U(IV) and U(VI). The addition of humic substances significantly increased the dissolution of U(IV) under anaerobic conditions. Humic acid (HA) was found to be more effective than fulvic acid (FA) in dissolving U(IV) in 1 mM KCl or KHCO3 background solution. However, more U(VI) was dissolved in 1 mM KHCO3 than in 1 mM KCl background electrolyte. HA also was found to be more effective than FA in mobilizing uranium under reducing and column-flow conditions, although the cumulative amount of eluted U(VI) and U(IV) was relatively low (
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es8013979