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Preferential Association of Adsorbed Uranium with Mineral Surfaces: A Study Using Analytical Electron Microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

G. R. Lumpkin ,
T. E. Payne ,
B. R. Fenton  and
T. D. Waite
G. R. Lumpkin
Affiliation:
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234, Australia
T. E. Payne
Affiliation:
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234, Australia
B. R. Fenton
Affiliation:
Department of Water Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
T. D. Waite
Affiliation:
Department of Water Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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Abstract

Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) has been employed to characterize the distribution of U(VI) on several mineral substrates, including standard kaolinite samples and weathered rock samples from Koongarra, Australia. Results of this study reveal that pre-existing impurity phases play a significant role in the uptake of U(VI) on standard kaolinite samples. Using a natural sample from the weathered zone of the Koongarra uranium deposit, we have also demonstrated that U(VI) sorption is controlled by iron oxyhydroxides (predominantly goethite) which constitute a small fraction of the sample. Limited sorption of U(VI) was observed on the clay minerals of this substrate. Uptake of U(VI) by goethite increases with total uranium content up to the point of uranium precipitation, after which it decreases dramatically. Uranium precipitation is indicated by the appearance of a uranyl oxyhydroxide phase.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 556: Symposium QQ – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXII , 1999 , 1067
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1999

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References

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