Solution equilibria of uranyl minerals: Role of the common groundwater ions calcium and carbonate.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the factors that govern aqueous solubility of uranyl minerals is important for predicting uranium mobility in groundwater and for designing effective remediation strategies. The uranyl-containing minerals metaschoepite [UO₃∙(2H₂O)] and uranophane [Ca(UO₂)₂(SiO₃OH)₂·5H₂O] were synthesized and evaluated in batch solubility experiments conducted in the presence of common groundwater ions: calcium, bicarbonate/carbonate, and dissolved silica. Solid-phase characterization revealed the expected structural and thermogravimetric properties of metaschoepite and uranophane. Metaschoepite solubility in carbonate-free water followed a u-shaped pH dependency with minimum solubility near pH 8.5; uranium concentrat

SUBMITTER: Stanley DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7369140 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature