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Title: Uranium(VI) Reduction by Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron in Anoxic Batch Systems

Journal Article · · Environmental Science & Technology, 44(20):7783-7789
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es9036308· OSTI ID:993664

This study investigated the influences of pH, bicarbonate, and calcium on U(VI) adsorption and reduction by synthetic nanosize zero valent iron (nano Fe0) particles under an anoxic condition. The results showed that about 87.1%, 82.7% and 78.3% of U(VI) could be reduced within 96 hours in the presence of 10 mM bicarbonate at pHs 6.92, 8.03 and 9.03, respectively. The rates of U(VI) reduction and adsorption by nano Fe0, however, varied significantly with increasing pH and concentrations of bicarbonate and/or calcium. Solid phase analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the formation of UO2 and iron (hydr)oxides as a result of the redox interactions between adsorbed U(VI) and nano Fe0. This study highlights the potential important role of groundwater chemical composition in controlling the rates of U(VI) reductive immobilization using nano Fe0 in subsurface environments.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
993664
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-68628; ESTHAG; 31295; KP1501040; TRN: US1008104
Journal Information:
Environmental Science & Technology, 44(20):7783-7789, Vol. 44, Issue 20; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English