Evaluation of the Change in Uranium Mobility in Sediments from the Hanford 300-FF-5 Stage B Polyphosphate Field Injection
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in uranium mobility in the periodically re-wetted zone (PRZ) and upper unconfined aquifer of the Hanford Site’s 300-FF-5 operable unit as a result of Stage B polyphosphate (PO4) injections. These 300 Area sediments are beneath or near the former North Process Pond, which has previously been shown to contain metatorbernite [Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2•8H2O] and uranophane [Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2•5H2O], along with aqueous and adsorbed uranium (U), and small amounts of U in calcite as a result of acidic disposal with a significant number of co-contaminants. Previous laboratory-scale studies have identified multiple mechanisms that decrease uranium mobility with polyphosphate injection: (a) precipitation of a low-solubility uranium-phosphate mineral (autunite); (b) precipitation of a Ca-phosphate solid that incorporates U; (c) precipitation of Ca-phosphate mineral (apatite group minerals) that coats existing uranium phases (i.e., U in calcite, U in Fe-oxides), reducing uranium leaching; and (d) aqueous Ca-U-carbonate species adsorption onto apatite. Given the significant amount of apatite precipitation, other U phases such as carbonates could also coprecipitate with apatite. To quantify differences in solubility, leachability, and phases of uranium between pre- and post-PO4-treated sediments, different types of analyses were conducted, including analysis of uranium in (a) a carbonate solution extraction from sediment over 1000 h (41.67 days), (b) six sequential liquid extractions from sediment over approximately 1 week, (c) leaching of uranium from sediments in one dimensional (1-D) column experiments over 2 months, and (d) solid phase characterization of select sediments. An additional extraction and solid phase measurements were conducted to evaluate phosphate precipitate formation. Metals were also analyzed in sequential liquid extractions as indicators of (a) amendment injection delivery, (b) co-contaminant movement, and (c) changes in solid phases. Aqueous and solid phase carbonate measurements were also conducted to evaluate changes in carbonates.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1614680
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-29650; TRN: US2104840
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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