PDF

Identification of the uranium speciation in an underground acid mine drainage environment

Thuro Arnold, Nils Baumann

2011enuraniumacid mine drainageenvironmentfluorescenceremediation

Abstract

Language:

The subsurface acid mine drainage (AMD) environment of an abandoned underground uranium mine in Königstein/Saxony/Germany, currently in the process of remediation, is characterized by low pH, high sulfate concentrations and elevated concentrations of heavy metals, in particular uranium. Acid streamers thrive in the mine drainage channels and are heavily coated with iron precipitates. These precipitates are biologically mediated and related to the presence of Fe-oxidizing microorganisms forming copious biofilms in and on the Fe-precipitates. This study investigates the uranium speciation in these solutions of underground AMD waters using time resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). The fluorescence lifetime of uranium species was best described with a mono-exponential decay, which indicates the presence of one major species. The analysis revealed that the uranium speciation in the AMD environment of Königstein is dominated by the highly mobile aquatic uranium sulfate species UO2SO4(aq), with precipitation of uranium being unlikely. Additionally, the presence of iron in the AMD reduces the fluorescence lifetime of the UO2SO4(aq) species significantly compared to iron-free solutions, leading to critical insights into uranium behavior in contaminated environments.

Download

Cite This Work

@article{af96c3ec-e36e-4726-a894-687de88fbf34,
  title={Identification of the uranium speciation in an underground acid mine drainage environment},
  author={Thuro Arnold and Nils Baumann},
  year={2011},
  language={en}
}
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Identification of the uranium speciation in an underground acid mine drainage environment
AU  - Thuro Arnold
AU  - Nils Baumann
PY  - 2011
LA  - en
ER  -

Similar Items

Chapter 20 Electronic Waste

Jirang Cui, Hans Jørgen Roven

Rapid growth in electronic equipment consumption has generated large quantities of electronic waste containing hazardous substances and high-value met

2026enPDF

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING IN THE UNITED STATES: Obstacles and Domestic Solutions

Jennifer Namias, Dr. Nickolas J. Themelis

This study explores the future of electronic waste recycling in the United States, addressing the challenges and proposing domestic solutions. The rap

2013enPDF

E-WASTE IN TRANSITION FROM POLLUTION TO RESOURCE

Florin-Constantin Mihai

E-waste in Transition: From Pollution to Resource examines the dual nature of waste electrical and electronic equipment as both a major pollution sour

2016enPDF

Extractive Metallurgy 1

Alain Vignes

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of extractive metallurgy, with a specific focus on basic thermodynamics and

2011enPDF

Extractive Metallurgy 2

Alain Vignes

Extractive metallurgy is a critical field that encompasses the processes involved in the extraction of valuable metals from their ores. This work serv

2011enPDF

...

Arthur C. Reardon

This publication, edited by Arthur C. Reardon and published by ASM International®, serves as a comprehensive guide in the field of materials science.

2011enPDF