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Mobilization and transport of depleted uranium surface waters

Journal Article · · National Meeting - American Chemical Society, Division of Environmental Chemistry
OSTI ID:437335
;  [1]
  1. Georgia Inst. of Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States)

Depleted uranium (DU) is a by-product of uranium enrichment for nuclear power and is used extensively in military and medical applications due to its density and physical properties. For example, DU is alloyed and manufactured for use as kinetic armor penetrators. As a result of testing, DU can potentially be distributed in the environment and contaminate surface systems. Since DU is a toxic heavy metal, having the potential for affecting human health and ecosystems, there is a need to understand and predict the fate and transport of DU in the environment. The purpose of this research is to develop a model combining oxidation and dissolution kinetics, chemical speciation, and physical transport calculations to provide a tool for assessing the transport of DU from a point source through runoff and surface waters. Additionally, the model highlights key parameters affecting the potential for long-range transport.

OSTI ID:
437335
Report Number(s):
CONF-960807--
Journal Information:
National Meeting - American Chemical Society, Division of Environmental Chemistry, Journal Name: National Meeting - American Chemical Society, Division of Environmental Chemistry Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 36; ISSN 0270-3009; ISSN NMACDY
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English