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Uranium(IV) adsorption by natural organic matter in anoxic sediments.

ABSTRACT: Uranium is an important carbon-free fuel source and environmental contaminant that accumulates in the tetravalent state, U(IV), in anoxic sediments, such as ore deposits, marine basins, and contaminated aquifers. However, little is known about the speciation of U(IV) in low-temperature geochemical environments, inhibiting the development of a conceptual model of U behavior. Until recently, U(IV) was assumed to exist predominantly as the sparingly soluble mineral uraninite (UO2+x) in anoxic sediments; however, studies now show that this is not often the case. Yet a model of U(IV) speciation in the absence of mineral formation under field-relevant conditions has not yet been developed. Uranium(IV) speciation controls its reactivity, particularly its susceptibility to oxidative mobilization, impacting its distribution and toxicity. Here we show adsorption to organic carbon and organic carbon-coated clays dominate U(IV) speciation in an organic-rich natural substrate under field-relevant conditions. Whereas previous research assumed that U(IV) speciation is dictated by the mode of reduction (i.e., whether reduction is mediated by microbes or by inorganic reductants), our results demonstrate that mineral formation can be diminished in favor of adsorption, regardless of reduction pathway. Projections of U transport and bioavailability, and thus its threat to human and ecosystem health, must consider U(IV) adsorption to organic matter within the sediment environment.

SUBMITTER: Bone SE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5278482 | biostudies-other | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Uranium(IV) adsorption by natural organic matter in anoxic sediments.

Bone Sharon E SE Dynes James J JJ Cliff John J Bargar John R JR

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20170109 4

Uranium is an important carbon-free fuel source and environmental contaminant that accumulates in the tetravalent state, U(IV), in anoxic sediments, such as ore deposits, marine basins, and contaminated aquifers. However, little is known about the speciation of U(IV) in low-temperature geochemical environments, inhibiting the development of a conceptual model of U behavior. Until recently, U(IV) was assumed to exist predominantly as the sparingly soluble mineral uraninite (UO<sub>2+x</sub>) in a ...[more]

PMID: 28069941

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Dataset Information

Uranium(IV) adsorption by natural organic matter in anoxic sediments.

Publications

Uranium(IV) adsorption by natural organic matter in anoxic sediments.

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