Characterization and dissolution behavior of a becquerelite from Shinkolobwe, Zaire
- ETSEIB-UPC, Barcelona (Spain)
- Univ. New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States); and others
The solubility of becquerelite (Ca(UO{sub 2}){sub 6}O{sub 4}(OH){sub 6}{center_dot} 8H{sub 2}O) from Shinkolobwe (Zaire) has been determined at 25{degrees}C as a function of pH under a nitrogen atmosphere. Leached and unleached samples were characterized by a variety of analytical methods that include optical microscopy, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic analysis (EDS). A least-squares minimization of the measured total aqueous uranium concentration in equilibrium with natural becquerelite using the NEA uranium database gives a solubility constant of log K{sub s0}{sup 0} = 29 {+-} 1, so significantly lower than values reported for synthetic becquerelite: log K{sub s0} = 43.2. 23 refs., 4 figs.
- OSTI ID:
- 585500
- Journal Information:
- Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 61; ISSN GCACAK; ISSN 0016-7037
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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