Sequestering uranium and technetium through co-precipitation with aluminum in a contaminated acidic environment

Environ Sci Technol. 2009 Oct 1;43(19):7516-22. doi: 10.1021/es900731a.

Abstract

This research evaluated a method of controlled base addition for immobilizing uranium (U) and technetium (Tc) through coprecipitation with aluminum (Al) and other metal ions which coexist in a highly contaminated acidic environment. The batch and column experiments indicate that the addition of strong base (NaOH) provided a rapid yet effective means of sequestering U, Tc, and toxic metal ions such as nickel (Ni2+) and cobalt (Co2+) in the sediment and groundwater. Greater than 94% of soluble U (as UO2(2+)) and > 83% of Tc (as TcO4-) can be immobilized at pH above 4.5 by co-precipitation with Al-oxyhydroxides. The presence of sediment minerals appeared to facilitate co-precipitation of these contaminants at lower pH values than those in the absence of sediments. The immobilized U and Tc were found to be stable against dissolution in Ca(NO3)2 solution (up to 50 mM) because of the formation of strong surface complexes between U or Tc and Al-oxyhydroxides. This research concludes that as long as a relatively high pH (> 5) and a low carbonate concentration are maintained, both U and Tc can be effectively immobilized under given site-specific conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum / chemistry*
  • Chemical Precipitation
  • Cobalt
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Technetium / chemistry*
  • Uranium / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / chemistry*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Cobalt
  • Uranium
  • Technetium
  • Nickel
  • Aluminum