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Influence of calcium on aqueous U(VI) speciation and U(VI) sorption to the Hanford sediments


EMSL Project ID
8001

Abstract

Uranium (VI) is a ubiquitous contaminant at Hanford and other DOE sites, resulting from its central role in the nuclear fuel cycle. In-ground migration of uranium (VI) at Hanford, WA, and other DOE sites is controlled by sorption and desorption processes with numerous different mineral solids possessing a range of material properties. Hanford vadose zone porewater and groundwater is generally in equilibrium with calcite that exists as minor mineralogic component of all subsurface sediments. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the influence of calcite and dissolved Ca on the sorption and desorption of U(VI) by means of batch systems using both Hanford sediment material and laboratory-grade calcite samples. The batch experiments will be performed at Johns Hopkins University and the aqueous U(VI) speciation will be measured by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in EMSL at PNNL.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2004-03-14
End Date
2006-09-29
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Chongxuan Liu
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

William Ball
Institution
Johns Hopkins University

Related Publications

Carroll, M., Findley, K.O., Stephenson, K. (2008). Characterization Methods for Ti-6Al-4V Implanted with High Energy Ions. Washington State University.